How do you start hiking?

 

 

I’ve met people who feel they cannot hike because of one thing or another. Let’s get this out of the way. Hiking does not have a type; anyone can hike regardless of their size, body shape or height. I will admit that being short with a sizeable behind has posed its own challenges, but none that’s been insurmountable seeing that many years later, I’m still hiking. I will probably share some of those challenges in later posts, but what’s important here is for you to know a few things that you need for an enjoyable first hiking experience.

 

Why hike?

I’ve been asked why I keep going back to hiking and if I ever win prizes, so, let me share my reasons for hiking. I explore the outdoors to recharge my body and spirit. I disappear to the outdoors to switch off from the world of work and technology and to nurture my soul. I traverse undulating mountains and plains to reach beautiful places reachable only on foot. I go to the forests and mountains for the fresh air, for the sound of flowing water, for the sound of birds chirping and communicating with one another… for the breathtaking waterfalls! I can go on and on. And now I feel like asking,  is there a better prize? Me thinks not!

This has to count as one of the best rewards of hiking.

Where do you start?

The easiest place to start is at a place near you if you’re lucky enough to live where there are hiking trails nearby. Otherwise, it’s best to join a hiking group or club. However, do your homework before joining clubs. It’s important to know if there is support for newbies. You don’t want to find yourself huffing and puffing alone with no one to give you support or worse, getting lost while everyone is gone; these things happen. I did not start with a hiking club. In fact, my introduction to hiking was during a girls’ weekend away in the Drakensberg. My interest was piqued by a short trail within the resort, and while the real bug was to bite much later, I still owe the interest to that trip, which ironically, almost saw me have a big fall as I slipped, thanks to the wrong takkies I had.

How do you prepare?

Maybe the most important thing to research is the trail you intend hiking – something I wish I was told before. My first real hike was a multi-day trek which also included camping for the first time. Can we talk about that? Maybe next time when we discuss camping.  This was an introduction to hiking for many people and while many went on to explore more trails and even summit some of the world’s prominent summits, many were put off by the experience.

What do you need to know?

·       Start with a short, easy day hike. You can add more kilometres as your fitness improves. I will have a write-up on some easy trails and I hope to cover as many areas as possible.

·       You don’t wear new hiking boots to a hike. You need to wear them in for a while before. You can even wear them to work or to the shops for a while before taking them for a serious ride. I know one or two people who were lucky enough to test drive their new hiking boots on a hike; I’d rather you don’t test your luck!

·       Your beautiful sneakers may not be ideal for a trail. I’m tempted to discourage you from even wearing gym takkies, but I have seen people traverse very seriously rugged terrain with those, so, I guess on this one, it’s each to their own. But my advice would be, if you’re comfortable with takkies, opt for trail running takkies as they have some traction. I prefer a hiking boot for ankle support. 

·       Wear comfortable clothing and avoid jeans. Generally, you need clothes that allow you to have freedom of movement and tight jeans seldom do. In fact, a friend’s jeans got ripped during a hike, causing her inner thighs to chafe. That led to her asking a guide to watch over her while she took a nap as she could no longer bear the friction. Don’t ask if she still hikes, please! Anyway, more about clothing in later posts. Here, it’s just about the basics.

·       Choose a well-marked trail and ask for a trail map if it’s available.

·   Always carry a headlamp or torch in your bag just in case life happens! I promise to share some experiences where a torch came handy on a day hike.

Trail markings may be painted on trees and rocks. The footprint is the most common trail marking in South Africa.

In the end

Hiking, like many activities, may not be for everyone. But that is just a matter of personal preference, and not because hikers are a special breed. Well, they are in their own way, but anyone can be part of that special breed. Just try to wear comfortable clothes and shoes and voilá, you'll be well on your way to what can be your best hiking journey.   

As a short person, you may need to stretch yourself more to go over boulders and other obstacles and maybe even need a push or pull, or both. But that is part of the adventure. Tall people also must bend and squeeze themselves to fit into some spaces but at the end of the day, we all make it anyway. Because it’s all about putting one foot in front of another and taking it one step at a time! 

 

Td