The History of Nordic Walking: INWA's Journey

Origins: 1930s–1960s

Nordic Walking traces its roots to Finland, where competitive cross-country skiers began using poles for off-season training as early as the 1930s.

1966: Leena Jääskeläinen, a Physical Education teacher in Espoo, Finland, introduced “walking with ski poles” as a fitness activity for everyone—not just athletes. This was the first documented use of poles outside competitive training.

A national TV broadcast on MTV3 featured Jääskeläinen demonstrating this method with students in Vantaa, raising early awareness.

Laying the Foundation: 1970's–1990's

1979: Mauri Repo, former head coach of TUL cross-country skiing, developed and included pole walking and running in his training manual Hiihdon Lajiosa.

1987: Jääskeläinen gave the first public demonstration of pole walking at the Finlandia Walk event in Tampere.

“Sauvakävely” (Finnish for pole walking) gained attention through experimental events and early media coverage.

Tuomo Jantunen of Suomen Latu became a key promoter of the movement in Finland.

1995: The first scientific study comparing energy expenditure in pole walking vs. regular walking was published in Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise. Research was undertaken by the Kenneth Cooper Institute in Dallas.

1996: Suomen Latu began collaborating with the Vierumäki Sports Institute and Exel, a Finnish pole manufacturer, to formalise and promote the activity. The first Nordic Walking specific pole began its development.

a sport is born: 1997

The term “Nordic Walking” was coined by Aki Karihtala and his team at Exel to market the activity internationally.

Exel launched the first composite Nordic Walker® poles.

The first Nordic Walking instructional materials and instructor courses were developed.

Nordic Walking was officially introduced to the public in Finland through Suomen Latu's 'Latu ja Polku magazine'

Rapid Growth: 1998–2000

Nordic Walking spread throughout Scandinavia and was even demonstrated to Finland’s President.

By 1998, 160,000 Finns Nordic walked regularly, and over 500,000 had tried it.

Nordic Walking was awarded Finland’s Health Promoting Action of the Year.

The International Nordic Walking Association (INWA), presently Federation was founded in 2000 in Finland by Aki Karihtala to support global education and promotion.

International Expansion: 2001–2005

Nordic Walking deput at the ISPO sporting goods fair by Exel. Exel was the main driver of the introduction of Nordic Walking internationally through its cross-country ski pole distribution network.

Germany and Austria joined INWA.

Instructional videos and manuals were released globally.

INWA introduced the 10 Step teaching Method™ and began expanding educational programs.

Nordic Walking was dubbed a “megatrend in sport” by several European publications.

Global Recognition: 2007–2012

INWA joined TAFISA, the global “Sport for All” organisation.

2010: Nordic Walking was active in over 40 countries. INWA celebrated its 10th anniversary and launched the first World Nordic Walking Day (10.10.10).

Exel had sold over 6 million pairs of Nordic Walking poles in just 10 years.

Instructor training expanded to Japan and Slovenia, with updated manuals and global workshops.

Deepening Global Reach: 2016–2019

INWA expanded in China, training over 100 instructors and launching the first International Nordic Walking Challenge in Qinghai.

The INWA World Cup was introduced with events in China, Latvia, and Estonia—one held at 3600 meters above sea level in Tibet!

Nordic Walking gained popularity across Russia and the Middle East.

2019: INWA hosted its first official race course in Tallinn, Estonia.

Adapting and Innovating: 2020 Onward

INWA introduced new training levels, a structured National Trainer process, and adapted teaching to the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The annual convention and 20th anniversary celebration were held online.

Despite restrictions, INWA continued developing Nordic Walking programs and global reach.

A full competition concept is launched, including race official training and world cup competition rules,

Over 300 athletes compete in the 2024 World Cup in Lahti Finland, with teams from all over the world.

In 2024 INWA Launched its Nordic Walking Programme for Children and Teens and trained its first specialist Instructors.

INWA develops and launches the INWA Academy, an on-line learning platform offering digital learning tools other than enhance its in person courses.

Today, Nordic Walking is a global movement practiced in over 40 countries and supported by a strong international community. INWA remains the driving force and governing body behind education, events, and the growth of Nordic Walking as a sport and wellness activity for all.