People often have lots of things-to-do in their bucket lists. Isn’t it?
Things including but are not limited to, visiting their dream place- it could be any country, city, or any seaside of their native place; to have a camel/horse ride; to sit in a private jet; to help any orphanage; to have their own bakery; and many more exciting things.
I recently fulfilled one of my dreams on the bucket list and that was “Ride a camel”. Seriously, riding a camel was full of fun and frolic. After fulfilling this dream, I just put a stroke over it.
Is riding a camel on your bucket list for the longest time? Then, this post is for you!
Camel riding can be a little scary but at the same time, it offers an exhilarating experience. Believe it or not, camel riding is safe as you have the owner of the camel beside you who walks along with you for protection.
I found a few camel riding tips from my experience to make it a fun activity for every rider. Let’s make one of your bucket list items turn into a reality.
Here are 9 amazing tips on riding a camel-like a pro. Let’s dive in!
9 Tips on Riding a Camel like a Pro
Camel riding is most prominent in desert areas. Do you know? You need to book a camel ride as the only conveyance to many places. Even if you are new to riding a camel, these tips will make you a pro.
1. Stretch your body before mounting on a camel
We all know that the height and breadth of the camel are comparatively double that of ours. Hehehe…
So, mounting on a camel could be a little trickier as it requires throwing one leg to the other side which measures around half a meter. Any person who does not have a flexible body may struggle to sit on a camel, it is the same case when people face a groin injury, but a flexible guy or woman can easily mount the camel without any discomfort.
Therefore, it is advisable to stretch your body by doing some stretching exercises focusing on the groin and thigh areas of your body.
2. Dress comfortably
Camel riding becomes comfortable when you wear proper clothing like loose pants or trousers. Such clothing prevents any oops moment while mounting, protects your skin from harsh weather conditions, and also proves to be beneficial for those who are allergic to camel’s skin.
In addition to this, wear socks and gloves to protect your hands and feet. You can also have a hat, scarf, and goggles to prevent direct sun rays.
Just say no to shorts, jeans, skirts, or tights as these are inappropriate attires to wear and can spoil your camel riding experience and adventure.
3. Sit cautiously on the camel
Do you know?
When a camel stands up, he first lifts his hind legs and then front legs. Thus, the rider must sit and move the body accordingly.
Make sure when he lifts his hind legs, your upper body should lean backward. When he lifts his front legs, your body should lean forward.
By the time he stands straight, you should also sit straight without leaning on any side. Sitting in such a manner will avoid any unfortunate tip over events.
4. Sway with the camel
You all are well aware of the walking style of the camel. It can be easily related to a slow-motion video. When you move along with the camel, this is the best experience you get. Just mount on a camel, hold the saddle handlebars firmly, relax your body parts, and sway with the camel.
I just love the way they walk on dunes, going easy with the breeze, and making you feel rejuvenated! It reminds me of ancient times when people used to travel on camels in deserts.
The tip to get a comfortable ride on the camel is to relax your body, and not tense up.
5. Ignore the pain
The double-humped punches can sometimes lead to a sore pain on your inner thighs for some individuals. As a beginner, you might feel discomfort in handling that pain, but your pain should not overweigh your passion for riding a camel.
If you are strong, then one simple way to get rid of the pain is to not think of the pain much and divert your mind to the camel ride which is soon going to allow you to complete a wish list item from your bucket list.
However, if you know that you can’t help with the pain, then it’s better to take pain medication 30 minutes before your ride. This may help you in easing your pain and you can comfortably enjoy the ride.
6. Tether your camera or phone
Going for any adventurous experience! Then, it’s obvious to carry any sophisticated gadgets like a mobile phone, camera, or iPod along to make the trip memorable!
The same scenario goes for camel rides. You will want to take memorable pictures with the camel to share with friends and family. However, what if your phone falls off your hands? Your phone might break if it accidentally comes under the camel’s foot.
To avoid such circumstances, it is best to strap your phone on you.
7. Make your guide your cameraman
If you are traveling with companions, then taking pictures from some distance becomes pretty easy.
However, in case you are traveling solo and having a camel ride, but no one is there to take your pictures, then you can make a humble request to your guide or the person who is handling the camel.
You do not need to settle only on selfies! In this way, you will not miss any amazing views as well.
8. Stretch after dismounting
Just like before mounting, stretching after dismounting is also necessary to get relief from stiffness and soreness after long hours of riding. Sitting for hours on a camel may make you feel tired, and your muscles may become stiff.
Therefore, to recover from this tiredness and soreness, practice some stretching or yoga exercises that would relax your muscles as well as your mind and you will get back on track with the same zest.
9. Have confidence throughout the ride
It is very important to not lose your conscious mind while riding on a camel. Be active and confident all the time. I remember my camel ride when I was a bit concerned at the time of dismounting from the camel. I don’t know why? But, the camel driver had the camel sit to allow me to easily dismount from the camel.
Whether you are mounting, swaying along with a camel, clicking photos, or dismounting, never lose your confidence. If you lose, your wish from the bucket list would become a nightmare thereafter!
Conclusion
I must say that I had a wonderful experience riding a camel this year. Before completing my camel ride, whenever I fulfilled any of my bucket list wishes, I never tried it again. However, after this experience, I sort of still have the urge to do another camel ride. However the next time around, I too will not forget any of the above-described tips to enjoy the camel ride to the fullest.
So, what are you waiting for?
If riding a camel is on your bucket list and you are planning it in the near future, then make it happen now. Don’t put it on the back burner anymore. Make sure you are following all the above-mentioned tips before riding. These will make you somewhat of a pro in camel riding.
Go solo or with your loved one and experience this mind-boggling adventure now!