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lots of interesting reading. wondering what experienced trekkers views re taking 13 year old and 16 yr old with us. both boys have experienced week long bike riding 'treks' where we have been on the road (dirt and bitumen). while not walking, physically and mentally challenging. look forward to your responses.
Hi Amanda,
Welcome to the forum.
You will note from some of my previous posts that I have some very firm views on this subject based upon my life experiences with my own two sons when they were at the same age as your two sons. Other case histories are aalluded too were serious long term health consequences have resulted where young children have been subjected to heavy physical activity at too young an age.
It sounds like your boys have already experienced what it is like to be pyhsically challenged which will certainly be the case trekking Kokoda.
Provided you engage the services of Porters to carry the bulk of their trekking gear, both boys, I am sure both should be OK. It is critical that young developing bones are not subjected to carrying heavy loads, particularly the 13 year old, for a physical challenge such as Kokoda. I would urge you to seek the professional opinion of your medical advisers for confirmation.
Prepare well and I am sure the experience of trekking Kokoda for your family will be a life's highlight, as it was for our now two adult sons and myself when we trekked in 2007.
Cheers, Geoff Hardie
Hi Amanda, we have taken several young trekkers on the track and like Geoff, we strongly recommend a porter is hired to carry their pack.
A lot of school groups think for cost purposes or the fact they are young strong looking students that they can carry their own packs. Some can, but a lot can't and just give up. Some have thrown down their packs and walked off when the going got too tough and I have many a photograph of one of our porters walking the track with a pack on his back and one on his front, doubling up because a student has refused to continue carrying their pack.
We often take a parent out who accompanies their son/daughter such as a trek that just finished on the 2nd April, refer link below:
http://www.kokodatrekking.com.au/forums/?showtopic=1603
Hayden did extremely well and in fact was out in front most of the time as he was very fit based on feedback.
I guess it falls back to the parents as you know your children. Some are physically fit but not necessarily mentally fit so this has to be taken into consideration as well as the track throws all kinds of things at you. After talking with Hayden he was also a mature young man and well prepared for what lay ahead by his father Paul.
Our boys loved walking with him especially his personal porter Ramsay. Both Ramsay and Hayden formed a friendship that will go on for years it seems as Hayden mentioned he is definitely coming back!
Hayden informed me he was 14 years of age.
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