Hello, Adventurers! Welcome back to the Coastal Expeditions blog! If this is your first time visiting our blog, we’re happy to have you here. We are all about nature, adventure, and making the most out of the beautiful outdoors of South Carolina. If you enjoy all things hiking, paddling, kayaking, and spending time outdoors, you’ve come to the right place! Here on the blog, we dive deep into different habitats, excursions, conservation efforts, and nature programs. Our site is filled with interactive maps, destination guides, and educational resources. Speaking of educational resources, The Outdoor School consists of afterschool programs, weekly camps, school field trips, and more! We offer hands-on workshops taught by highly-trained guides on wilderness skills, birding, identifying native plants, sustainability, kayaking, and camping. Basically, anything you want to learn about, we teach! If you haven’t already, we encourage you to take a look around our site to learn more about our offerings. Our last article discussed tips to make your next hiking or excursion kid-friendly. Today, we’ll be discussing important outdoor survival tips and skills that you should know. If you spend a lot of time outdoors and are interested in learning more about the basics of survival techniques, you’re in the right place!
Outdoor adventures can be a great way to stay active while getting connected with nature, but there are still potential dangers you should be prepared for. Although these dangers can vary based on the geographical area you are visiting, it is still good to be aware and take time to master certain survival skills. First, there is a list of items that you should bring along with you every time you enter unfamiliar territory. These consist of first aid and emergency items and are often referred to as the “10 essentials”:
Now that you’ve checked the 10 essentials off your list, you’ll want to further prepare for your trip. Before you venture out on any expedition, consider the geographical area you will be in and do some basic research. Are they any poisonous plants native to the area? What insects are common, and do they sting or bite? You may want to modify your first aid kit depending on these factors. Consider environmental hazards and the range of weather you may experience. If you are traveling to a cold and snowy area, you’ll want to be aware of things like hypothermia and frostbite, and know how to treat them. If you’re expecting hot and sunny conditions, know how to handle heat stroke or exhaustion.
Most survival skills correlate with the items included in your 10 essentials. For example, knowing how to start a fire is one of the most important skills, and items that can help you do this should be included with your safety items. In fact, it is best to have at least two different firestarters with you. Some firestarters include a lighter, matches, and vaseline-soaked cotton balls that can be stored in a Ziploc bag. There are three basic elements to starting an emergency fire: tinder, kindling, and fuel wood.
There are countless articles and videos on the Internet that can teach you how to start a fire, but it can also be helpful to learn hands-on from someone who has perfected the craft. Starting a fire takes practice, but you should at least know the basics and have practiced a few times before venturing out on an expedition. Try practicing in a non-emergency situation, or look around to see if there are any local courses on camping or hiking skills happening in your area.
Hiking and going on other expeditions can be fun and rewarding, but it is important to be aware of potential risks and to be prepared in case of an emergency. We hope that you found this article informative and helpful! As always, we thank you for reading and we hope to see you back on our blog soon! If you’re looking to explore the Lowcountry with your kids, check out our offerings on our website to find the adventure which suits you best! We offer kid-friendly tours as well as kids programs, camps, and kayak lessons. Our tours are led by knowledgeable, approachable naturalists and sea captains who are eager to answer your questions! Until next time, readers. Get out there and explore! Adventure awaits!
Offering Kayaks and Paddleboards
Take in the stunning beauty of local creeks and waters from one of our kayaks or SUPs. Walk-ups are welcome or call / text to book and we’ll be ready when you are. All gear and instruction provided.
Call or text 843.884.7684 to book.
If you really want to get a feel for the local history, identify the native wildlife, and get to special places, you'll need someone experienced to show you the way. We'll get you there.
Check out our St. Phillips Island & Beaufort tours.
Offering Kayaks and Paddleboards
Take in the stunning beauty of local creeks and waters from one of our kayaks or SUPs. Walk-ups are welcome or call / text to book and we’ll be ready when you are. All gear and instruction provided.
Call or text 843.884.7684 to book.
If you really want to get a feel for the local history, identify the native wildlife, and get to special places, you'll need someone experienced to show you the way. We'll get you there.
Check out our Shem Creek in Mount Pleasant tours.