5 tips on how to survive, and even enjoy your first hike
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Loading... - Durah Lagat
- 04 Apr 2023
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Growing up alongside the Indian Ocean meant my weekends were spent at the beach. Tan line competitions, snorkelling for hours in search of parrot fish, or that one time my dad tried to teach me how to surf was my definition of a holiday.
That was until I moved to Gauteng and found myself among a multitude of hiking enthusiasts. All of whom tried their utmost to convince me that it was a fun way to spend a weekend. It took me several first attempts before I started to see its appeal.
Take it from a reluctant hiker; you do not need to fork out a couple of thousand rands on a new pair of bundu bashing boots, shove packets of trail mix into your backpack, or start with a three-night trek across the mountains.
Put on an old pair of takkies, lather your skin in suncream, and try out these five tips to survive and even enjoy your first hiking experience:
1. Start with 5 km or less
As previously mentioned, don’t start with a three-day trek through the mountains. Hiking uses muscles you never knew you had, so start small. Pick a trail that is no more than 5 km and ensure that elevation remains relatively low.
Research potential trails or ask a friend which one they’d suggest for a beginner. Courses with a beautiful view or a waterfall will quickly help you understand why many people love hiking.
2. Stop often
You won’t enjoy the hike if you exhaust yourself before reaching the end. Stop often, even as much as every kilometre, for a drink of water, a bite to eat, or just to sit for five minutes. These breaks allow you to take in the natural scenery, catch your breath, rest your legs, and keep your energy levels up.
Knowing your next break is also helpful, motivating you to keep going until you can rest again. Read More…
