Welcome
NWANA — Nordic Walking Association of North America
The Nordic Walking Association of North America (NWANA) is the national federation developing Nordic Walking as a modern sport across the United States and North America. We build the national system: rules, education, clubs, and national teams.
For Athletes
Train, learn, and compete within a unified national Nordic Walking system.
- Online education and certifications through the NWANA Learning Platform.
- Annual NWANA athlete license (coming soon).
- Pathways to the NWANA U.S. Representative Team and international competitions.
For Clubs & Organizers
NWANA supports local clubs and organizers with rules, technical guidance, and non-profit sanctioning.
- National rulebook and judging standards for Nordic Walking events.
- Support for launching NWANA clubs in cities and regions.
- Sanctioning for competitions and community events that meet national standards.
For Partners & Sponsors
NWANA collaborates with cities, federations, universities, and brands to grow Nordic Walking as both a competitive sport and a health practice.
- City and regional partnerships around the NWANA Southern Tour (2025–2026).
- Corporate wellness and professional training programs.
- Visibility through sanctioned events, club systems, and national teams.
NWANA Southern Tour 2025–2026
The NWANA Southern Tour will cover 24 cities from Washington, DC through the Southeast, across Florida (finishing in Tallahassee), and then along the Gulf Coast, Texas, the Southwest, and California. In each city we will run Nordic Walking clinics, demonstrations, and club-launch sessions, selecting City Leaders and building the foundation for a national club system.
Key Areas of Work
Global Partnership
NWANA is part of the World Nordic Walking Movement, working with international leaders to unify education, rules, and competitive standards. As the continental body for North America, NWANA contributes to global coordination and best practices.
Learn MoreU.S. Representative Team
A national program built on technical standards, transparent selection criteria, and performance-based testing to prepare U.S. athletes for national and international Nordic Walking competitions.
Program DetailsRules & Judging
National rulebook, penalties, appeals, and course standards specific to Nordic Walking in the United States, including protocols for timing, officiating, and start/finish operations.
Open Rulebook & ResourcesEducation & Certification
Multi-level national system: Instructor → Judge → National Coach. Clear certification and recertification pathways with standardized theory, practice, video assessment, and mentoring.
Education ProgramsSanctioning of Events
Non-profit sanctioning for Nordic Walking events that meet national rules, safety requirements, and officiating standards. Organizers receive checklists, course inspection criteria, and technical guidance.
Apply for SanctioningHealth & Safety
Guidelines for safe Nordic Walking practice, including codes of conduct, medical and consent forms, risk-management protocols, and environmental / severe-weather procedures for training and competition.
Safety StandardsCommunity
Support for building local clubs, grassroots initiatives, and regional training groups to create a sustainable national Nordic Walking culture focused on health, sport development, and active living.
Learn MoreSafety & Policies
Code of Conduct, Conflict of Interest, Privacy & Data Use, Media Consent, environmental safety standards, heat protocols, severe weather procedures, and event cancellation criteria.
View PoliciesMedia & Press
Logos, official photos, and a federation fact sheet for media. For interview requests and press coordination, contact the NWANA media office.
Press KitClubs
Official NWANA Nordic Walking clubs across North America. Find your city, join a local training group, or help launch a new club within the national system.
View ClubsThe Nordic Walking Association of North America (NWANA) is the official United States federation dedicated to developing Nordic Walking as a modern sport and building its national system across the country.