Going into the backcountry, despite the warnings?
Posted November 13, 2015 9:06 am.
Last Updated November 13, 2015 9:07 am.
This article is more than 5 years old.
VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) – All that water we’ve seen over the last 24 hours in Metro Vancouver has made for some treacherous conditions on the local mountains.
Despite that, hikers don’t seem to be getting the message and continue to venture out unprepared.
North Shore Rescue even posted a warning online, reminding people of the winter conditions in the mountains and that shorts and sandals aren’t appropriate.
If you’re going to defy those warnings, a local outdoors club says the most important thing is make sure you’re alongside experienced hikers by joining a club or group.
After all, you wouldn’t go scuba diving or skiing alone, if you didn’t have any experience.
“[That way,] you’re always with someone and they’re always going to make sure you are equipped for the trip and that you’re capable of doing the trip. Undoubtedly in any of those groups that you go with, you’ll be with people who have either done it before, know the terrain, or know the best places to go,” says Jeremy McCall with the Outdoor Recreation Council of BC.
He says experienced trip leaders take your well being seriously, which is even more important if you’re a novice.
“Being a trip leader is a heavy responsibility. So for instance, my group, we have about a two-page document that gives guidelines for trip leaders. We don’t let just anyone become a trip leader.”
Becoming one takes years of experience.
If you’re worried joining a club won’t fit into your schedule, McCall says there’s no shortage of options.
“The Federation of Mountain Clubs and the groups that belong to them like the North Shore Hikers or the BC Naturalists, they run excellent trips every weekend and sometimes mid-week, as well,” he points out.
McCall adds you should always check for any warnings on North Shore Rescue’s website.
