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Trekking Skills & Techniques
Remember when you first
learnt to drive? Your coordination was all over the place right? But with a
little bit of practice everything started to become second nature and you learnt
to operate the vehicle smoothly and efficiently. Trekking is pretty much the
same. Here are a few points to remember that will help you to develop a rhythm:
1
Think of your body as a kind of a vehicle. You
will need to tune it, modify it, and fit it out with aftermarket accessories to
suit off road conditions.
2
Choose a walking pace that you feel you could
comfortably keep to for an hour. Try to keep to the same pace and try not to
vary your speed unless absolutely necessary. Remember it's not a race.
3
Try to synchronies your breathing. Breathe in
for two steps, breath out for two steps and so on. If this method works for you
it will take you a lot further and use less energy. Your body will function a
lot more efficiently.
4
Aim for regular rest breaks. A good rule of
thumb is one ten minute break at the end of every one hour of trekking. If you
are in a rhythm and are reasonably fit this should be ample.
River crossings
Never underestimate the power
of nature. There is a fine line between a friendly stream and a deadly torrent.
This subject could be covered in great depth and eventually we'll provide a more
comprehensive version, but for the time being here are a few points to keep in
mind:
1
Decide where you are going to cross based on
your view from a vantage point or by consulting your topographic map.
2
The widest part of a river can often be the
safest because this is where it is often shallowest and slowest.
3
If you find a dry crossing beware of slippery
moss covered rocks and logs.
4
Don't underestimate distance if you have to
jump.
5
Undo the harness of your pack to enable a quick
escape if you fall in.
6
If you have to wade across, try to face upstream
as it will be much easier to keep balance.
7
Use a strong stick or trekking pole to keep
balance while crossing.
8
It is usually better to keep your boots on.
Crossing a river barefoot over slippery submerged rocks can be both dangerous
and extremely painful. |
