Article: Before you start climbing, inspect the tree for any safety hazards or things you'll need to navigate around, like knots, rotting spots, and holes. If the tree looks damaged, avoid it. This technique works best on skinny trees that you can grasp with both hands, like coconut trees, so take a closer look at the size, too.  You should be able to place your hands close to each other on the opposite of the tree, almost like you're giving it a hug, with plenty of room to lift your foot and place it on the front side of the trunk.  Avoid trees with smooth bark, since it's hard to get a good grip on those. Putting your bare feet onto the tree will give you the most control over your movements. Don't wear flip-flops or any type of sandal, since these can become safety hazards as you climb. It's best to wear athletic clothing so that you can move around freely, but it's not required. If you can't easily do this, the tree isn't skinny enough to use this technique. Place one hand slightly above the other on the opposite side of the trunk, and press your palms into the bark. With your arms fully extended, grip the tree with the palms of both hands.  It will sort of feel like you're about to dance with the tree! Do not place your hands on top of one another or on the sides of the tree. Lean back a little, using your grasp on the tree to keep you upright. Press the sole of your dominant foot flat against the trunk. Your knee should be bent and almost touching your chest. Use your grip on the backside to balance yourself, since you only have 1 foot (0.30 m) on the ground now. Lean back, then pull your your body up and toward the tree with your arms. Keep pulling until your non-dominant foot starts to leave the ground. Keep leaning back! Quickly pull your non-dominant foot up and place it against the tree. At this point, you should be using your arms to support your weight as you hang from them. Use your feet to balance yourself. Keep your knees slightly bent. Set your second foot above the first, putting pressure into the tree with the balls of your feet. Put one foot in front of the other, taking 1-2 tiny steps up the trunk. Remember to stay leaning back, hanging from your arms, while putting all of the pressure onto your feet. Then use the opposite hand to do the same thing, grabbing the trunk right above the first hand. Whenever you let go with one hand, stay stable by continuing to put pressure on your feet. Scurry up the trunk a little bit at a time, creating a counterbalance between your hands and feet as you climb. Try to keep your hands and feet as close to each other as possible. Don't pull yourself too far up without immediately taking a few small steps to close the distance. Climb down the tree in the same way you came up, placing one foot below the other and then moving your hands down a few paces to close the distance. Place each foot onto the tree carefully. Keep the counterbalance between your arms and feet as you descend. Maintaining the pressure on the balls of your feet is very important when descending, as going down will be more awkward for your body.

What is a summary?
Check out the tree from all sides. Remove your socks and shoes. Place your hands on the backside of the tree. Place your dominant foot flat against the trunk in front of you. Use your arms to pull your foot off the ground and onto the tree. Begin walking up the tree trunk. Let go with one hand and grab the trunk a few inches up. Continue alternating your feet and hands to move up the tree. Descend slowly and with caution.