Train with British Nordic Walking

Why train with British Nordic Walking? 

By training with British Nordic Walking you don’t just become a Nordic Walking instructor, you join a national community of Nordic Walking instructors in the UK and become part of a global network through the International Nordic Walking Federation (INWA). 

As the only UK representative of INWA, we train our instructors in the INWA 10 Step Method. This means you will teach Nordic Walking to the highest standard, giving benefits that other techniques are not designed to achieve. Put simply, our technique is head and shoulders above the rest, and the research shows it. 

Alternatively you can train as a Nordic Walk Leader, qualifying you to lead walks for people who have already been taught Nordic Walking by one of our instructors and to assist an instructor in their group walks. 

If your organisation is interested in running an in-house course, please contact us to discuss the options. 

 

What courses do British Nordic Walking offer?

We offer two key training courses for people wanting to work in Nordic Walking:

Our Nordic Walking Instructors can enhance their offering by taking specialist courses in:

  • Nordic Walking and people living with Parkinson’s
  • Balance and Co-ordination
  • Nordic Walking and Diabetes
  • Norfit

Any questions? Call us on 01332 504949. We’d love to hear from you.

What do instructors say about our training? 

“Learning the complete 10 Step Technique was important, especially steps 6-10 which take Nordic Walking to its full extent. Even as an experienced Nordic Walker it was good to get feedback on my technique.”

“This has been the most enjoyable course I have been on for many years. As a tutor, Catherine’s enthusiasm and expertise were an inspiration – she’s a fab instructor.” 

“The course was very enjoyable – hard work but rewarding.”

"Just wanted to say how much I enjoyed the Instructor Course this weekend and meeting everyone. I have come away feeling really inspired and had my first 'business' meeting (and obviously a walk) this morning, with a friend who qualified as an Instructor in July. Thank you very much for all your help and ideas."

 

Who becomes a British Nordic Walking instructor? 

British Nordic Walking instructors come from a wide range of backgrounds: 

  • Nordic Walking enthusiasts – of course! – including career changers, retired people and anyone looking for a new lease of life or another string to their bow.
  • Fitness: personal trainers, gym instructors, Pilates teachers.
  • Health: physiotherapists, osteopaths, GPs, cardiac rehab specialists, complimentary therapists.
  • Community: charity and community group project workers, teachers.
  • Outdoor enthusiasts: Outward Bound instructors, park rangers, walk leaders, fell runners, mountain leaders, orienteering coaches.

British Nordic Walking instructors can be found working on a commercial basis or as volunteers. 

What is a Nordic Walking instructor training course like? 

We run training courses throughout the year at our centres around the UK. Instructor courses last two days and include thorough tuition in teaching the INWA 10 Step Method as well as guidance on the practicalities of working as a Nordic Walking instructor. The course combines classroom-based theory with practical outdoors tuition. 

The course fees include a full colour manual, assessment, certification and your first year’s annual membership on British Nordic Walking. 

Are there any ongoing costs after qualifying as an instructor? 

There are three costs to maintaining your status as a British Nordic Walking instructor: 

Maintaining your Instructor status with British Nordic Walking 

Your course fee includes a year’s Instructor Membership with British Nordic Walking. You'll become:

  • part of a supportive Nordic Walking instructor community,
  • align yourself with a nationally and internationally respected brand,
  • enjoy practical help from our head office, and
  • get a listing on our website – as well as many other benefits. 

We make no further charges for our instructors and you are free to operate as an independent instructor with no obligation to pay commission or any other fees to us in respect of your income. Of course, we hope you continue to be involved with British Nordic Walking and make the most of the opportunities that accreditation includes. 

Insurance 

To practice as a British Nordic Walking instructor you must take out appropriate insurance – as a  British Nordic Walking instructor you can access specialist  insurance through our scheme or any other insurance provider . 

First Aid Qualification 

To practice as a British Nordic Walking instructor you must take a first aid qualification which must then be renewed every three years. There are plenty of providers of this training around the UK. 

You might also want to invest in attending some of our CPD courses and our annual convention although these are not compulsory costs to you. 

 

 

What are the benefits of becoming a Instructor member with British Nordic Walking?

Instructor benefits that you can tap into include: 

Being part of the British Nordic Walking and INWA brands 

  • Endorsement by two leading organisations in the world of Nordic Walking to boost your credentials as a Nordic Walking instructor.
  • The ability to use the British Nordic Walking and INWA logos on all your publicity material.
  • Exclusive British Nordic Walking instructor’s jacket – show your affiliation and keep warm and dry at the same time! 

Being part of the British Nordic Walking community               

  • Joining of a thriving, supportive community of instructors.
  • Attending the British Nordic Walking Annual Convention to share experiences and learn about developments in Nordic Walking.
  • Attending the INWA Annual Conference to meet Nordic Walking pioneers and hearing the latest research in the field.
  • Access to INWA courses and scientific research into the health benefits of Nordic Walking.
  • Regular email newsletters to keep you in touch with news of updates from British Nordic Walking and INWA.
  • Ongoing support from our team at British Nordic Walking HQ with any questions you have.

Making savings and earning money 

  • 40% discount on a set of Exel teaching poles – a saving of around £400.
  • Our members-only insurance scheme, designed specifically for Nordic Walking – negotiated by us to ensure that you get a competitive rate.
  • 25% off the RRP of poles through our member only Instructor Retail Scheme – giving you the chance to earn through selling poles, spare parts and accessories to your clients.
  • Discounts with Osprey and Grubs

Getting help with promoting your Nordic Walking classes and groups 

  • A listing on our British Nordic Walking “Find an Instructor” web directory – a good way to help people find you. Use it in place of, or as a complement to your own web site.
  • Membership of our exclusive Facebook group for British Nordic Walking Instructors where you can ask and answer questions, share your news, and support your colleagues.
  • Free poster and leaflet templates – use these or create your own to suit the flavour of your local market. As long as you stick to our simple brand guidelines when using the logos, we’ll let you do what suits you.
  • Access to our library of exclusive Nordic Walking images – use these on your web site or printed promotional material.

    Our courses