How do I maneuver over water with a hiking pole?
Whenever you are travelling across varied outdoor
terrain, there is always the chance that you are going to come across an
area you are not prepared for. For example, you may easily find yourself
staring at a stream or water area in front of you that may be problematic to
cross with just your legs, as slipping or getting caught in the current is a
serious risk.
Trekking poles are designed to help you cross these
areas with extra help. When you use trekking poles to cross over water, the
pole or poles act as additional legs, giving you the extra support you need
to help make your way over the water path. Trekking poles help you cross the
water in a variety of different ways:
·
Balancing on Rocks
Sometimes you will find that there is a rock area
that you can step over in order to get to the other side, but these rocks
may be wet or loose, and may cause you to lose your balance. With the
trekking pole, you can set each pole into the water to help you keep your
balance and take less of the weight off of your feet when you are walking
over the rocks, reducing your likelihood of slipping.
·
Keeping Still in the Current
Hiking and trekking poles can also be planted
inside the water, taking away some of the force of the current. When you
have the water pressing at your side without trekking poles, the force of
the water may push you sideways. But with a pole at an angle that reduces
that pressure, you will be able to stay standing.
·
Testing the Water for Deepness
Some areas of water are easy to cross, but even the
safest stream may occasionally have an unsafe area. With trekking poles, you
can test out the deepness of the water to make sure that it is safe to step
there. The last thing you want to do is assume that the ground is level, and
take a step into a giant, invisible hole.
·
Simply Trekking Across Water
Water itself provides extra pressure and less
stability. It is easier to slip, and the weight that you will feel as you
move through the water can put increased pressure on your legs. Also, you
need to climb up a slight incline with the stream, the chances of slipping
are even greater. Trekking poles will reduce the risk of slipping, take
extra pressure off your legs, and simply make the process easier for you to
handle.
Trekking Poles Across Water
The point of trekking poles is to assist you with
your journey in every possible scenario. These poles can help you up and
down hills, they can help you across long terrains, and they can also help
you deal with streams and rivers should you come across any. There is are
reason that trekking poles are a good addition to your hiking trip.
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