Nordic Walking Association of North America NWANA

The Nordic Walking Association of North America (NWANA) is a U.S. nonprofit organization recognized by the Internal Revenue Service as tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code and classified as a public charity.

NWANA is the continental governing and sanctioning body for competitive Nordic Walking across North America.

Through NWANA, people can learn and compete, professionals can develop their qualifications, communities and organizations can establish NW Groups, organizers can develop activities and competitions, and partners, sponsors, donors, and volunteers can contribute to the growth of Nordic Walking.

Choose the pathway that best fits your role today.

Discover Nordic Walking

New to Nordic Walking or want to understand it better? Take NWANA’s free introductory course and discover the activity, equipment, basic movement principles, and opportunities for recreation, fitness, and sport.

The course is free. A free NWANA Academy account is required to enroll.

Explore NWANA

Education and Professional Development

Access Nordic Walking education and development pathways for participants, instructors, coaches, judges, organizers, leaders, and other professionals.

Button: EXPLORE NWANA ACADEMY

Nordic Walking Groups

Join an existing NW Group or help establish a new group for your community, sports organization, workplace, school, university, healthcare organization, or another eligible setting.

Choose Your Role

Compare the available pathways for participants, athletes, professionals, organizers, organizations, partners, sponsors, donors, volunteers, and community leaders.

Current NWANA Competitions

The NWANA Open Nordic Walking Series provides scheduled virtual competition opportunities open to participants worldwide.

Register for a published distance, complete it within the specified competition period, submit the required evidence, and follow official results and standings.

Work with NWANA

Partners

Work with NWANA to develop programs, education, locations, activities, events, community access, professional resources, media, or sport opportunities.

PARTNER WITH NWANA

Sponsors

Support a specific NWANA program, competition, educational initiative, local group, professional-development pathway, community project, or area of organizational growth.

Events and Competitions

Collaborate with NWANA on clinics, workshops, educational sessions, community activities, fundraising events, or other organizational programs.

Competition organizers can also contact NWANA Sport to discuss technical requirements, recognition, or sanctioning.

Donations and Funds

Support Nordic Walking education, community access, NW Groups, competitions, professional development, organizational infrastructure, or another designated NWANA purpose.

Governance, Safety, and Public Trust

NWANA maintains public resources addressing organizational governance, legal terms, participant conduct, Safe Sport, Anti-Doping, safety standards, privacy, financial participation, and responsible program and competition development.

Learn more about NWANA, review the applicable policies and standards, or contact the organization directly.

NWANA is building competitive Nordic Walking in a logical sequence: education first, community growth second, and larger competition systems as the next stage.

This short overview presents how Academy training, local communities, and long-term sport governance fit together in one North American pathway.

• Training instructors, coaches, judges, leaders, and staff
• Creating local communities where people can join nearby
• Preparing the foundation for athletes, clubs, events, and rankings