Seatrekking
Seatrekking is a sport that consists in exploring the shorelines of oceans, seas, bays, lakes or rivers both above and below the water over the course of several days, without the aid of a boat or a watercraft. Seatrekking involves swimming, snorkeling, freediving and hiking, and combines all these disciplines into a distinctive form of sport and outdoor experience.[1][2][3] Unlike coasteering, seatrekking includes overnight camping and involves trips of longer distances.[4][5][6][7][8]
Ethics
Seatrekking adheres to the Leave No Trace principles.[9] Additionally the sport is specifically committed to the conservation of natural environments along the coastline by travelling in small groups[4] to minimize the impact on the environment and the disturbance on wildlife, and by complying with any local regulations and obtaining any necessary authorizations.[10]
Safety
Seatrekking can be dangerous,[11] and is a physically demanding activity due to its engagement with open water. A good physical condition, swimming proficiency, knowledge of outdoor safety, self-rescue and usage of adequate equipment are important to practicing seatrekking safely.[12] Open water swimming and snorkeling hazards include drowning and hypothermia due to prolonged time in the water. Recommended safety equipment may include a wetsuit, personal locator beacon, dive flag and a whistle. Weather and ocean patterns and forecast require particular attention. It is crucial for personal safety to keep up-to-date with local conditions regarding tide, swell, wind, ocean currents, rip currents as well as the weather.
Equipment
Seatrekking requires the use of a waterproof bag;[13][14] this contains all equipment and food, and is dragged in the water using a rope or leash.[3] Hydrodynamic properties of the bag are essential to reduce drag. It also acts as a supplementary safety flotation device in the water, especially when the bag can be inflated and maintain internal pressure. On land, the bag is carried as a normal backpack along hiking sections.
At sea, other equipment consists of common items used for swimming, snorkeling or freediving, such as mask and snorkel, fins, and optionally a wetsuit depending on water temperature.[15] On land, essentials are hiking clothes and shoes, as well as bivouacking equipment.[16][17] Additional equipment is selected for its lightness, fast drying time and suitability for prolonged use in a marine environment.
See also
- Open-water swimming
- Long-distance swimming
References
- Parshley, Lois. A new way to explore Croatia`s Coast by Land and Sea. NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC. 05 August 2016. http://www.nationalgeographic.com/adventure/destinations/europe/croatia/seatrekking-croatia/
- Weiss, C.C. Innovative waterproof backpacks power the new sport of seatrekking. NEW ATLAS. 14 December 2012. https://newatlas.com/waterproof-backpacks-seatrekking/25428/
- Schophoff, Julius. Wasser, marsch! DIE ZEIT, Reisen. No. 30. 68. Jahrgang. C7451C. 18 July 2013. p.53. http://www.zeit.de/2013/30/seatrekking-schnorcheln-italien-portifino/seite-3
- Rossmann, Julia and Jost, Malte. Zehn Outdoorerlebnisse von wild bis waghalsig. GEO.de / Europa für Abenteurer. http://www.geo.de/reisen/reise-inspiration/15482-bstr-zehn-outdoor-erlebnisse-von-wild-bis-waghalsig/217217-img-mit-seatrekking-eine-neue-sportart-ausprobieren
- Bielefeld, Marc (May 2017). "Wanderer zwischen den Welten". GEO WALDEN No.2.
- Neumann-Delbarre, Alexander (August 2014). "Wir Meeresnomaden". PLAYBOY REISEREPORTAGE.
- DeBoer, Timo (2016). "Trekking ter land en ter zee". HIKE & TREKKING. No.1.
- Seatrekking ab S.6 DIVEMASTER. No.89. 05 July 2016. http://divemaster.de/tag/seatrekking/
- https://seatrekking.org/about/
- Hoch, Martin.Trekking the Ocean, Seatrekking - noch nie gehört. Travel Blog, Edition 02. GLOBESESSION. https://www.globesession.com/edition02/artikel/trekking-the-ocean/
- Blind, Antje. Tauchsport Seatrekking, Meereswanderer mit Nabelschnur. SPIEGEL ONLINE. 02 May 2013. http://www.spiegel.de/reise/aktuell/seatrekker-bernhard-wache-a-896347.html
- Blechschmidt, Silja (February 2017). "NEuropas grosse Tauchzeitschrift. Die Wassernomaden". TAUCHEN No.2.
- Nowak, Niklas. Seatrekking: Wandern für Wasserliebhaber. TRAININGSWORLD.COM. 19 July 2017. https://www.trainingsworld.com/sportarten/seatrekking-wandern-fuer-wasserliebhaber
- Brown, Jeffrey (March 2014). "The Outsiders, New Outdoor Creativity". Cite magazine requires
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(help) - Kunst, Britta (4 July 2017). "Neue Sportart: Sea-trekking.DAS!". Cite magazine requires
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(help) - Sanktjohanser, Florian. Die Wasserwanderer SUDDEUTSCHE ZEITUNG. Reise. No. 190. 20 August 2015. p.23. http://www.sueddeutsche.de/reise/sportreisen-die-wasserwanderer-1.2611268
- This Way Up. Trekking the Seas. RNZ RADIO NEW ZEALAND. 18 March 2017. http://www.radionz.co.nz/national/programmes/thiswayup/audio/201837010/trekking-the-seas