What skill don’t you feel confident with?

[Darren Edwards]

On hikes I’ve led, some group members don’t have a lot of confidence with rock scrambling or boulder hopping. What skill is your nemesis?

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[Grant Walker]

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I never felt ok about near vertical rock scrambling. A mate took me rock climbing and I’ve never looked back

[Grant Hollingworth]

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Agree totally. Even if you don’t get passionate about rock climbing, it gives your a heap of confidence for hiking.

[Torsten Bunge]

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Yet to learn how to use a map and compass and generally rely on GPS maps, luckily my sense of direction is pretty solid and I study my planned route thoroughly before I hike.

[Grant Hollingworth]

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I think studying the map thoroughly and understanding topography is the key. I always carry a map and compass but rarely need them as I like to read the terrain. Makes me feel more self-reliant.

[Irresist1ble]

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Well, when it comes to hiking, I usually trust my handy-dandy compass and a good ol’ paper map.

[Kate Jacobs]

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I’n not great walking narrow ledges where there is a steep drop off. I’m not usually afraid of heights but for some reason it freaks me out.

[Darren Edwards]

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You are certainly not alone there. Having a healthy level of fear is good.

[Kate Jacobs]

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I certainly have a fear. Doesn’t feel healthy at the time 🙂

[Kate Jacobs]

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I’m also not great with map and compass but try to work on it on most hikes. I use a phone app mostly but want a reliable backup plan.

[Irresist1ble]

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my nemesis skill would be navigation. I’ve got a terrible sense of direction, always ending up taking the wrong trail or getting lost in the wilderness. It’s become a running joke among my friends and family. So yeah, if there’s one thing I struggle with in hiking, it’s definitely finding my way around. 🧭

[Grant Hollingworth]

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What do you mostly use for navigation then?

[Darren Edwards]

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I’ve been thinking about this a bit more. I’m pretty comfortable with everything but there’s always room for improvement. One thing I don’t enjoy is turning around on a rock ledge with a full pack, to start climbing down.

[Author]

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