New Nordic Walking Association

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Currently the dominant ''Power' in the world of Nordic Walking is INWA (International Nordic Walking Association). The reason why Nordic Walking is where it is today is in no small part because of the efforts of INWA. I don't think anyone would deny that INWA has contributed more than anyone else so far to the global development of Nordic Walking.

I am always happy to promote INWA activities. Amongst other things as editor of Nordic Walking News I regularly refer people to INWA to either train as an Instructor or to find an instructor. I am an INWA qualified Instructor myself and I consider the INWA training program to be excellent'.

So where is the problem ? Well simply that a large and growing number of people, companies and other organisations in the world of Nordic Walking consider INWA to be too 'insular' and too 'restrictive'.

INWA are the 'International Nordic Walking Association' but as an Instructor, in theory INWA and it's appointed National Organisations will only support you if you are willing to use 'Exel' Nordic Walking poles and equipment at your classes and workshops and promote / retail Exel equipment to the exclusion of all other manufacturers.

There-in lies the problem. Before I continue you may be wondering, what is the connection here between INWA and Exel ? Well here briefly is the story as I understand it (apologies if I get anything wrong, I am sure I will be corrected if that is the case and of course I will correct this posting).

Nordic Walking as we know it came onto the scene in 1997. Finnish ski pole and equipment manufacturer Exel produced the first commercial 'Nordic Walking' poles which included the specially designed NW wrist straps that are a feature of Nordic Walking poles. The International Nordic Walking Asociation was set up in 2000 to promote 'Nordic Walking' and Exel poles world wide. The reality is that it is very difficult to see where Exel finishes and INWA starts.

Note: I would like to make it clear that I have nothing against Exel poles - I use them myself (as I do other manufacturers poles) and they are excellent.

I and it seems many, many others like me (the numbers are clearly growing by the day), are not comfortable with this arrangement and do not agree with or accept INWA's policy. How much better it would be for the development of Nordic Walking across the world if the International Nordic Walking Association was open to all regardless of what equipment they use or promote.

As it stands INWA are basically an 'Exel' closed shop !

I and again others like me believe the development of Nordic Walking is being restricted because of this policy.

I emphasise I have nothing against INWA or the work they do - Infact I applaud them - It's just their policy I have the problem with. I guess it comes down to commercialism and commercial politics but 'people power' is the biggest power out there and 'people power' can change anything.

Personally I would like to see INWA truly step into the 21st century and operate an open shop policy by not imposing restrictions on their instructors re the equipment they use and promote. By all means incentify your members to use Exel equipment but don't demand it. Instead open your arms and welcome everybody who is passionate about Nordic Walking - no strings attached.

Note: Perhaps 'demand' is too strong a word. I am not aware that INWA 'demand' anything. But put it this way - It is pointed out that of course..."We can't support you unless you use and promote Exel equipment to the exclusion of all others".

What a crying shame this is and so short sighted - in my opinion. As things stand people could be forgiven for thinking that INWA were the marketing division for Exel poles !

So, come on INWA - Open your eyes and truly become the International Association that you claim to by getting everybody behind you - Incentify your members by all means to use your equipment but you have no right to restrict people in the way you have done until now.

It will be to everyones benefit including your own if you change this outdated policy ! Failing a change of INWA policy, do we perhaps need a new, this time 'non profit' making organisation that truly represents Nordic Walking enthusiasts worldwide, one that promotes this great sport / activity without the bias of commercial restrictive policies.

A truly international Nordic Walking Organisation that represents everyone, eg individual enthusiasts, instructors, equipment manufacturers / retailers and yes even organisations such as INWA......Everyone working together to promote and support the common cause of Nordic Walking and nobody barred from the organisation eg instructors because they don't use / promote the 'right' poles and equipment.

As a side note: Wouldn't it be nice if equipment manufacturers stepped forward to voluntary fund the running of such an organisation by way of sponsorship without requiring any direct commercial benefits in return. Ok, perhaps I am expecting too much now... or am I?

Come on pole manufacturers tell me what you think !To the major pole manufacturers what sort of dent would such a funding make in your multi million dollars of annual profit ?

Before you say - yes but that would give the sponsors a commercial interest in the organisation and the organisation would be biased towards them, I say why ?

Take the example of ANWA (American Nordic Walking Association). Visit their website and you will be able to buy poles (via a link to 'Nordic Walking Online') from manufacturers Exel and Swix as well as Leki, despite the fact that Leki are the 'Official Pole Suppliers and Sponsors' to ANWA - No restrictions or bias there !

Interestingly in the UK, pole manufacturers 'Leki' have recently teamed up with 'FitPro' (the UK's leading professional association for fitness leaders) to launch a new Nordic Walking Instructor 'Qualification' program. FitPro have always operated the policy to the effect that...

'No company can restrict FitPro members by requiring them to use their equipment to the exclusion of others'....

Leki are happy with this arrangement which is one of the reasons that FitPro chose Leki and not Exel / INWA, although Exel / INWA were approached first. I know FitPro well as for 6 years I was one of their national representatives here in the South of England.

It is a feather in the cap and a potentially huge commercial advantage for any company to, in effect be endorsed by FitPro. INWA's policy has contributed to them missing out on a potentially golden opportunity in the UK.

Already FitPro / Leki have their Nordic Walking Instructor training program recognised by the approprite government department in the UK as a 'recognised qualfication' (INWA don't), so again for the time being at least INWA have missed out because of their policy.

The bottom line here to all of this is that many people are talking about the INWA issue but nobody is actually doing anything about it. As Editor of Nordic Walking News more and more people are talking to me about it (hence this posting). Interestngly this includes representatives from at least 3 pole companies, not including Exel of course :-)

Only yesterday I was talking to someone involved with the marketing for a major pole manufacturer who said that within their company they had been talking about this very issue just this past week and there was general agreement that an 'independent' international organisation is needed.

I also received an email a few days ago from someone operating in part of europe as the official pole supplier for another pole manufacturer. My contact is teaming up with others to plan an 'independent' Nordic Walking conference to which everyone connected to Nordic Walking will be welcome to attend. Isn't this the way it should be ? The event will probably be held early in 2006.

So, if INWA won't change their policy, I feel the 'will' may be there to do something about it and set up an organisation that is truly representative of all people connected with Nordic Walking worldwide. Of course INWA would be welcome members of such an organisation as far as I'm concerned as would everyone else.

Note: I happen to believe that INWA are the ideal candidates to be the 'International Governing Body' for Nordic Walking. However they are only suitable as candidates if the organisation is to be run by a committee elected by it's members and on the condition that anybody with a passion for Nordic Walking can be a member.

There should be membership catagories eg Instructors, General (eg members of the public), Commercial and other membership organisations. Sponsorship opportunities should be offered to all comers. By all means incentify instructor members to promote the sponsors but don't refuse to support them or let them join if they don't.

I guess it would take some pretty hefty policy changes and reorganisation within INWA but who knows ? I hope this 'open letter' will be viewed in the positive way that it is intended by everyone who reads it. I am not out to 'bash' INWA, nothing could be further from the truth I want to be able to continue supporting them and in turn continue to be supported.

I am just frustrated how such a major organisation can get it so wrong in thinking that the way forward for an International Organisation is to expect their instructors to use one equipment brand to the exclusion of all others in return for support and to not be prepared to work with anyone that does not accept this policy. How can that possibly benefit the greater cause - That of Nordic Walking ?

You are welcome to reply to this posting but you have a 300 character limit. Instead, why not email your reply to me and I will post it for you.

Email: david@nordicwalkingnewsonline.com

Remember I reserve the right to edit all posting. Please do not use postings as a blatant advert for your company or the products you promote. anything I consider as blatant advertising will be edited as will comments I believe to be inappropriately negative. If you wish to post please be as positive as you can. Possible solutions are always better than criticisms without solution.

Thanks

David (Editor)