I want you to picture yourself sitting in a row of winter enthusiasts listening intently in an avalanche awareness class or a professional avalanche workshop. Look left in your row and look right in your row. It’d be pretty easy to go sledding or ski touring with one person that’s sitting near you. You know them. Take a look and think about their qualifications. You know how good you’re going to feel getting out there and how easy it will be to communicate.
Now look at your whole row. You’re out there with four or more of that group. You’re in a big group with a really big set of qualifications and experience combined with what you know about each person. Are you going to have a operational morning meeting before you go out? Are you confident or naive on how the trip is going to unfold?
How do you have a risk conversation with this group of people when you are in the field? Can this all too common group dynamic be alleviated in a manner that leads to better backcountry decisions?
Just huckem using the three points (HU-CK-EM) to drive a quick, explicit, and systematic discussion amongst peers. Keep it effective and friendly. You don’t need to stand around for any noticeable amount of time.
Engage at transitions, pause at key decision points, and ask, “partner, can we HUCKEM?”
Optional conversation starter:
Order a die-cut sticker. Put in on your helmet, fieldbook, or other object, it will start the conversation for you.
Contact info: pardner@huckem.com