Nordic Walking Poles
This page contains general advice about nordic walking poles based on my experience as a nordic walking instructor, please scroll down for
"Nordic walking poles" in general.
Difference to walking poles
Can I use ordinary walking poles to nordic walk?
Manufacturers' claims - I only include these for the passing interest of those of you who like the technical bits and can tolerate the advertising puff. These are claims made by the manufacturers themselves, I don't comment on them; you must make your own mind up. I have edited a few brand names out.
(For those who have just arrived on this website from a general search for nordic walking poles and who are unlikely to come to the Exmoor National Park in the South West of England in the United Kingdom - to save you time - I am a nordic walking instructor, not a shop, and you can't buy poles online from this website, nor find links to poles suppliers, but thanks for looking.)
Important: You do not need to buy any poles before coming to learn the nordic walking technique. In fact I strongly suggest that you wait, so you can try out the different nordic walking poles which I use for teaching and you can find out what suits you best before you spend your money anywhere.
There is no substitute for trying out different poles for yourself once you have been trained in the nordic walking technique and you know how to use the poles properly and how a decent nordic walking pole should feel.
Nordic walking poles in general
Nordic walking poles are used as a pair. This is an essential part of the nordic walking technique.
There are a lot of “nordic walking poles” on the market. They range in price from about £17 to over £100. Generally you do get what you pay for.
If you have not yet bought any poles, please do speak to me before you do. Impartial advice about the different poles available on the market, and recommendations about where to buy and what to look for, is included in an introductory lesson.
If you have already bought nordic walking poles and would like to learn the basics of nordic walking, I will show you how best to use your poles provided they appear to be safe and reliable. I reserve the right to decline to teach you if for any reason your poles appear to be less than reliable or safe. I will not agree to teach you to nordic walk using your own ordinary (non-nordic) walking poles. You are always welcome to use my poles for any of my lessons or walks. There may be a nominal hire charge.
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How nordic walking poles differ from ordinary walking poles
Nordic walking poles and ordinary walking sticks/hiking poles/trekking poles are similar to the casual glance, but in fact are designed for different purposes. There is some added confusion because some manufacturers make both kinds of poles.
Walking poles come in all sorts of kinds from the traditional hand made trusty hazel stick, to the modern telescopic sprung-loaded metal types, some may have a simple strap, but you do need to grip them to use them.
In contrast, nordic walking poles are usually manufactured in carbon composite, aluminium and carbon composite or some similar material and have a special weight-bearing hand cradling wrist strap. The wrist strap is all important to the nordic walking technique. As in walking poles, there are good models, very good models, adequate and less than adequate models of nordic walking poles on the market. Don't judge on price alone, unless you have already tried out a decent pole and know how it should feel and you can make an informed evaluation of a pole's strength, shock absorbency and reliability.
NB Because nordic walking is still new to the UK, not many sports shops know anything about it. Don't go to an ordinary sports shop and buy nordic walking poles "cold"; they may well try to sell you trekking poles which are not the same thing at all. Do take expert advice (preferably impartial advice) from a qualified nordic walking instructor first.
Can you use walking poles to go nordic walking? No,
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You may hear some people say proudly that they use their trekking poles to go nordic walking. They are only doing an approximation of nordic walking. They are unlikely to have the full range of movement available to the nordic walker, their forearms may be tense and tight, and by repeatedly putting their weight on their tight wrists they may risk damaging themselves and will probably be tiring themselves far more than if they were properly nordic walking.
In my opinion, using ordinary hiking poles in an approximation of the nordic walking technique is a bit like floundering along doing doggy paddle, when you could be cruising along comfortably in a powerful overarm crawl.
Manufacturers' claims:
1. "Correct Nordic Walking technique and effective training are best achieved with equipment designed specifically for Nordic Walking.
In order to ensure efficient and safe exercising, [brand name] has concentrated on the following details
Durable and light composite shafts
Ergonomically designed grips
Interchangeable grip system
Specifically designed strap offering outstanding power transfer and support
Interchangeable and correctly angled spike tip
Asphalt paw for improved grip and shock absorption
[] presents a new Nordic Walking collection with new colors and graphics. As a sign of [ ] quality, a lifetime guarantee against breakage on the shaft is offered on the Nordic Walker® Extreme-, Nordic Walker® Sport- and Nordic Walker® Trainer pole shafts."
2. One manufacturer claims their "top-class model ...is made from 100% carbon and with cork grips! Due to the 100% carbon, the [pole] provides the best possible shock absorption with very little weight. The PCC cork grips stand for high comfort. The .. strap stands out through its simple and intuitive use.
The...new and innovative...tip: With a simple twist, you can use either the hard metal tip or the asphalt pad. The bothersome taking-off and putting back on as well as the storage of the dirty asphalt pads comes to an end with this new, patented solution. The strap as well as the grip, asphalt pads and the ... tip are individually replaceable.
and another claims:
3. ".[our]Nordic Walking Poles are slightly modified versions of our world-famous trekking poles. All poles feature a narrow profile "cross country"-style grip with the Adjustable/Releasable Trigger Strap. Shafts are composed of expedition-grade aluminum. All poles feature Carbide Tips, removable Rubber Fitness Walking Tips and Baskets...[Our] Nordic Walking Poles allow you to adjust the length of the poles to your height and walking surface. The Super Lock System provides optimum locking with less tightening torque than most adjustable poles. This is the strongest system in the world, with 360 degree reverse turn security and 140kg holding force. It was tested and endorsed by TUV, the official technical test center in Germany. ..
[our] Adjustable/Releasable Trigger Strap offers superior wrist support and the convenience of a releasable system. You can easily click in and out of the grip to grab your water bottle or slip on a jacket and do warm-up/cool-down exercises.
...
Designed to grip pavement and deliver added support and stability, the [] Rubber Fitness Tips should always face towards the back, behind you. This position allows you to “push off” more efficiently, increasing your upper body workout. Remove the Rubber Fitness Tips to expose the Carbide Flextips if you Nordic Walk on gravel or slick surfaces."
This is just a selection. Judge for yourself! If you train with me, i will show you what I consider to be the good and less good points of a range of nordic walking poles so that you can make an informed choice of what to buy.
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