Spring has sprung, so make sure you get your poles and get outside in the warmer weather as much as you can for some good long Nordic Walks. (But of course, first enjoy reading this special edition of your quarterly Nordic Walking Update.)

What's in this special '10th Anniversary' Edition...

• Nordic Academy is celebrating its' 10 year anniversary - hip hip hooray!
• Join us in 2016 for a majestic Austrian Alps Walking Holiday - Bookings now open
• Hot New Product: the ONE WAY hydro backpack. Special offer valid only til 9 Oct
• ESSA on board with Nordic Walking - hosting a Nordic Academy training course

Yoo hoo!! We are delighted that next month we will reach and celebrate 10 years of growing Nordic Walking, running professional training and providing high quality Nordic Walking services in Australia (and Oceania).

What an amazing time it has all been!!

The absolute beginning goes back further than 2005 though, and to the other side of the world. We first got into Nordic Walking whilst living in Austria between 2003 and 2005. During that time we received our initial and then subsequent trainings to become International Master Trainers by Europe's best pioneers. Armed with our business plan and lots of enthusiasm we moved back to Australia in October 2005 and got started straightaway on our vision to share the benefits and enjoyment of Nordic Walking with as many others as possible in this part of the world.

Our early days were humble - our first office was located in the attic of Maree's mother's place. It had no windows, and was  a sweatbox through the Summer! It was tough but it was what we had to do for our first 1.5 years in order to live without an income.

Our growth and accomplishments since then make us feel very proud. We'll elaborate on the highlights of these in the next edition of Update, but most and above all as to what stands out for us are the stories and feedback that we have received from people and our Instructors about what a positive difference Nordic Walking has made to their lives. This is what has kept us going and motivated to live and breathe Nordic Walking every single day for the past 10 years.

To all of those people out there who have been part of our journey (whether it be fleeting or long term) we say a HUGE thank you. If the quality and success of a business is best measured by their clients' satisfaction and loyalty then we're doing extremely well!  

There'll be more stories and snippets about Nordic Academy, Nordic Walking, us (Patrick & Maree) and the past 10 years coming up in the next (10th year) editions of Update. For now though, its time to go and crack open a bottle of champas.

Cheers to you, to us, and to the bright future of Nordic Walking in Australia!

Back in 2010 we took guests over to Patrick's homeland for the first time and due to the success of the trips we've done so every year since. 

Guests love the fact that our walking holiday provides an authentic experience in a pristine 'off the tourist  track' area. The 10-day tour is based in a fine 4 star hotel in the little village of Faschina. http://www.alpenresort-walsertal.at/  Each day is fully programmed and includes guided walks, cultural activities and sightseeing over the nearby borders of Liechtenstein and Germany.

We can assure you that this is a holiday that will leave you feeling as happy and alive as Julie Andrews singing to the sound of music. ;-)

To view the breathtaking scenery, the varied cultural activities we do, the people (and characters) we meet, the fun that we have on tour, as well as what YOU could be doing next year - check out the Austrian Alps Tour Photo Gallery.  

To take your first step of the journey to join us next June or July, download the information flyer or visit the Austrian Alps Walking Tour Webpage.

For more info or to book your place contact Patrick via austrianalps@nordicacademy.com.au.

NB. The Early Bird special price closes 30th November, but if you're interested, please don't dilly dally about in contacting us as these tours are popular and are already filling.

We love quality and stylish products and this new backpack is a treat! 

This brand new 15L hydro backpack from ONE WAY is a light weight, slim-line and stretch-fit pack for trail running and Nordic Walking. It moves with your body and easily carries your essentials for day hikes and Nordic Walking sessions/ classes. NB. It is also ideal for other active sports such as mountain biking.

It's a hydro pack with a separate compartment for a water bladder; with slots on both straps for the valve exit.

Comparable backpacks cost between $100 and $200. We are delighted to be able to offer you this ONE WAY hydro backpack for just $75 which is 37% off retail price + $15 P/H.

This offer is available by pre-order only. Meaning you order now and receive the backpack mid-November. Which is perfect timing for Christmas (making it a terrific gift idea - for yourself or someone else).
Orders must be received by Friday 9 October.

Order via phone on 0433 775 227 or online: www.mynordicsports.com.au

Nordic Academy's Nordic Walking Training Course for health and fitness professionals has been accredited with Exercise & Sports Science Australia for several years now, however this Spring ESSA's recognition and support for Nordic Walking and our training goes one step further. 

ESSA is currently promoting Nordic Walking and its benefits, as well as the value of certified Instructor training, to their member base of Exercise Physiologists and Sport Science professionals.

In conjunction with Nordic Academy, ESSA has organised and will host a Nordic Walking Training Course at the Mercure Hotel in Melbourne on 14 & 15 November. This training course is also open to other (non-ESSA member) health and fitnesss professionals, so if you'd like to join in, please do! For more information and to register: click here.

Until the next Update,
stay well and keep Nordic Walking...

Patrick, Maree
and the Nordic Academy Team