How far should knees be kept away from the pole while climbing?

When climbing a pole, it is essential to maintain a proper body position to ensure safety and stability. Keeping the knees at least 8 inches away from the pole allows for better balance and control while climbing. This distance helps to avoid any potential snagging or interference with the climbing equipment and ensures that the climber's body is in a favorable position to maneuver effectively.

Maintaining this distance also promotes the right use of climbing gear, as it helps in allowing the climber to use their legs effectively for pushing against the pole while climbing. This technique is crucial in maintaining a secure and stable ascent, preventing falls or injury.

In contrast, being too close to the pole can lead to instability, making it more difficult to maintain a secure grip and properly use the climbing gear, putting the climber at a higher risk. Therefore, keeping the knees 8 inches away from the pole is an important safety measure in pole climbing.