Planning

Why is planning so important? It’s so you have control mechanisms in place for the foreseable risks. This means that when the unpredictable and unforseable events occur, you have the ability to focus 100% of your problem solving attention on those instead of managing all of the other risks that you should’ve planned for prior, at the same time.

Don’t get your ambitions confused with your abilities

You know those people who you see getting rescued on TV? Yeah, a lot of them were ‘she’ll be right’ kinda people who fall into the ‘Danger zone’ that we mentioned in the introduction blog. Uprepared and inexperienced. These people are frustrating because avoiding this situation was well within their abilities, they chose to roll the dice and now it’s everyone else’s problem to deal with. Don’t be one of these people. Be the person who plans, trains and prepares. If you plan, train and prepare and you still get into trouble and need help, emergency services and industry can learn things from that experience and implement things to avoid it happening again.

Considerations Before you Go

The first thing to consider is your limitations – and you need to be realistic. Absolutely, challenge yourself – this is half the fun! – but you must consider your;
- knowledge
- bushwalking / hiking experience and skill level
- physical condition
- general fitness
- health
Select walks or hikes that are within your abilities – you can always go harder as you get more prepared!
If you’re hiking in a group, consider the slowest, weakest walker and plan around their capabilities.
Hikes vary greatly and the features of the hike you’re embarking on will dictate what you need to take. You need to consider: