1. Purpose of Pre-Session Safety Checks

  • identify and eliminate hazards

  • confirm that all participants are physically ready

  • ensure equipment is functioning correctly

  • adapt the session if conditions have changed (weather, terrain, lighting)

  • demonstrate professionalism and responsibility

Safety checks should be done before the warm-up and should be systematic.

2. Environmental Safety Check

2.1. Weather Conditions

Assess:

  • temperature (extreme heat/cold)

  • wind strength

  • rain, ice, or snow

  • humidity levels

Adapt the session if needed:

  • shorten duration

  • avoid certain terrains

  • modify intensity

2.2. Terrain Assessment

Walk the starting area and look for:

  • uneven surfaces

  • slippery patches

  • loose gravel

  • potholes

  • mud

  • roots or branches

Choose a route that minimizes risk for beginners.

2.3. Visibility and Lighting

Ensure the route is well-lit and highly visible.
If lighting is weak:

  • shorten the route

  • avoid wooded areas

  • maintain tighter group formation

2.4. Surrounding Environment

Check for:

  • traffic

  • cyclists

  • dogs running off-leash

  • crowded pedestrian zones

Safety always takes priority over convenience.

3. Equipment Safety Check

3.1. Poles (Instructor + Participants)

Verify:

  • straps are secure

  • tips are tightened and not loose

  • rubber pads (if used) are correctly attached

  • no cracks in pole shafts

3.2. Participant Footwear

Ensure:

  • closed, stable shoes

  • good tread

  • no sandals, heels, or unstable footwear

3.3. Clothing

Check that participants wear:

  • weather-appropriate layers

  • gloves in cold weather

  • reflective elements if low visibility

Equipment issues must be fixed before starting the session.

4. Participant Readiness Check

4.1. Short Verbal Check-In

Ask simple questions:

  • “Is anyone experiencing pain today?”

  • “Any recent injuries I should know about?”

  • “Does anyone feel unwell or extremely tired?”

4.2. Identify Red Flags

If participants report:

  • dizziness

  • sharp pain

  • recent fall

  • breathing difficulty

  • major fatigue

Adjust their load or recommend skipping the session.

4.3. Hydration & Temperature Awareness

Remind participants to:

  • drink water before and after

  • remove layers if overheating

  • avoid starting cold in winter conditions

5. Instructor Self-Check

Instructors must also be physically and mentally prepared.

Verify:

  • you have full range of movement for demonstrating

  • your poles are safe

  • you are not lightheaded, dehydrated, or overly fatigued

  • you know the planned route and alternatives

A safe instructor leads a safe session.

6. Group Management Preparation

6.1. Participant Count

Know exactly how many people are present.

6.2. Group Composition

Identify:

  • low-fitness participants

  • individuals with limitations

  • new participants

  • those who may require closer supervision

6.3. Emergency Information (Basic)

Instructors should know:

  • who has medical alerts (if disclosed voluntarily)

  • who may need closer observation

  • how to reach emergency services

Never request private medical details; only use what participants voluntarily share.

7. Adaptation Based on Safety Check Results

If conditions are not ideal:

  • shorten the session

  • choose the safest possible route

  • reduce intensity

  • extend warm-up

  • avoid advanced drills

  • maintain closer group formation

Flexibility is a required instructor skill.

8. Summary

Pre-session safety checks ensure that every training session starts on a solid foundation. A responsible instructor always:

  • evaluates environment, weather, and terrain

  • checks equipment for safe function

  • verifies participant readiness

  • adapts the session plan when necessary

  • maintains clear oversight of the group

These preventative steps dramatically reduce risk and establish a professional, safety-focused standard for all Nordic Walking instruction.

Last modified: Friday, 27 March 2026, 8:38 PM