Urban Nordic Walking Clinic - Seattle Waterfront

The is as a 2 hour evening practical clinic starting at 6:30pm> it will introduce Nordic walking to existing and potential Mountaineers Cross-Country Ski Leaders. The clinic is also open to leaders of Urban Walking, Hiking and Snowshoe trips who would like to learn to Nordic walk and may wish to take steps toward qualifying to lead their own Nordic walking trips.

AIM: The aim is to prepare leaders to share diagonal stride and poling practices on pavement to new and returning cross-country skiers and other Mountaineers through Nordic walking to introduce them to this great all-body exercise.

THOSE TO BENEFIT FROM LEADER TRAINING: The main group to benefit will be students registering for the 2026 Mountaineers Basic Ski Courses. But it’s also open to others other Mountaineers Leaders who hike, urban walk and snowshoe and wish to learn this great activity that exercises the whole body and can be done from home and be shared with others.

COMMITMENT: Leaders trained through this seminar will agree to be Assistant Leaders with Chris Ensor as Primary Leader to provide at least one Student Clinic to these skiers before their first on-snow fieldtrip. Or to assist with a Nordic walking clinic for other Mountaineers who hike, urban walk or snowshoe.

STUDENT CLINICS: These clinics on dates to be arranged will better prepare xc ski students for their on-snow training sessions by teaching them on pavement the basics of diagonal stride and correct use of poles. Also, clinics for other Mountaineers to make them eligible to take Nordic walking trips with the Mountaineers when these are offered during 2026.

WHAT WE WILL DO: On December 11 we will practice some diagonal stride and poling drills that will show how to stride effectively and use poles correctly to increase efficiency and momentum: what is termed "moving up from two to four-wheel drive!” We will discuss which aspects of Nordic walking are most useful to new and returning xc skiers and which are not. This is participative! We will work out together what will be best to include for a 90 minute to 2-hour student clinic. Within our 90 minutes we will also take a Nordic Walk through the park and hopefully close by find  or include a short hill we can practice climbing up and descending back down.

CLOTHING AND EQUIPMENT: Allowing for the higher temperatures than up at a snopark the layered clothing we will need for the clinic will be similar to a ski or other outdoor activity class, except substitute trainers for ski boots. Bring a backpack to store spare clothes, water and a snack.

FITNESS AND SPEED: In view of the 2.5 mph pace and 3.5 mile distance that will include some short hills you should be able to maintain this pace so we can keep the clinic group together. There will be some short breaks for instruction, but a good level of fitness and stamina is needed to be able to keep up throughout the session. If you have any concerns about meeting these expectations, please contact the leader in advance to discuss or you have the option to cancel.

PARTICIPATIVE APPROACH: In the clinic each person will be expected to fully participate in all the activities including demonstrating a short drill or exercise from a list that will be shared in advance. If you do not think you can meet this expectation, please contact the leader to discuss or you have the option to cancel.

PUNTUALITY AND RELIABILITY: This is an instructional activity, and the numbers are limited. It will mess up the start of the session and inconvenience the whole group if anyone is late or a no-show. So please allow plenty of time for your journey to arrive and be ready to start at 6:30pm. If you have doubts that you can arrive and be ready on-time please cancel or contact the leader in advance to discuss. If something unavoidable happens that will make you late it is vital that you contact the leader as soon as possible. Thank you for your understanding.

QUESTIONS: Further details will be shared once registration closes on Dec 9. In the interim contact: Chris Ensor (he/him/his) Certified Basic Level Instructor with the American Nordic Walking Association and Mountaineer Nordic Walking Leader cgensor@gmail.com

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT NORDIC WALKING

Urban Nordic Walking is a mix of walking, hiking, and cross-country skiing on streets, in parks, on trail and in most other places where you can travel in open air. Snow and skis are not required!  The movements in Urban Nordic Walking are very similar to classic Nordic skiing but the activity does not require snow or skis. 

Nordic walking has unique advantages over walking, jogging, and cycling for health and fitness because the motion actively exercises the whole body, not just the legs. The poles used for Nordic walking are similar to trekking poles but have specially designed wrap-around wrist straps and rubber tips.

Activities are applicable to all levels of mobility, and beneficial for almost everyone, especially those with balance problems.

Seattle Waterfront Park at 6:30pm Meet by the restrooms across from the Seattle Big Wheel and the Miners Landing Building, 1301 Alaska Way, Seattle 98101. 

The exact meeting location and Google Maps link will be emailed to those who sign up when registration closes