Safety must be top priority for hikers, climbers
The canyons surrounding Utah State provide two popular outside activites: hiking and rock climbing. Both are fun and both can be dangerous if certain precautions aren’t taken.
When hiking or backpacking, there are a number of things one should always have with them according to the National Parks Service of the North Cascades Challenger. Extra food and water, extra clothing (including rain gear), a map and compass, flashlights and spare batteries, sun protection, fire starting materials, a first aid kit, an audible and visual signal, a knife and emergency shelter are said to be essential to hiking safety and avoiding sickness or injury.
It is also important to make sure ones physical condition is adequate for the hike according to the American Red Cross’ Health and Safety tips found on their Web site www.redcross.org.
The American Red Cross also urges people to never hike alone, check weather conditions before they head out and leave a copy of their itinerary and route with someone at home who knows when the hiking group should be returning as well.
The online magazine Utah Outdoors, www.utahoutdoors.com forthcoming gives many tips for hikers as well. Backpacking Tips from the FalconGuide, edited by Bill and Russ Schneider and originally published in Jan. of 1998 can be found at the Utah Outdoors site and include tips on conditioning, cooking, equipment and medical emergencies.
Cooking tips include never cooking in your tent to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning and attracting animals and not spilling your food or cooking too much food so you don’t have to carry left-overs or deal with disposing of the food in a way that won’t attract animals. Equipment that has been tested and fits well is also key for a good hike.
Unfortunately people do get hurt sometimes when on a hike.
According the the FalconGuide, when someone is injured it’s essential to check the “ABC’s”: airway, breathing and circulation. If the victim is concious one must get permission before administering first aid.
Rock climbing is also a dangerous yet popular sport. Trent Hogan, a 17-year old from Logan and a self-proclaimed “gym rat” who learned to climb from watching others, has been climbing for 2 and one half years. “It’s just fun,” Hogan said.
Rock climbing can be a very safe sport if you know what you’re doing Hogan said.
“It’s a really safe sport if you take it slow and know what you’re doing,” Hogan said.
He also advises consulting someone specialized before you climb. Hogan climbs once or twice a week at Adventure Sports Rock Gym at 51 S. Main st. which he feels is a good place to start because good equipment is available and the climbers are skilled. Equipment and gear also play a role in climbing safety. Hogan warns against buying used equipment especially ropes.
Cody Sorensen, a sophomore from Driggs, Idaho, also enjoys climbing in the Logan area. Sorensen, who has been climbing for six yars, has had his share of falls and minor injuries.
“Falling is just part of the game,” Sorensen said.
No matter what type of climbing Sorensen believes the most important thing to remember is to “double-check everything.”
“There’s nothing more scary than getting up 180 feet and getting ready to come down and seeing that something’s not right,” Sorensen said.