How to Footlock Rope Climb

Standing at the bottom of a long rope, trying to figure out how to get to the top, may seem like a very daunting task the first few times you approach it. You may even be discouraged by past failed attempts to get to the top. Proper rope climbing technique is essential to prevent injury and to successfully conquer the task. Several rope climbing techniques are available. The footlock is one of your easier to learn options.

Things You'll Need

  • Rope
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Instructions

    • 1

      Grab the rope with both hands high above your head. Lift your knees.

    • 2

      Bring the rope between your thighs. Wrap the rope behind the calf of one of your legs, over the top of the foot and draped down the instep of that foot.

    • 3

      Hold the rope in place by clamping the other foot down on the rope on top of the instep of the first foot.

    • 4

      Straighten the knees while still holding the rope in place with your foot, and grab farther up the rope with your hands.

    • 5

      Hold tightly with your hands as you kick the rope loose a bit so you can bend your knees to reposition the rope on the same leg farther up on the rope. Reposition the footlock in the same way with your legs bent. Clamp down again in the same manner with the other foot.

    • 6

      Repeat until you reach the top of the rope.