The first enemy seems to have basically perfect timing to hit you when you try to jump over it. It's very difficult for me to get past, and doing so while having extra health left is basically impossible.
Hi Acamaeda, there is a clue in the animated gif that shows you how to avoid the first enemy. I appreciate that it shouldn't be so challenging from the start. I need to devise a way that the player learns that they can use the environmental objects to progress without the risk of death. Thanks for your comments, I hope you revisit and enjoy the game.