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]
Hazards
Seatrekking can be dangerous,[11] and is a physically demanding activity due to its engagement with the sea and open bodies of water.[12]
Seatrekking "...often involves a series of jumps into deep water.".[13]Jumping from a height of 20 feet (6.1 m) results in a person hitting the water at 25 mph (40 km/h).[14] Impacting with the water surface at this velocity is capable of giving a person temporary paralysis of the diaphragm,[15] a compressed spine, broken bones, or concussion.[14]
In the United Kingdom between 2005 and 2015 there were 83 people injured and 20 people who died whilst jumping from height into water.[16]
When diving and flipping into water along the intertidal zone there is an increased risk of receiving an injury including a spinal injury[12]
List of hazards
- Being swept away by strong currents[13]
- Cold Water Shock[12][17]
- Clothing or feet being caught in rocks or objects underneath the water surface
- Drowning[12]
- Hypothermia
- Impact with rocks
- Impact with water surface[14]
- Submerged objects "...like rocks, fishing gear, mooring lines and other under water hazards [that] may not be visible"[18][12]
| Height falling from | Velocity reached at water surface |
|---|---|
| 5 feet (1.5 metres) | 12 mph (19 kmh)[15] |
| 10 feet (3 metres) | 17 mph (27 kmh)[14] |
| 20 feet (6 metres) | 25 mph (40 kmh)[14] |
| 50 feet (15 metres) | 38 mph (61 kmh)[14] |
| 85 feet (26 metres) | 53 to 62 mph (85 to 100 kmh)[14] |
Safety
A good physical condition, swimming proficiency, knowledge of outdoor safety, self-rescue and usage of adequate equipment are important to practicing seatrekking safely.[19] Recommended safety equipment may include a wetsuit, personal locator beacon, hand-held VHF radio and/or mobile telephone, dive flag, throw line and a whistle.[12] 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;[20][21] 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.[22] On land, essentials are hiking clothes and shoes, as well as bivouacking equipment.[23][24] Additional equipment is selected for its lightness, fast drying time and suitability for prolonged use in a marine environment.