HOW TO CHOOSE YOUR POLES FOR NORDIC WALKING?

Very popular in Scandinavian countries, Nordic walking allows you to enjoy sporty and relaxing outdoor outings all year round. But before getting started, it is necessary to take the time to choose the right poles for Nordic walking, the essential equipment for this discipline.

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What are Nordic walking poles for?

Dynamic and accessible to all, Nordic walking is a derivative of cross-country skiing and is therefore necessarily practiced with 2 poles. Be careful though, it is impossible to substitute them for your ski accessories, you will have to find specific equipment for this activity. Thanks to the Nordic walking pole, you will improve the propulsion of your strides and thus increase your pace. It will also enhance the swinging motion of your arms and pull your body forward to increase your speed. The use of poles for Nordic walking makes this sport a complete discipline that engages every muscle in the body.

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Which Nordic walking pole to choose according to your level?

Nordic walker beginner (1 to 2 times per month)

Nordic walking poles with an aluminium tube will delight you with their solidity. For the wrists, the plastic, although it's a little slippery, will be more than comfortable enough for the frequency of your outings. Secure your poles with fixed gauntlets. This is what we call the wrist straps that are attached to the thumb and which facilitate the opening movement of the hand when propelling. Finally, prefer round and steel tips to begin safely.

Regular Nordic walker (1 time per week)

To improve your performance, you will need a pole for Nordic walking that is light but stiff and therefore made of 80% carbon. There are 100% carbon models, but they may lack flexibility. Comfort will also be a key issue in your choice, which is why you should opt for cork handles that will give you an optimal grip throughout your outings. Cork offers a good grip, but it also has the advantage of absorbing perspiration. The bevelled tungsten tips are solid and provide a good grip and will accompany you on all terrains. To improve your performance, you will need a light but rigid Nordic walking pole, which is made of 80% carbon. There are 100% carbon models, but they may lack flexibility. Comfort will also be a key issue in your choice, which is why you should opt for cork handles that will give you an optimal grip throughout your outings. Cork offers a good grip, but it also has the advantage of absorbing perspiration. The bevelled tungsten tips are solid and provide good grip and will accompany you on all terrains. As you start to pick up speed, you should choose a pole for Nordic walking that will limit vibrations. A model made of 50% carbon and equipped with elastomer handles with a good grip will allow you to walk comfortably for several hours. Given your experience, removable gauntlets will give you more freedom. Finally, as for the tip, a tungsten finish and a rounded shape will offer you a resistance to any test.

Expert Nordic walker (at least 3 times a week)

To improve your performance, you will need a pole for Nordic walking that is light but stiff and therefore made of 80% carbon. There are 100% carbon models, but they may lack flexibility. Comfort will also be a key issue in your choice, which is why you should opt for cork handles that will give you an optimal grip throughout your outings. Cork offers a good grip, but it also has the advantage of absorbing perspiration. Solid and providing a good grip, the bevelled tungsten tips will accompany you on all terrains.

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What length for Nordic walking poles?

To choose poles for Nordic walking, the easiest way is to try them out. Stand up, take your Nordic walking poles in your hand and put their tips on the ground. Your elbow should be positioned at 90° so that your equipment is at the right height.

To get an idea of the right size of Nordic walking pole, you can refer to this chart:

You can also easily calculate the optimal pole height using the following formula: Walker size (cm) x 0.68. For example, if you are 1.80 m tall, the correct size for a Nordic walking pole is 122.4 cm; a 120 cm model is therefore recommended.

Nordic walking is the perfect sport for keeping fit while going outdoors in summer and winter. But before fully enjoying the benefits of this discipline, take the time to choose poles for Nordic walking adapted to your level and to the right size.