Hiking is a great sport. It can be done alone or with a group and it’s a lovely way to see your island from a different perspective. It’s inspiring to be out in nature, and there are all sorts of ways you can challenge yourself. Luckily for us living on St. Maarten/St Martin, we have no shortage of great treks for the beginner to expert hiker. But one must always remember – safety first!
Getting started, the most important ingredient in any hike is WATER. Make sure to pack at least a litre of water per person. Camel packs (those backpacks with a hose that comes over the shoulder) are the most convenient way to carry water, but a water bottle will do just fine too. Snacks are also important because food gives us energy. Sandwiches, granola bars, apples and oranges are light and handy foods for a hike; and bringing a few pieces of candy is a great reward for making it the next check point.
Dressing appropriately is also something to consider. You would not wear a bathing suit to the movies or Jiu Jitsu Gi to school, so there is also appropriate wear for hiking. Shorts, leggings, T-shirts, long socks and baseball caps are some clothing items that are great for hiking – jeans, dresses and jackets are not. There are professional hiking boots that are sold on St. Maarten, but if you are a casual hiker, regular sneakers with deep treads (the lines on the bottom of your shoes) will do the job.
If you are hiking up a really steep hill, like the hike up to Century Hill, soccer shoes are surprisingly helpful! Flip flops are absolutely not good hiking shoes. When you are hiking, it tends to be breezy and it’s easy not to notice how hot it is. That is why sun protection is also a must. You can protect yourself from the sun using a hat or cap, sunglasses, short- or long-sleeve shirts, and sunblock.
You must also always make sure someone knows where you are going hiking. Getting lost is bad, but it is worse if no one knows where to look for you. Make sure there is always someone who knows the route that was planned for the day, and be responsible when making the plan for the trip. Do not underestimate the time it will take to complete the hike. You don’t want to end up trying to find your way back in the dark.
Hiking in the dark is fun if you are prepared with lights, but it’s scary and easy to get lost if you do not have proper equipment. Once you are on the trail, it’s all about respecting nature. If you see a cow up ahead, it’s probably better to steer around it. Do not touch plants you do not know or recognize, because poisonous plants can hurt. Watch your step; don’t go too fast and conserve your energy for the distance.
Most importantly, enjoy the experience.
