New walking sport

MURRAY WILSON/Manawatu Standard

WHERE'S THE SNOW? Bev Wickenden tries a different summer sport, Nordic walking.

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Nordic walkers look like confused skiers.

Where's the snow?

It is the latest summer sport to reach the Manawatu.

Nordic walking originated in Northern Europe as summer training for cross-country skiers.

Skiers used poles and applied the cross-country technique to walking so they could maintain their fitness and strength during the summer months.

It can be done on asphalt, grass, sand, or gravel.

Ashhurst woman Bev Wickenden first tried Nordic Walking in February after reading about it in a magazine.

"I had to travel to Hastings to try it as that was the nearest class I could find.

"I have got really fit, and can walk so much faster than my normal walking speed and for longer periods."

She described it as walking with polls held on an angle, in the style of skiing.

"You have to give them a slight squeeze, like milking cows.

"It takes a while to get the technique."

She thought the sport would be useful for those recovering from strokes or accidents as the poles helped to increase stability on slippery and uneven surfaces.

"In Germany if people need rehabilitation insurance companies actually pay for people to do Nordic Walking.

"I find it really helps take the pressure off my shoulders."

Mrs Wickenden has convinced Nordic walking New Zealand instructor Barbara Faust to come to Palmerston North to introduce the sport to the region.

"There are many lovely walks around Palmerston North, it will be good to get groups together.

"It's something that does not tie you down to a timetable - you can't always go to the gym but you can get out for a good walk."

INTRODUCTORY COURSES

Introductory Nordic walking courses will be held tomorrow  at Fitzherbert Park from 3pm to 5.30pm. The session costs $60 including pole hire.

Taster course, 6pm to 7pm. The session is $20 including pole hire.

- © Fairfax NZ News