It definitely takes some practice to get comfortable with it! When I first started using climbers years ago, I started with a Gorilla climbing stand and absolutely hated it. I then switched to the Summit Goliath and that's the only climber I've used since. I think you have all of the accessories that I do as well. It definitely makes the climbing stand experience so much better. I would just take your time and spend as much time as you can practicing climbing up and down different trees before taking it into the woods to hunt. Go slow and don't get in a rush. It's too easy to make mistakes or slip when trying to climb fast. Trust me, I know lol. I've been using a climber for a little over 10 years now, and I still get a little nervous the first climb I make with it every season. I really like the Third Hand Archery straps on each side too. Cinch those down as tight as you can while standing on the platform and that stand isn't going anywhere until you relieve the tension on the straps.