How To Use Hiking Poles
No matter where I go to speak about my hand carved wooden hiking poles the most frequent comment I hear is I don’t need one yet, of course the person is referring to the fact that they are not old and feeble enough to need hiking poles or walking sticks.
I then try to explain to them the many reasons to carry hiking poles. Want to live a longer healthier life? Then you should consider a daily walk and an occasional hike and take along one of your wooden hiking poles.
Here are some good ideas concerning how to use hiking poles:
My number one reason to carry one of my hiking poles is a security issue. When I am hiking there is always the thought in my mind, what if a strange dog or person shows up and threatens me, what will I do? Well, in a cases like this it is human nature to first look for a stick or stone to pick up to defend yourself. Now, if you are already carrying one of your hiking poles then you can concentrate solely on the danger and protecting yourself.Somehow carrying one of my sturdy wooden hiking poles just gives you a more secure feeling.
You can use it for balance. Especially when walking, hiking poles can almost act like a third leg. If you meet a fallen tree across the trail the hiking poles can be placed in front of you (on the other side of the tree) to help maintain your balance as you step over the tree. Any one of your hiking poles can work almost like a third leg (a long one).
You might have to go wading, and my wood hiking poles float! When crossing a steam there is always the danger of slipping on the bottom or possibly stepping into a deep hole. Probing the ground ahead of you with your hiking pole will determine the depth. If you should start to slip your hiking pole can be a great help in preventing a fall.
You can use hiking poles to mark your route. Often old roads (roads made by the forest Industry, to remove cut timber, are encountered while hiking. These roads can go for miles and often run in circles or intersect other cut roads. It is always a worry if returning on the same route that a wrong turn will be made and you will end up lost. A lot of these roads are sand or gravel so your direction of travel can be scratched into the ground (you guessed it) by using the tip of any one of your wood hiking poles.
Watch your step on those steep drop-offs! Some trails follow the edge of ravines and cliffs. A slip or fall could be disastrous. The tendency is to lean away from the edge while walking. This is much easier with a hiking pole, as you can lean on your hiking pole while taking a step and should you trip you will automatically fall in the opposite direction of the steep edge. So make sure you have a some sturdy hiking poles.
For a look at the best of hand carved wooden hiking poles go to: Plum Creek Staffs
