Can someone help me with Sonic Heroes?

I keep getting blinking stuck on Team Sonic and Team Dark.. I just can't get past the alligator! *rawr* Closest i've gotten is being able to finally see it.. which is still a bit far.. I know you shouldn't pause your jumping but what if the vine is swining backwards? Jumping then would be just plain suicide.. So, is there a trick to always having the vine swing forward when you're jumping?