Technique Tip: Candlestick Climb
I shared this climb a few weeks ago as part of a Technique Tip featuring creative climbs that actually gain height, and after quite a few requests for a closer look, I wanted to give this one its own full breakdown!
I consider Candlestick Climb an int/adv-level climb. It starts from an opposite-side knee hook, then takes a little maneuvering to get everything where it needs to go.
It’s a really pretty and unique climb, but the setup can feel a little tricky at first. The biggest challenge is usually getting the knee through and placing the foot in the right spot.
See the video and breakdown below!
Step 1: Start With an Opposite-Side Knee Hook
Begin with an opposite-side knee hook. If the silk is on your left side, hook your right knee.
Whatever knee is hooked, reach that same-side hand high on the silk.
Step 2: Bring the Free Knee Toward Your Chest
Bend your free knee in close toward your chest. You need a good amount of compression here to create enough space to pass the knee through. As the knee comes through, place the outside, baby-toe edge of your foot against the pole.
Step 3: Set Your Foot and Silk Placement
Once your foot is in place, move your hands a tad higher and sit on your heel. Pay attention to where the silk is landing here. You want it just to the outside of your thigh and hip, rather than too high up toward your bum. Think of creating a little shelf of support with the silk.
From here, key your hips up and over toward your bent-leg side.This direction is important. As you key over, keeping the silk in the right position on the outside of the hip will help you feel much more supported.
Step 4: Bring the Free Leg to the Pole
As you key over, extend your free leg to meet the pole. Flex the foot for stability. Once you feel secure, you can pause here and add some arm movements if you’d like.
Step 5: Transition Into the Stand
Sit up, grab the pole as you drive your top leg down. Reach your hands higher on the silk and lengthen your leg to stand. From there, take your feet away from the pole and continue climbing or move onto another skill.
Common Mistakes ❌
1.Sliding down when passing the knee
This is probably the most common challenge with the Candlestick Climb. If you’re having trouble getting the knee through, focus on bringing it really close to your chest first.
You need quite a bit of compression before trying to place the foot. Also check which part of your foot is meeting the pole. You want the baby-toe edge, rather than the big-toe side.
2. Not keying over to the bent leg side
Make sure your hips key up and over toward your bent-leg side.
Keying in the wrong direction means the skill won't work!
3. The silk is too high on your bum
If you feel unstable once you key over, check where the silk is landing. If it slides too far up toward your bum, you may lose the support you need. Aim to keep the silk just to the outside of your thigh and hip so it creates a supportive shelf as you rotate over.
4. Releasing Before You Feel Secure
Don’t release your hands unless you feel very secure. A firm flex of the top foot will help!
Try This for the Knee-to-Chest Position
If getting your knee close to your chest feels difficult, try this compression exercise before practicing the climb.
Bring one knee toward your chest and hug it in with your hands. At the same time, actively try to push your knee away from you while your arms resist and continue pulling it in.
Hold for about 10 seconds, relax, and repeat about 3 times per side.
You can also add active twists from this position. Keep the knee pulled toward your chest and rotate it toward the side. This helps prepare you for the combination of compression and rotation you need to pass the knee through in the climb.
Quick Candlestick Climb Checklist
Start with an opposite-side knee hook
Reach the same-side hand high
Pull the free knee close to your chest
Pass the knee through
Place the baby-toe edge of the foot against the pole
Keep the silk on the outside of the thigh and hip
Key your hips up and over toward your bent-leg side
Extend the free leg to meet the pole
Reach between your legs and grab the pole
Drive the top leg down as you lift your chest
Reach your hands higher
Stand tall
Take the feet off and repeat
One of the things I love about this climb is that it actually gains a good amount of height while still giving you a beautiful and unique shape along the way. Take your time with the setup, especially the knee pass, foot placement and direction of the key. Once those pieces click, the entire climb starts to feel much smoother.
Want to Learn More Creative Climbs?
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