Nature, the origins of parkour
Parkour gyms are an excellent place to develop foundational skills and perfect textbook techniques. The controlled environments, standardized surfaces, and consistent setups
allow practitioners to safely hone their movements. However, the wild is a completely different beast. Training in natural environments brings an array of variables, from slippery surfaces and unstable structures to uneven terrain and odd angles.
Adapting to these challenges is both a test of skill and a return to parkour’s origins. By stepping out of the gym and into nature, you not only expand your abilities but also rediscover the pure, primal essence of movement. Let’s dive into how to safely and effectively adapt parkour techniques for natural environments.
Step 1: Check Your Surfaces
Before jumping into training, it’s critical to assess the safety of your environment. Nature is unpredictable, and ensuring surfaces are stable and secure is the first step in preventing injury.
Texture Check
Use your hands to feel the surface. Is it smooth or rough? Does it provide grip, or is it slippery?
Look for hazards like thorns, splinters, or sharp edges on trees, rocks, or other objects.
Wobble Test
Lightly touch or press the object to check for movement. A small amount of give may be acceptable (like a sturdy tree branch), but excessive wobbling can signal danger.
Structural Integrity
Give the object a stronger shake, kick, or wall splat. Does it hold steady, or does it shift under pressure? For natural elements like tree branches or rocks, ensure they won’t snap or crumble under the force of your movements.
Stress Test
Perform low-impact, controlled moves like step vaults or bounce backs from different angles. This helps identify weaknesses that might not show up with a single test. Avoid causing property damage or harming the natural environment—respect the space you’re training in.
Step 2: Start with the Basics
Natural environments often strip parkour movements of their usual stability and predictability. To adapt, it’s best to start simple and gradually increase the complexity of your movements.
Fundamental Skills to Begin With:
Step vaults
Shoulder rolls
Kong mounts
Strides
Plyometric jumps
These foundational movements allow you to adjust to the uneven surfaces, changing angles, and unpredictable textures of natural terrain without risking injury.
Step 3: Progress to Advanced Movements
Once you’ve reacquainted yourself with basic movements and feel comfortable in the environment, it’s time to progress. Experiment with flips, twists, and large jumps, but keep
in mind the natural setting’s unique challenges.
Adapt to the Terrain:
Use tree roots or rocks as launching pads.
Incorporate natural slopes and inclines into your strides and landings.
Explore creative transitions between different types of surfaces.
Experiment with Style:
Turn basic movements into combos that take advantage of the natural surroundings.
Challenge yourself with big jumps or drops once you’re confident in the surface integrity.
Step 4: Prepare for Nature’s Challenges
Shoes Matter:
Most parkour shoes can double for trail running, but certain environments may require specialized footwear.
If training in rugged or forested areas, consider trail shoes or hiking boots. Be mindful that heavier footwear may impact your jump power, balance, and landings.
Respect the Space
Confirm that the area is open to public use and doesn’t prohibit activities like parkour.
Avoid damaging the environment—leave no trace behind.
Tips for Training in Natural Environments
1. Start Slow:
Approach new terrain cautiously, and prioritize safety over ambition. Build confidence gradually.
2. Stay Aware:
Constantly assess your surroundings for changes in weather, surface conditions, or other hazards.
3. Work Your Fundamentals:
Revisit basic techniques and test their adaptability on uneven surfaces, narrow ledges, or angled walls.
4. Embrace the Challenge:
Natural environments often require unorthodox solutions. Be creative and open-minded about adjusting your techniques.
Conclusion: Reconnect with Movement in Nature
Adapting parkour techniques to natural environments isn’t just about mastering new skills—it’s about rediscovering the raw, primal essence of movement. While gym training sharpens precision and builds strength, nature challenges you in ways that only the unpredictable wild can.
By respecting the environment, thoroughly testing surfaces, and progressing thoughtfully, you can safely push your limits and unlock new creative possibilities. Whether you’re leaping across rocks, vaulting over fallen logs, or landing on uneven terrain, training in nature will help you grow as a practitioner and deepen your connection to the movement itself.
Train hard, Train safe. Transcend beyond.
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