Start Your Skillset

Excerpt 10 - from ‘Total Mountain Fitness’

Introduction

When it comes to training, fitness, and sports, there are many ‘most important’ aspects. Safety is one. So is preparedness. And partly that means getting training, expert instruction, experience, certifications, the right equipment, the right partner, etc. But it’s more than that of course. An expression I am oft to use is, ‘It’s better to have and not need, than need and not have.’ While I generally use this to refer to the gear I pack and bring on my next expedition, it can be more widespread than that.

To step back, I realize I was on the guide track early, and knew by high school that the mountains were for me, but I am still struck by how many go outdoors knowing so little. I have a high standard for climbing partners and am polite but firm in my refusal to rope up with someone. While it may be more inclusive to simply climb with anyone near you, I prefer to live, and the risk-reward is too high to climb with someone not properly vetted.

Although I realize not every climber has attended a guide school, or several, and doesn’t have the skillset, or toolkit, I do, there are certain base skills every mountain person should have. Not only should you develop your own, but you may also want to develop your own mental checklist so as to better assess potential partners for mountain, or other, exploits.

Perspective

Here are some skills I’d suggest you and your partners acquire.

• Medical Training – Any is better than none. Look for CPR, First Aid, Advanced First Aid, Wilderness First Responder, Lifesaving, Lifeguarding, etc.
• Avalanche Training – Avi Level 1 is the standard, and a good idea for all backcountry skiers, mountaineers, and winter hikers.
• Intro Courses – Most Colleges, REI’s, etc have intro to everything (camping, hiking, cycling, skiing, climbing, etc). Take some time, and classes, and learn the basics.
• Proper Equipment – If you’re about to climb, ski, hike, bike, paddle, etc with someone who shows up with no equipment whatsoever or their gear is all brand new (with tags – don’t laugh I’ve seen this) you may want to quiz them about their experience.
• Physical Fitness – You don’t need to look like an Olympian, but if your new partner gets winded from unloading the car, you may want to assess their ability prior to getting on the trail.
• Training or Certification – Don’t take ‘I’m a guide’ for granted, as many can get certifications from dubious sources. If someone is trained, ask them about their qualifications. Do your homework. Experienced people are generally happy to talk about their background.
• Attitude – Knowing you’re in the backcountry with someone who can take care of you, but who will also let you take care of them, is important. Beware both the stoic who assures you they are fine, even as they bleed out, but also the wuss, who needs you to carry their pack simply because they don’t want to.
• Camaraderie – Look for psyched people to do things with. Here’s hoping you find some great partners who share your vision!

My Lesson Learned

It has taken time for me to figure out what important skill sets and safety parameters most aid me in my adventures. And these are not just skills for me to amass, but also for the partners and groups I am with. The older I get, the more important it is for me to not only come home in one piece, but to come home psyched and well. Recovering for a week, or two, is too high a price and may delay the next adventure.

As a disclaimer, the above is just a general outline that may or may not apply to you and your outings. Feel free to adjust, add or take-away as needed, or use it as a means to create one from scratch. Rather than check off what I have written, what is more important is the concept itself.

While I write a lot about outdoor adventures and training, my hope with this series is to show how athletes can learn from professionals (managers, entrepreneurs, and their ilk) just as professionals can learn from fitness folk. Regardless of whether you are in the gym, on the field, in the mountains, or in an office, take a look at your partners and teammates and see where some guidelines around skills, equipment, and training can take you.

 My upcoming book "Total Mountain Fitness" (TM) teaches a minimalistic - and realistic - approach to fitness, including strength, conditioning, and recovery. If you would like to learn more, please sign up here to receive a free e-book version. Total Mountain Fitness will be released later this year.