Ground-Based and Aerial Hébertism

Ground-based balance challenge made of rope and wood.

Hébertism generally takes two forms: ground-based Hébertism (rustic agility courses, often made of wood) and aerial Hébertism (high-altitude courses moving from tree to tree).

Here is an overview of the types of obstacles found on these courses, followed by the essential techniques for navigating them.

1. Types of obstacles

Hébertism course obstacles are generally constructed from raw, eco-friendly materials (log sections, synthetic or hemp ropes, steel cables) to blend harmoniously with the forest environment.

These structures can be grouped into four main categories of obstacles:

A. Balance obstacles

These installations test proprioception, concentration, and body stability.

Balance beam:

A simple, raised, debarked log; it may be fixed or suspended by chains or ropes to create lateral instability.

Giant steps:

A series of vertical logs set in the ground at varying heights and distances, requiring the user to jump or step from one to the next.

Monkey bridge:

Consists of two or three parallel ropes (one or two for the hands, one for the feet) strung between two trees or structures.

B. Climbing and suspension obstacles

These engage upper-body strength (arms, back) and overall coordination.

Spider web (or climbing net):

A large vertical or inclined net made of thick ropes that must be climbed.

Horizontal ladder:

Mounted above the ground, this is traversed from below by hanging with arms extended and moving from rung to rung (commonly known as "monkey bars").

Climbing wall:

A vertical wooden panel fitted with handholds or horizontal wooden slats for gripping.

C. Obstacle-crossing and agility modules

Designed to test flexibility and the ability to quickly change body levels.

The crawl tunnel:

A long, rigid tube or a very low space defined by netting, under which the participant must crawl (on hands and knees).

The hurdle or crossing bar:

A large horizontal log positioned at chest or hip height that must be stepped over or climbed to get to the other side.

D. Height and gravity modules (Aerial obstacle course elements)

These installations require personal protective equipment (harness, lanyards, and carabiners).

The zip line:

A sloping steel cable traversed using a pulley to connect two platforms.

The Tibetan bridge:

Similar to a monkey bridge, but often enhanced with suspended wooden slats for foot placement, offering a slightly more rigid—though still dynamic—surface.

2. Movement techniques in hébertisme

To navigate these obstacles smoothly and safely without wasting energy, several body-movement techniques are taught. These are based on fundamental principles of movement:

Lowering the center of gravity (Balance)

When on beams or suspension bridges, panic often causes people to tense up. The proper technique involves slightly bending the knees to bring the center of gravity closer to the support surface and using outstretched arms for balance. On a "monkey bridge" (cable bridge), it is recommended to move sideways (crab-walk style) rather than facing forward to maximize the contact area of ​​the feet.

Quadrupedal movement (Crawling and Climbing)

 

The key to efficient crawling or climbing is cross-coordination (moving the left hand forward at the same time as the right foot, and vice versa). This technique ensures constant weight distribution across three points of contact—following the "three-point contact" rule used in rock climbing—and minimizes muscle fatigue.

Leg drive (Clearing obstacles)

When climbing over a wall or a large beam, many beginners try to pull themselves up using only arm strength. The correct technique involves a dynamic push-off with one leg while swinging the other leg over the obstacle (similar to a show-jumping maneuver in equestrian sports), thereby utilizing momentum rather than brute force.

Engaging the abdominals (Hanging)

When traversing beneath a horizontal ladder, engaging the abdominal muscles prevents the lower body from swinging uncontrollably—which would place immense strain on the shoulders. Bringing the knees slightly toward the chest stabilizes the center of gravity and facilitates the transition from one rung to the next.

A note on safety:

In ground-level hébertisme, safety relies on low fall heights and the presence of shock-absorbing mulch or sand beneath the structures. In aerial obstacle courses, the paramount technique is the rigorous use of the safety line (whether continuous or using double safety carabiners), which prevents any accidental detachment from the cable.