Weather for (Nordic) Walking in the Falklands

One way of describing the weather in the Falklands, is "variable".  The old adage - "If you don't like the weather, just wait 5 minutes" - holds true.

Stunning views reward the climbing of sand dunes!

We rarely have to cope with excessive heat, although last week did see some flesh exposed to the warm sun.  The summer has been very wet in Stanley, but some parts of the Islands are suffering from droughts and grass fires.

A sheltered spot on Surf Bay

 An aspect of the weather that most visitors comment on is the wind, and this is a constant feature, with a daily average of about 17mph.

However, it does keep us cool, and the penguins like it!

King Penguin joining our group

Last week, as we struggled into a gale along Surf Bay, a lone King Penguin emerged from the frothing waves and accompanied us for a while.  Maybe he thought he was with friends?

Despite the weather, Nordic Walking is enjoyable and beneficial.

It is good for all ages and all shapes and sizes.  And the terrain around Stanley allows us to find varied surfaces which offer suitable challenges to all levels of fitness.

If you want more details or would like to try Nordic Walking around Stanley, please get in touch.

Peter

phone - (00500) 21178
email - peteryoung111@gmail.com

Try Nordic Walking around Stanley!

This is an occasional blog of Nordic Walking, now happening around Stanley in the Falkland Islands!

UK Nordic Walkers on Cancer charity walk.  Note length of stride.

But first, I wanted to show the above picture to demonstrate  how Nordic Walking can lengthen your stride.  This is helped by the poles, which, in turn, means that you are engaging all the upper body's muscle groups.

So, Nordic Walking does give you an all-over workout!  By using an instructor, you'll learn this technique and get the most out of the exercise.

Striding at Surf Bay

Here in the Falklands, finding level areas for walking can be a challenge. Even the beaches can be tricky terrain. However, the poles help get over obstacles and up slopes, using muscles not normally used when walking.

Workout on the dunes

 I organise walks in a variety of venues, depending on the weather, and fitness levels of walkers.

Pause to enjoy the view.

 But, it's not all hard work.  One of the benefits of Nordic Walking is that you can have a conversation while exercising.  Try doing that while swimming!

HMS Dauntless

 And as we are outside, we get the chance to see wildlife and visitors to Stanley!

Pausing to spot HMS Dauntless

 As walkers' fitness levels improve, we go on longer and harder routes.  We are now including Mt Tumbledown in our regular walks....

Mt Tumbledown

Bright day at The Narrows

But, no matter your fitness level, Nordic Walking can be good for you.  I have worked with people recovering from strokes who struggled initially to walk 100 yards. Within a few months, they were walking miles.   And I've also worked with people preparing to climb Kilimanjaro.

The poles support your body weight, taking weight off your joints and making walking easier.

If you want to try it, please get in touch,

Peter
Tel.   00500 21178
email - peteryoung111(at)gmail.com

(replace "at" with the @ symbol)

Nordic Walking in the Falklands

Hi,

Despite the weather, Nordic Walking has continued through the Falklands winter. Walkers have enjoyed improving their fitness while striding through the frost and snow.

Pausing to watch the Gentoos.

In the dunes around Yorke Bay, the sand has been frozen a few times, which actually makes walking easier!  An added bonus has been watching a growing group of Gentoo penguins arriving on the beach.

Striding through the snow....

Nordic Walking is an ideal exercise, no matter your fitness level. Whether for short walks along a beach or for fast uphill work, the poles mean your upper body and cardiovascular system can have a good workout.  How hard you work is up to you!

Spectators

Arm, shoulder and back muscles are brought into use, especially going uphill.  And it is simple to adjust the speed to exercise your heart and lungs.

Going downhill, even in snow, is very stable with the extra balance that the poles provide.

Whalebone Cove

So, if you want to enjoy the scenery around Stanley AND get fitter, why not try Nordic Walking?

For an introduction, please give me a call,

Peter Young

Tel. 21178

Getting fitter in the sun and snow around Stanley!

Hi,

This is a blog to showcase Nordic Walking in the Falkland Islands.  I currently take small groups of walkers for fitness walks around Stanley, and will be developing the range of walks in August, when I return from a holiday.  I'll just leave you with some recent examples of how invigorating this activity can be......

Warming up at Surf Bay

Striding out through the snow and sand at Surf Bay

Taking a break, and enjoying the view above the Racecourse

Feel free to get in touch in August if you wish to find out more.

Peter
21178

Flypast Finale

Very appropriately on Armed Forces Day, we had just finished warming down at the end of an energetic hour of Nordic Walking, when two RAF Typhoons flew east over us.

The wide, flat expanse of Surf Bay.  Good for improving technique.

We had been walking around Whalebone Cove, taking in the views and dodging the snow showers, when the low-flying jets came over the hills.

Nearing the Narrows

They returned at speed a few minutes later and did a couple of low-level circuits of Stanley airport, almost touching the runway before powering skywards in a steep curve.

We waved our poles at them, and I'm sure they waggled their wings in reply!

It was a splendid display to round off an excellent morning's exercise.  "Awesome workout", as one new enthusiast put it!  It's certainly a great way to burn calories, and tone up muscles.

Due to other commitments, I'm taking a break for a couple of weeks, but Nordic Walking will be resuming in August.  Do please get in touch then if you wish to try this excellent and healthy activity.  See the advert in Penguin News in a few weeks.

Peter

Wonderful Winter (Nordic) Walking Weather

Panoramic views from Canopus Hill

The recent snow has melted, and Nordic Walkers have enjoyed crisp days and cloudless skies this week.  Visibility has been superb, too, and so we have trekked up several hills around Stanley.  Not very high hills, but they have all-round views of the area, and the slope has added a more demanding dimension to our workout.  

A chance to see your style

 The dunes around Yorke Bay have been frozen, and give an opportunity for undulating scenery and great Nordic Walking.  There's also some wildlife still around.....

Local residents soaking up the sun.....

Powering up the dunes.

 So, there is no need to sit round the fire all winter.  Wrap up well, and enjoy an invigorating walk with others around Stanley.  You will soon warm up!  

And you could be contributing to making your shadow smaller!

If you would like to try Nordic Walking in and around Stanley, do please get in touch,

Peter
21178

More snow....less sand! Nordic Walking continues!

Once again, the weather hasn't dampened the enthusiasm of Nordic Walkers in Stanley, on the Falklands.

Striding out on Surf Bay

There's been a chill in the air most days recently, but this often makes for ideal walking conditions.  Nordic Walking uses most of the upper body muscles, and these large muscle groups soon generate heat.

So, even when the wind is blowing , it's possible to practise this all-over exercise.  In fact, leaning into the breeze can often make it a better work-out and improve technique!

Certainly, the recent converts to the sport have been finishing with a warm glow after an invigorating hour exercise.

Disappearing dunes!

Where the weather has had an impact is the removal of tons of sand dunes on Surf Bay, making it tricky to walk up and down the dunes!

But even in the snow, the walkers have been able to get out on the beach, and onto the Racecourse.

The views to the snow-covered hills have been delightful recently,  and are a reminder of why this sport is booming in many countries.  Whilst taking exercise indoors will always be popular, there is added benefit from an outdoor activity.

To the hills!

No sign of the Beacon!

The scenery is constantly changing; we are aware of our surroundings; we observe the changing seasons, and often catch glimpses of wildlife such as dolphins and seals, as we walk.

Tramping through the kelp.

If you would like to try this sport on the Falklands, please do get in touch.  My advert is on the back page of Penguin News, and my number is 21178.

Peter