GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT MUDFLAT HIKING

Health
Good health is required for all hikes. If you are more than 3 months pregnant, we advise against mudflat hiking. Prior consultation is required for registration in the following cases:

•  You have a BMI higher than 25 (overweight)
•  You are younger than 14 years or older than 70 years
•  You are shorter than 160 cm
•  You have heart problems, balance problems, epilepsy, diabetes mellitus, or other physical conditions that may affect you during a hike

Condition
For a moderately challenging mudflat hike, you should be able to walk fifteen kilometers effortlessly on solid ground.
For an easy hike, it is desirable that you can walk five to ten kilometers effortlessly on solid ground.

Equipment
On the mudflats, it is usually a few degrees colder than on land, and wind and sun have free rein. When wading through channels, you will get wet. Therefore, good preparation is necessary. Here are some important points for your equipment:

• Clothing: a water/windproof jacket, warm upper clothing (multiple layers are ideal), also take an extra layer in your backpack even in warm weather shorts or leggings (no denim to prevent chafing). Optionally, swimwear under your clothing
• Shoes: well-fitting shoes, for example, high (imitation) All Stars or diving boots (thick sole because of sharp shells). Shoes should fit snugly around your foot to prevent loss in the mud
• Socks/knee socks (no ankle socks!) to prevent shell pieces from getting into your shoes
• Protection against sun/wind: something on your head (cap/hat), sunglasses, sunscreen
• Backpack: for your belongings, waterproof packed, for example, in a garbage bag
• Dry clothing/shoes: to put on after the hike. If crossing to an island, take these with you in your backpack
• Food and drink for the journey
• Alcohol and recreational drugs are not allowed

Dogs are not allowed on the mudflats