How to maintain your Nordic walking sticks?
Well-maintained Nordic walking sticks can support their owner for many years, while neglected maintenance significantly shortens their lifespan and may compromise safety during use. Here are the essential steps.
After Each Session
Always wipe down the tips and the lower section of your Nordic walking sticks after every outing, especially if you have been walking on wet or muddy ground. Dried mud trapped in the grooves of a rubber tip will reduce grip, and moisture that seeps into the joints of a telescopic pole can lead to seizing or corrosion.
Cleaning the Straps
Removable straps should be washed by hand in lukewarm water with a mild soap. Avoid putting them in the washing machine, as this can deform the rivets and weaken the fastening system. Let them air-dry away from direct heat sources. Dirty straps retain moisture against the skin and can cause irritation while you walk.
Checking the Tips Regularly
Tips wear down gradually over time. The tungsten tip should remain fine and sharp to provide reliable traction. Once it becomes rounded, it slips more easily and propulsion becomes less efficient. Replacement frequency depends on terrain and training volume, but for intensive off-road use, expect to change them roughly once per season.
Storage
Store your Nordic walking sticks vertically or horizontally in a dry, temperate place. Avoid leaving them in a car boot in midsummer (excessive heat) or in a damp garage in winter. Do not stack heavy objects on top of them to prevent micro-cracks, especially on carbon poles.
Periodic Visual Inspection
Regularly inspect the full length of each pole: a tiny crack in a carbon shaft can fail suddenly under load and cause a fall. If you have any doubt about the structural integrity of a pole, replace it without hesitation.
Key takeaway: Wipe your sticks after every session, hand-wash the straps, check tip wear every month and store your Nordic walking sticks in a dry, impact-free environment.