Testimonials
Andrew Buchanan; Okehampton
I had my first attempt at Nordic Walking yesterday, with Elaine Slyvester.
The lesson was started with a short introduction on the history, types of poles and how to get the right size. Then a demonstration on how it is done, the basics of the method, the lesson continued starting off on flat ground, then uphill, downhill and flat on Dartmoor.
I was amazed at the ease of it, and the distance covered, achieving enough skill to be confident on my own. I thought that this was all done at an easy rate, and at just the right level. The fault checking was excellent, and any mistakes were checked before they became implanted.
Elaine was a total stranger, yet her manner and instructional technique, made me feel at ease and not feeling a fool at my age! The whole lesson was extremely enjoyable, and was not rushed in the least. I enjoyed the whole experience, and would wholeheartedly recommend her as an Instructor. I will also continue with her planned group walks.
June Holmes; Taunton Somerset.
I found Elaine's telephone number in the Summer Dartmoor magazine. I wanted to give Nordic walking a try as I had completed the Ridgeway walk and loved it so much that I wanted to carry on and complete some more long distance trails. The next one I wanted to try was the coast to coast from St Bees Head in the Lake District to Robins Hood Bay North Yorkshire 192 miles!!!
I had heard that Nordic walking could help you climbs the hills and descend them with less pressure on the knees and back. I just had to give it a go!!!
Well I'm glad I picked up the magazine and found Elaine's number. The whole tuition session was so informative with warm up exercises, and why this is needed before we started our walk, and taking us out on the moor so we could try out all the different terrain, with the poles. I found this really helped with my body posture, making it a lot easier on my back and knees and, of course, Elaine can assess you as you are walking and let you know if you are continuing to walk correctly with the poles. There were five of us in the group and each one of us would recommend Elaine to teach anyone to Nordic walk... go for it!!.
After the session ended I got talking to Elaine about long distance walking and told her I wanted to complete the coast to coast walk she said if I wanted she would be happy to lead the walk, as she had experience with navigation and leading walks on Dartmoor. Again, I am so glad we took her up on this as four of us completed the walk. With Elaine"s experience and brill personality, which is needed in a group walk, I had the time of my life. Thank you so much Elaine.
I first met Elaine on a "Taster walk". She is so passionate about Nordic walking and is a very patient and good instructor. Elaine encourages and instills confidence in her "students" and is great fun to walk with.
Her approach enthused me to take up nordic walking as a hobby, as well as a fantastic way to keep fit as it also strengthens the upper body. I was led to invest in a "pair of poles" and regularly can be seen walking around Kingsteignton. They are very useful for walking up steep hills too it is a bit like "four wheeled drive" walking!
I used to walk regularly on Dartmoor, but early stage osteoarthritis, particularly in my feet and knees has become a problem but Nordic walking has given me a new way of walking on Dartmoor.
Thanks Elaine for introducing me to such a fabulous new sport. One of your "passionate students"
Cilla; Devon
If you would like to contact me or have any questions, please email me, or call me on 07989 575182.
