Don’t suffer for your passion

We’re all passionate about something. And as the warm spring outdoor weather beckons, we dutifully follow, anxious to pursue the activity we enjoy doing year after year. For some however, it may be a time for new challenges and new rewards.

With that in mind, I’ve compiled a list of tips for a few popular outdoors pursuits. In future columns I’ll expand with additional tips and/ or sports, but for this first phase here is just one thing on which to focus as you embark on your spring outings.

Whether you’re a paddler, pedaller or perambulator, there’s a tip here for you.

HIKING TIP: BE PREPARED

If you’re just getting into hiking, or have many years experience, don’t forget your safety. It’s easy to think you don’t need an emergency kit while hiking your favourite trail until something goes terribly wrong.

The idea of a three-hour hike sounds inviting, especially if you’re packing light with no more than some water, hat, sunglasses and perhaps bug repellent. You even decided not to inform anybody of your intentions ... you’ll be gone a short while.

And though you’ve done this hike dozens of times, this time there’s a bird that catches your eye, and you decide to go off-trail to get a closer look. Maybe your search takes you closer to a hill. Maybe you trip and fall, knocking yourself out, or just twisting your ankle. Just like that, your innocent hike is now serious.

When you couple your immobility with no cellphone service on an unpopular trail, no emergency kit, limited water and no easy way to stay warm through the night, you’re probably doomed.

So avoid all that. Be prepared. Inform others of your plan, and hike with a backpack filled like you may have to spend the night.

MOUNTAIN BIKING TIP: LOOK WHERE YOU WANT TO GO

There are terrific trails around the region, so get your bike tuned up and get ready to get outdoors.

Beginners have a tendency to look at their front wheel or stare at obstacles on the trail. You could learn to not do this after wiping out a few times, or you can remember and implement this tip the next time you’re out.

Look where you want to go. Sounds easy enough, but it’s amazing how few do this. Most see the tree and (yup) ride right into it.

It’s imperative you look down the trail, focusing on where you want to go, and the faster you’re going, the further ahead you’ll want to look. It doesn’t come naturally at first, but practise it and you’ll get the hang of it and have less endovers.

CANOEING TIP: PLAN YOUR ROUTE

Among the many items to consider for a successful and safe canoe trip, knowing your route is imperative. There are so many variables that will dictate where you go: the skill levels of the paddlers; the length of the trip; flat water or white water, etc.

If you’re planning your first outing, better to start with a short trip on flatwater. If this is a positive experience, you’ll be out again and can add to it as you gain knowledge and practice.

Check with the provincial parks, know the lake where you want to put-in, and plan where your stops will be for lunch and to camp.

Of course with this comes the knowledge of how to read a map so you know where you are and where you’re going. Do this and you’ll be well on your way to seasonal paddling adventures?

KAYAKING TIP: GETTING IN AND OUT

What’s to love about kayaking? Lots. It’s gliding along at a leisurely pace, cosy with food and clothing stuffed in your fore and aft hatches, ready to explore the wilderness around you.

What is not to love includes the frustration of not knowing how to get in and out of it smoothly, when docked at the water’s edge. Let’s fix that by doing the following: ❚ Place your paddle shaft behind (or in front) of the cockpit opening across the deck. ❚ To keep the kayak from wobbling, hold the paddle shaft in place and gently lean on one side, letting the blade rest on the ground. ❚ Using the paddle shaft to steady you and keep you balanced, quickly enter the centre of the cockpit, immediately crouch down and sit. ❚ Next, just use your paddle to shove off and you’re set. ❚ Getting out is just the reverse.

These are just a few tips on popular activities many outdoor enthusiasts enjoy. If you make sure you can do each of these you’ll be a step closer to safe adventures ahead.