HIKING is one of the fastest growing outdoor activities, not only locally, but across the globe. It is an activity in which strangers and friends can have fun, explore, enjoy the beauty of outdoor life, and become family in nature.
Experiencing this, is Brandon Ludick a founder member and president of the Kariega based Voetspore Hiking in Eastern Cape, whose slogan is: “A group of friends with a passion for outdoor adventure in our area and beyond. Leaving no trace and self-sufficiency is our motto.”
Ludick said hiking is good for a person’s health and well-being. “It involves activities that many other forms of exercise do not have. It also requires navigating in an environment that is not predictable at all.
“Hiking, with the fact that people from different financial backgrounds, race and religion come together and build a family bond through fun and adventure in nature, means a lot to me. This is a huge positive aspect to me, especially in the times that we all are living in,” said Ludick.
From rugby to hiking
The club was established in January 2021 by a group of rugby players who wanted to stay fit and active. “Owing to the lockdown regulations, we were not able to practise rugby. So, we started to exercise the outdoor way.”
The founder members of this local hiking club are Brandon Ludick, Fahmy Abrahams, Hubre Grootboom, Enrico Johannes, Faraad Abrahams, Blake Cornelius and Savandre Swartbooi.
One of these founder members, Fahmy Abrahams, said, “What really attracts people with regards to Voetspore is actually our pictures posted on the Voetspore Facebook page. A lot of our new members haven’t really hiked before, and their interest is sparked purely from the various pictures showcased of our adventures and the different trails we explored.
Hiking is rejuvenating
“Hiking to me is about removing myself from society and engaging in nature. It is rejuvenating … physically, mentally, and emotionally. Nature is amazing, it is where I find new energy,” said Abrahams.
To him, Voetspore is not all about a social hiking event, “it is more about you as an individual. To benefit from the hike whilst in nature by regaining your strength, ambition, and passion, which you lost throughout the week. Come Friday, you must feel excited to know it is time not only to explore nature, but to be rejuvenated again.
Voetspore also encourages members to be aware of nature conservation, to leave no trace, pick up litter as they go along on trails and to take only pictures and good memories.
According to Ludick, they like to go off the beaten track and discover unspoiled trails. “We have discovered a lot of unknown trails and are trying to develop them into recognized routes for other hiking groups to enjoy also.”
This year the club plans to also hike the Amatola Trail near Hogsback, Bergrivier, Kringe-in-die-Bos near Knysna and Lions Head in Cape Town.
Know the steps before you go hiking
Ludick said the best advice he would give someone who would like to join a hiking club is firstly to inform people that it is unsafe to hike alone. The best bet is to find out more about a hiking club close to you and to find out all you need to know before going on your first hike.
) If you are interested in joining Voetspore Hiking in Eastern Cape, contact them on their Facebook page or contact Brandon Ludick on 076 8585 620 for more information.
