Poles for Hiking & Canyon Exploration

Instructor: Jayah Faye Paley
$45 / $35 for ABF members

Power with poles! Learn how optimal use of poles enables you to use your upper body muscles to help preserve your joints and expand your hiking horizons. We’ll start at Anza-Borrego Desert State Park Visitor Center for an introduction and pole fitting. We’ll then head to Borrego Palm Canyon for an easy learning experience with a canyon practice hike.

Top quality poles and gloves provided. You’ll be able to try different models to see what works best for your body, your issues and your goals.

Participants should be able to hike 3 to 5 miles on uneven terrain. Our pace is relaxed so people have a chance to either practice or rest. It’s not about how far or how fast we go; the day is geared towards everyone having a chance to experience the benefits of using poles optimally on a variety of terrain.

Please bring a lunch, plenty of water, sun protection and wear sturdy hiking shoes.

Join us and learn how to use poles so you can:
- reduce knee stress on downhill
- achieve more power & endurance on uphill
- improve performance & stability on all terrain
- improve upper body strength
- avoid hand/wrist/elbow/shoulder strain
- recruit more muscles while walking, which facilitates fat-burning & weight loss
- improve posture
- help prevent injury

Learn what poles fit and suit you best by trying different models on the trail. Learn how to avoid common mistakes that can cause injury or strain. Feel the power as you efficiently transition between techniques on varying terrain. Learning good form can help you to more safely and completely enjoy your outdoor experiences!
Techniques are presented in an easy-to-learn, progressive format that helps you achieve the many benefits of poles.

Some of what we’ll cover in the day:
• Intro, discussion of your goals and issues
• Benefits of using poles
• Equipment Basics
• Straps, adjusting, baseline length
• Posture & Anatomy discussion - How to use muscles vs joints
• Techniques for Flat Terrain & gentle slopes
• Stairs & obstacles
• Rocky Terrain with Long Foam Grips
• Bridges
• Steeper up and down
• Hiking Tips
• Transitioning between techniques as you change terrain
• Power walking with poles for exercise
• Obstacles
• Streams
• Pole care & troubleshooting
• Exercises & stretches to improve performance on the trail

Instructor Jayah Faye Paley is the creator of the only comprehensive training on how to use poles – 2 award-winning DVD’s – “POLES for Hiking, Trekking & Walking” & “POLES for Balance & Mobility.” You can find more information about her on our Instructors page, and at www.PolesForMobility.com & www.AdventureBuddies.NET.