Johann Friedrich GutsMuths (1759–1839) wrote the following in the late 18th century, in one of the first textbooks of "modern" gymnastics : "The climbing of the mast is far more challenging [than pole climbing], for the surface is smooth and the hands cannot go around it.
Johann Friedrich GutsMuths (1759–1839) wrote in one of the first textbooks on contemporary gymnastics: "Ascension up the mast is significantly more demanding [than pole climbing], as the surface is even and the hands cannot circumvent it.