The guide pauses after completing the stairs. The guide and student resume a normal pace. The guide furnishes a verbal indication to transfer sides. With his free hand, the student grips the guide's arm just above the grip hand. The student extends his arms.
Student releases the original grip hand.
The back of the original grip hand is then trailed across the guide's back to the guide's opposite arm and the student grips the guide's opposite arm. The student's grip on the side from which is transferring is released and trailed to the opposite arm. The proper grip and position is assumed on the new side. The student should not release his outside hand before securing grasp with the other hand to avoid losing contact. At this point the student must be alert for further cues from the guide.