Curvy Girls Hiking: cutting the intimidation factor from hiking
Have you ever wanted to try an outdoor group adventure but second-guessed it and yourself because you thought you wouldn’t fit in, be able to keep up or would look silly to others?
This may hit close to home. Know you’re not alone.
These worries stop many of us from trying new experiences that would help us grow and become more active. Connecting with those concerns, two Nova Scotian hiking enthusiasts have created an inclusive hiking group where diversity is the top priority and every body is welcome.
Dynamic duo
Nadine Hackney and Katherine (Fequet) Ralph are the two forces behind Curvy Girls Hiking – an inclusive hiking group for people of all sizes, abilities and everyone on the gender spectrum.
They met at an inspirational yoga workshop and instantly clicked. Ms. Hackney is a community development coordinator with the Municipality of Chester and Ms. Ralph is an accessible yoga instructor emphasizing diversity and inclusion in her practice. They began brainstorming about how to apply a diversity and inclusion lens to hiking, and Curvy Girls Hiking was born.
“I was immediately drawn to Katherine because she really is 100% herself. She’s encouraged me since I’ve known her to just to be myself, too,” says Ms. Hackney.
Katherine (Fequet) Ralph and Nadine Hackney
Breaking down barriers
The Curvy Girls Hiking motto is no one gets left behind or forgotten.
The group asks participants to refrain from discussing diet culture on the hikes and on its Facebook page. That means no talk about diets, weight loss, step counting, calorie burning or body shaming. Sexism, fat phobia, racism, ableism, transphobia, homophobia are not tolerated.
The co-founders have created a safe space for all participants. That’s a top priority because the duo knew from past hiking experience what it feels like to not fit in.
“Neither of us were connecting with the hiking groups currently offered,” says Ms. Hackney. “We tried a few hikes and they weren’t for us. We didn’t see people like us represented. We’re weren’t seeing enough diversity. Everyone on those hikes were already hikers and had the same level of experience.”
That can be intimidating for people new to hiking.
Listen up
“We talked about what we could do as a team to provide a space where we don’t make assumptions about abilities. That’s big for us,” Ms. Hackney says. “Our intention is to have voices heard and every voice is important.”
To help people feel welcome and comfortable, the two volunteers take questions in advance (via Facebook) and listen to any newbie hikers who’re worried or nervous for a variety of reasons.
“Some people have anxiety if they don’t know what a space is going to look like or what the timing of the hike is going to be, or they’re anxious about being the last one to finish the hike,” says Ms. Hackney. “We listen and then ask, ‘How can we make this comfortable for you?’ Often it’s just a quick conversation or allowing space for people to ask questions that reassures them.”
Inclusion
Also crucial is clear communication about the type of hike planned.
“Katherine or I hike it in advance to get an idea of what it’s like,” Ms. Hackney says. “Some of our hikes wouldn’t work well for people with walkers, wheelchairs or strollers. We specify that clearly. If one hike is up a slope, we make sure the next one is on a flat surface or wider trail bed that’s accessible to more people. Our goal is to communicate about a trail to the best of our abilities. Then people can make their own decisions about what works best and what is accessible for them.”
That’s key because accessibility and inclusion are different for every person, community and hike. “The more people see themselves represented in these groups, the more they will want to participate,” adds Ms. Hackney.
Nurtured by nature
The more people who join in, the more Nova Scotians will become active and enjoy nature. Experts agree both movement and spending time outdoors are beneficial for our mental and physical well-being.
“If I’m having a stressful day, walking in the woods is one of the things in my mental health toolbox,” Ms. Hackney says. “It doesn’t have to be a hike. You can stand, sit or just listen to your surroundings. It takes your mind off what’s happening in the world.”
Tips for new winter hikers
If you’re tempted to try hiking after reading this blog, here are a few ways to prepare:
Follow Hike Nova Scotia on Facebook and check out its website page
Try a guided hike as a first-time hiker
Put some thought into where you’re going. Don’t start with a four-hour hike
Always let someone know your location and how long you’ll be gone (Ms. Hackney also sends someone a picture of each trail map)
Use a backpack
Pack extras for unprepared people you will come across (granola bars, water, mitts, socks)
Pack extra layers for you, food/water and a whistle
Bring a phone and make sure it’s charged
Have fun and just be yourself!