During the trek , TL or Team Leader is always in front and is responsible for pacing the group, while the Tail or Sweeper is responsible for bringing up the rear. Formation on narrow trail should be in single file and overtaking should be avoided. However, if need arises, inform the fellow climber in front in a courteous way.
Trekking together heightens the safety factor thus, it is advisable to maintain approximately 2 meters gap which will allow space for communication and proceed along the group's pace. Sometimes, compression stops are necessary to close the long gaps between companions.
PACING:
Always start with a slow pace to warm up your muscles, and gradually change your pace to group's desired pace. Maintain steady rhythm while trekking by taking longer strides on level ground and short strides while on steep slopes when communicating.
Pace of the group should be that of the slowest member or the person who has the heaviest load. This prevents the team spread along the trail in very long gaps. Do not allow anyone to lag behind, as isolated climber heightens the risk factor in an expedition. Should there be need to stop, inform the TL or the tail so that a proper order to stop can be given.
TRAIL SIGNALS:
1 LONG WHISTLE BLAST-Pause Trek
2 SHORT WHISTLE BLASTS-Resume Trek
6 WHISTLE BLASTS-HELP/Distress Signal
3 WHISTLE BLASTS-Aid is coming
TREKKING TECHNIQUES
*Ridge line is preferred in route finding. Avoid waterways and gullies as water always takes the steepest route down the mountain.
*Be sure to stay on the trail even if it is muddy or wet since walking around the mud trail will widen and become muddies in the future. You can always use a stick, walking staff or trekking pole to help you gauge the depth of the mud and even help you balance. Mud is a part of the challenge thus, expect it and face it, hike through it!
*Footprints in the mud is a big help in trekking in the muddy trail as it tells you how deep is the mud and what part is slippery. A skid mark tells you that somebody already slipped there so avoid it and try to step on someone footprints rather than exploring. If your boots got stuck on the mud, just step backward to let it free.
*Logs are generally slippery when wet so try to avoid it and walk on the grounds beside the log. If a log or fallen tree is blocking the trail, assess the safety of passing through it by either crawling or stepping on the branches, if not, make a detour.
*When there is a need to hold on roots or vines, always check if they are sturdy enough to carry you and they do not have thorns before proceeding.
DESCENDING:
Before descending, reposition heavy items at the bottom of your pack to prevent your head being pushed first to the ground and lose balance. To maintain balance and traction during descend, learn to dig first your heel or the side of your foot.If the terrain is too steep and slippery, face the wall and step downwards as if you are going down a ladder
RIVER CROSSING:
River crossing can be dangerous, in fact, a mountaineer already been reported died when he was swept away by current. Always check first for safer route, a swallower portion or even a natural bridge. If you are in any doubt in safety, NEVER attempt a crossing.
*Loosen your strap, unfasten your hipbelt and sternum strap, to allow you to remove backpack quickly incase you fall into the water since they tend to float and might trap your body under water.
*Bend your knees and face the incoming current for better balance. Cross in a diagonal line of the river so you can see any approaching debris.
*Avoid stepping directly on the top of wet and mossy rocks(usually green) as, they are very slippy. Instead, step in between the rocks for better foothold. If stuck between the rocks, pull it by stepping backward.
*It is advisable to use stick when crossing alone in knee-deep water to help you maintain your balance and can be use to check what is under water.
*Hold hands and cross in triangular formation when crossing in a group to help maintain balance and deflect currents.
*A rope strung across the body of the water diagonally downstream is advisable when the water exceeds waist level. Climbers should use the rope as a guide and should stay on the downstream side.
*When strung perpendicularly to the current, ropes tend to sag in the middle when loaded which can hinder movement. It is advisable to remove your back pack before crossing, to lessen drag since it will be easier and safer to pull it across after crossing.
TRAIL SIGNS
Currently, there are some visible laces tied on the trees on some Philippine mountains that serves a sign but here are some that can also be used:
In placing a trail,it should be ideally placed in every bend so it will be visible even for night trekkers.
TRAIL ETIQUETTE:
*When trail blazing, avoid indiscriminate cutting of vegetation. Do not leave hack marks as trail sign on the trees.
*Always inform the person behind you of imminent obstacles or dangers along path.
*When a group in unsure of the proper path, team should take a break and allow some to scout the right path.
*Side trails not in used should be closed off to prevent others from using them. Block them with sticks or branches.
*Doing shortcuts can kill vegetation and can cause soil erosion. Do your part to keep our trails beautiful and less erosion.
* DO NOT LITTER. If you find litter, pick it up.
*If lost, assess your position. Remember to S.T.O.P., Stop, Think, Observe and Plan.
*In the event of accident, administer first aid, keep the victim comfortable and transfer the person to the nearest clinic/hospital.
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