To start with, is hiking a sport? To put it briefly, hiking is not a sport. A sport is, by definition, an activity requiring both physical effort and skill in which a person or a group of people compete against one another for the amusement of onlookers.
Although hiking requires some physical effort and, on more difficult terrain, a certain amount of skill is definitely helpful, it is not typically done as part of a competition or for the enjoyment of onlookers.
In the post, I’ll show you the more in-depth details.
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What Is Hiking?
Just a pastime activity, hiking. Even though it’s a leisure activity, it can sometimes be quite exhausting.
Hiking is undoubtedly a physically demanding activity in mountainous areas, similar to sport. Just recall your most recent experience hiking a difficult trail.
We define hiking as walking (often a long walk) in a natural setting over a variety of distances. Additionally, the motivation can vary greatly.
To enjoy being outside, people go hiking. They hike for fitness (the energizing nature of physical activity) and to support cardiovascular health. We also have a thorough article on hiking’s psychological advantages.
They use their hiking skills to reach stunning locations that are inaccessible by car. To spend multiple nights in untamed and far-off places, they even hike!
As you may have noticed, going on a hike every day isn’t bad. In actuality, the exact opposite is true!
The sense of community that is created around each activity is one of the things that draws people to both sports and hiking.
The hiking community stands out above many sports communities for its strong sense of camaraderie.
This is because hiking is not at all competitive, which is another significant distinction between hiking and sport.
What Is Sport?
What is the official definition of sport?
According to the official definition, sport is any activity that requires physical effort. However, hiking is similar, right? Physical effort is required. They can both happen on a hiking trail, too.
Sports, however, are always competitive, whereas hiking occasionally can be. Events that are competitive define it.
Competitors include both individuals and teams. And a governing body has established rules. A federation is one example of such a governing body.
At the end of the day, participating in those competitive events, whether you’re racing or playing a game, there are unmistakable winners and losers.
As we previously discussed, there is always a regulatory body that establishes the rules and approves the results of competitions. In order to preserve the sport’s integrity, rules and judges are necessary.
Consider various sports-related incidents over the years. In some instances, athletes have used unfair advantages to the detriment of their opponents.
These athletes would not have been caught cheating if regulatory bodies were not in place to enforce anti-cheating laws!
This is crucial in defining what sports are because it requires a high level of integrity when dealing with competitors.
Fairness encourages people to continue acting morally in interactions.
Not to mention, every sport requires a significant amount of physical effort and talent.
Criteria For Calling An Activity A Sport
The dictionary definition of a sport is “an activity involving physical exertion and skill in which an individual or team competes against another for entertainment.” A few requirements place an activity firmly in the category of a sport.
- Physical Activity
- Requires Skill
- Competition
Hiking satisfies the first two requirements, it can be argued. Even on less traveled trails, hiking can be exhausting, so it’s important to pay attention to your surroundings. The third criterion renders hiking ineligible for classification as a sport.
There is no rivalry in hiking. There are no competitive activities and no organizations that set standards for competition. In actuality, one of the attractions of hiking is that you can take a lengthy stroll while taking in the scenery at your own pace.
Is Hiking A Sport?
We might easily mistake hiking for sport because it requires physical effort, oftentimes a lot of it (especially when done in the winter or at high altitude). Because of this, it’s frequently referred to as a sport.
The lack of competition in hiking, however, is a crucial factor.
It must be possible to plan competitions (competitive events) around an activity in order for it to be considered a sport.
Despite the fact that you and your friends can compete informally on hiking trails, no organizations currently govern and oversee hiking competitions. Because of this, hiking is not considered a sport. Certainly not formally.
The establishment of competition regulations and, more importantly, the verification of competition results are accomplished by official organizations, which are crucial.
By tracking and sending officials to competition events, official organizations maintain the competitions’ integrity.
Walking through undeveloped areas, typically on unpaved paths, is what is meant by the term “hiking.” With that said, it goes without saying that hiking differs from walking.
While timing yourself to monitor your speed and compare it to previous times or partners is absolutely possible, we believe that fair competition is not possible when hiking because you cannot independently verify the times.
Consequently, hiking is not regarded as a sport. Hiking doesn’t have much competition.
Pro-sport Argument
In order to support their claims, proponents of classifying hiking as a sport frequently cite a few common justifications.
Physical Exertion
If you want to excel at sports, you usually need to be physically stronger than the average person. The same is true of hiking. A hike may provide a more effective workout than some actual sports, depending on the trail and length.
Sports require more than just a physical intensity.
Sadly, just because something is physically demanding doesn’t make it a sport. Both working in a gym and building are physically demanding, but neither is a sport.
You Can Race!
Another common observation is that adding the competitive element that was apparently missing from a hike is racing against another hiker. While trail racing is unquestionably a sport, it is no longer hiking.
It turns into a sport when the speed is increased and some level of competition is introduced. Despite its popularity, this sport is distinct from hiking despite some similarities.
There’s Skill Involved
A certain level of skill is required to play sports well, but anyone can participate in them. Any hiker will tell you that professionals will pass you on the trail with what seems like little to no effort. Hiking is no different.
(Sadly, a skill-based definition of a sport does not apply to all activities.
Cooking inventive dishes and creating works of art both require skill, but neither are sports. Even though hiking has different levels, this is not sufficient to remove it from the gray area.
Anti-sport Argument
The anti-sport viewpoints are valid, just as the pro arguments are to an extent. Each point is somewhat reversible, much like the pro-arguments.
Lack Of Competition
A competitive element is a key component of most definitions of sports. Sports depend on rivalry to advance the activity, whether it’s between individuals or entire teams.
Just simply, hiking isn’t comparable.
Some hiking variations, like trail running and mountain running, do encourage some competition. There is potential for competition because some races involve hiking and camping along lengthy trails like the Appalachian Trail.
It’s More Recreational
Instead of being a competitive sport, hiking is frequently done alone and as a way to enjoy the outdoors or get some exercise. Most hikers don’t try to take it too seriously and see it as a leisure activity.
Some people are prepared to put their entire being into elevating their activities. These athletes are outpacing other hikers on trails and taking on hikes that last days or weeks, camping along the way.
Crucial Differences Between Hiking And Sport
It’s true that many people classify hiking as a sport. There are some important factors that set hiking apart from sport, and vice versa. Both require a lot of physical activity.
For instance, boxing is a legitimate sport.
The main distinction between sports and hiking, despite the fact that both require physical preparation, is how regulated sports are. Since there isn’t yet a body that sets the rules and upholds them, sport hiking doesn’t yet exist. Additionally, sports require a certain amount of skill.
The main way hikers maintain the integrity of competitions in which an individual or a team competes against others is through the honor system.
Due to the propensity of people to act in ways that advance their own self interests, few serious competitors want to rely on that.
This is particularly clear in real sports, where cheating to gain an advantage in a contest has occurred frequently.
Therefore, hiking may occasionally be considered a sport. Unofficially.
Is Hiking A Sport You Can Compete In?
The definition of hiking as non-competitive has one exception, and that is power hiking. Power hiking is a technique used by ultra trail runners on mountainous terrain where they hike quickly instead of running on the uphills to conserve energy without losing ground. That is a sport.
However, hiking itself is not a competitive activity or something that is done for the amusement of others. Instead, it is entirely for the benefit of the person hiking and can be done either alone or with others.
So What’s The Point Of Hiking?
In a time where every activity seems to have become “ultra” or “extreme,” from trail running to frisbee throwing, is there any point to hiking if it’s not even a real sport? There is, in spite of what our social media-driven culture would have us believe. Not everything you do needs to be risky to be worthwhile.
Without even mentioning the fact that this low impact activity can have you tackling some pretty difficult terrain, whether it’s thru-hiking the 2,650 miles of the Pacific Crest Trail or scaling one of Colorado’s 14ers, hiking offers a vast array of health benefits, from the cardiovascular impact of walking uphill to the positive mental health aspects of spending time in nature. While hiking may not involve the same rush of adrenaline as free-soloing cliff faces or cyclo-cross, it can still be dangerous.
However, unlike in sports like ski racing, where it is the point, risk is not always the point of hiking. The purpose of hiking is to venture outside on your own two feet rather than on four wheels, experience an adventure, and solve real-world problems. Sports are undoubtedly enjoyable and a wonderful way to bring people together, but because our world is already filled with stress and anxiety, it can be beneficial to escape the pressure of competition and set fewer, less frequent goals.
In the end, hiking is something you can do competitively if you so choose, but it’s always best to go at your own pace and on your own schedule. It can be your main form of exercise, or, if you engage in a lot of high-impact, competitive activity, take a leisurely hike on your rest days to decompress and recuperate.
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Activity Involving Physical Exertion
The majority of sports require intense physical effort. To run faster and throw farther, sports require peak muscular strength. In order to climb steep mountains and maintain your balance on rocky paths, hiking requires strong muscles. So it’s a physically demanding activity.
Clearly checked off in this box.
Some Hiking Trails Require Peak Physical Fitness
No matter their physical condition, the majority of people can go for a walk around their neighborhood. Since you must prepare for various trails that may be steeper or rockier than usual, hiking frequently necessitates more physical effort and skill.
You need to be in excellent shape to ensure you can complete some difficult hiking trails and get back to the starting point. Before you start out, you can check the length and difficulty of a trail online.
Hiking clubs may be a good option to consider if you want to conquer the most difficult trails. Along with companionship and camaraderie, hiking with others increases safety because of the strength in numbers.
Hiking May Even Require Physical Training
Before beginning a hike, it’s important to have strong muscles and good balance. You can begin by strolling through your neighborhood, then advance by lengthening these strolls and forcing yourself to walk more quickly.
If you have access to the sand, seasoned hikers advise running and walking in it. You become more injury resistant on the trail because it strengthens the muscles in your knee and ankle. You can benefit from any exercise that makes your core stronger while hiking.
Additionally, cardio exercises are great because they will give you a workout on the trail. You will be able to breathe enough in nature if you do anything to expand your lung capacity. Longer hikes can be taken without leaving you feeling exhausted.
Backpack Weight & Weather Conditions Can Make Hiking Complicated
A leisure activity is taking a stroll, but if you’re planning a longer hike and need supplies, you’ll need to carry a backpack. Due to the additional weight you are carrying, this weight elevates your walk to a full workout. You’ll be better prepared for success if you train with your pack on before starting out on the hiking trail.
Here, skill and physical prowess begin to overlap. It takes experience and skill to correctly interpret weather conditions and pack your bag accordingly, just as it does to navigate challenging trails.
The trails are impacted by the weather. In the natural world, it’s difficult to know what to anticipate, so it’s best to be prepared for anything. The trail might become too muddy to travel in some areas after a week of rain. A different route that requires climbing over obstacles may be necessary.
Your body may lose up to one liter of water per hour while hiking in the heat. In order to avoid getting sick or hurt, you need to be aware of that and drink plenty of water. When hiking in the winter, pay attention to your body’s temperature as well. You might feel too warm, but if you take off your coat, you risk freezing.
There Is Skill Involved
An aptitude for sports is necessary. Some people are naturally athletic and can participate in sports with little preparation. However, once you start competing, you must maintain your fitness and work to advance your abilities to avoid being eliminated from the game. Skill is needed for hiking, but it takes different forms.
Steep Trails Are Difficult To Traverse
In comparison to level trails, climbing a steep trail will cause different muscles to burn. You must make sure you have the strength to navigate these paths, or you risk hurting yourself. You might get lost along the way and fail to reach your destination. Your hiking abilities can be greatly improved by exercising and building muscle through other sports and exercises.
You’ll also need to develop your climbing technique to get past any obstacles like rocks. Though it may seem like a walk in the park to you, hiking is not always easy. Climbing over rocks and boulders is a common requirement of steep hikes, and all of it unquestionably requires skill.
Even more difficult is doing this while toting a pack. The thought of having to climb rock walls while pulling a child in a carrier on your back used to make me shudder, but it has happened to me. many others have too.
But No Rules And Regulations
You are not rivals, even though fit hikers might fly past you on the trail. Hiking has no set rules, so someone in excellent physical condition can take pleasure in it just as much as someone who simply wants to spend time outdoors. Before beginning a trail, there aren’t any rules or requirements you need to follow.
No Governing Body
There is no governing body to oversee hiking because there aren’t any laws or rules. Though hiking is a leisure activity, there should be no governing body. Before you can use the path, you don’t need to check anything off a checklist. Only your physical condition and level of comfort with the hike need be taken into account.
Can You Compete In Hiking Events?
In contrast to basketball and other more well-known sports, hiking does not have any official competitions. However, there are activities comparable to hiking that are more akin to sports. Large-scale organized competitions for geocaching, adventure racing, and trail running elevate these activities closer to sports.
Competitive Hiking Is Not Really A Thing
While hiking doesn’t involve any competition, there are some elements of it. If you’re hiking a well-known trail, such as the Appalachian Trail or the Pacific Crest Trail, you might try to beat the times that have been logged. But you’re not actually competing against another hiker; it’s just a record you’re trying to beat.
The competitive aspect of geocaching on the trail can be added, but hiking itself is not really a race to find the most caches.
Trail Running Is The Most Akin Activity That Is A Sport
Although it requires more physical effort, trail running follows the same natural routes as hiking. Any unpaved or unrevealed path is where you are running. There is some competition because you want to be the fastest even though you are enjoying nature and following a path.
If you hike and are thinking about running, make sure you first train. It would be best if you trained to gain strength and speed before venturing into the wilderness. You must constantly be cautious and vigilant because the paths are uneven and rocky.
Similar to street race events, such as 5Ks, half-marathons, and even ultra-marathons, there are events specifically for trail runners.. These contests are competitive because you run trails alongside other competitors while attempting to outpace them and set the fastest time record. This exercise will be enjoyable for hikers with a competitive nature.
In order to monitor their pace, trail runners use specialized gear, such as GPS watches. It’s a serious undertaking and much harder than you might imagine.
While a whole team competes, adventure racing resembles trail running more than hiking. Although there are some solo competitions, because it is such a physically demanding activity, there is safety in numbers. Many adventure races have multiple-day courses. Your team participates in a variety of sports, including climbing, mountain biking, canoeing, riding horses, and skiing.
Mountain Biking Is Also A Sport That Uses Trails
Mountain biking and trail running both involve moving an activity from paved roads into the outdoors. You travel across natural paths on a tough bike with wide tires.
Because it engages so many muscles, biking is already a full-body sport. You’ll need to use both your body and mind to navigate the unbalanced trails and natural obstacles to get to the end.
Final Words
Even though hiking has the potential to develop into a sport, doing so would not be accurate or fair at this time.
To ensure fair and safe competition between athletes, sports have regulatory organizations that set and enforce competition rules.
Hiking and trail running are both outdoor sports that get participants in competition. Since you have to sign up to race and follow the rules in order to compete, they are considered sports.
Thank you for reading.