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Yesterday I took my new knee for a spin on the local 1.5 mile beach boardwalk (only did about a half mile), also tried a short walk on the beach... what I'm finding is I'm pretty sure there isn't a smooth level surface to walk on anywhere outside. The wind, rain, sand, and sunshine tend to make things very weathered.

So, I'm thinking of trying some trekking poles. I understand they can really help with balance and keeping pressure off knees, lower back, and hips. Hoping they can help me move with a bit more confidence.

I have read several individuals feed back that they have helped them. I keep telling myself that at least one would sure increase my stability on uneven trails. I do not want to bounce...or not bounce...in a fal if I can help it. I haven't done much research but would expect that there is some science and mechanics in fitting the height of the walking sticks to ones frame for best effect. And probably like most things, a learning curve.

Mickie -

I've been looking at them myself for when I talk longer 'walks'. The Disney Motion TV program (that they've since taken off the air) had a few episodes about camping necessities (back packs, poles, tents, etc) as well as tips into national parks & monuments. The host''s explanation made sense. The pole will help you stabilize on uneven terrain and can possibly help so you don't fall. You need to make sure you get some good ones that won't bend/break.

It may also depend on where you'll walking. There are different versions of them, some with basket thingy's for trekking in snow, but I'd hazard a guess the same could probably be used on beaches, or the pole may just sink into sand.

But what do I know - I'm learning too.

I have had a pair for probably 17 years. I pretty much use only one at a time. Really notice the difference when I don't have one.

People often think they are ski poles. For comparisons, I would check the REI website.

I use only one pole, and love it. Got it at REI on sale.

As far as fitting to your height, mine has a telescoping feature, so I can adjust it depending on which way I'm headed (uphill or down -- it makes a difference). And mine has a kind of shock absorber, which keeps it pretty stiff but with a little give.

The older we get, the more likely we are to fall or twist an ankle. I wouldn't take a hike without mine. Simply walking is a different story. I'm not THAT old ...

Laura

I love my Leki poles. They are adjustable and you can put various tips on them. You can find you tube videos,on how to,adjust and use properly. Got mine at REI store.
Velda

Don't have poles but do use my staff when hiking. It does take strain off knees.

Thanks for all the input, gals! I've been reading and researching today, got all set to get some lightweight carbon fiber ones but then I learned they don't do well in salt water, hmph.

So I'm going to order these, they come with 3-4 different tips, baskets for snow/sand/mud, pointy sharp for ice (which I hope to never see again ), rubber for flat surfaces. They're aluminum so they'll do better with the salt water here, and very adjustable.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008CK5JHY?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00

I'm so excited, feel like like I might get my independence back!!

I had one with the regular type handle, but going downhill, I often put my hand on top of it for stability and it hurt my hand. I ended up getting one with a cane-type handle like this: http://www.amazon.com/Leki-Wanderfreund ... 3401281_45

Actually the one I got has a cork handle, but the one above looks like the handle is more padded. My hands are so sore all the time!

It is a lot easier to lean on than the old one.

I had a telescoping Leki, which gave out on me, so while I know it was not normal, I refused to get another one that telescopes. Last year I bought one of the wood walking sticks many parks carry and love it. Plus I don't feel it will break, so puts my mind at peace also.

Trekking pole update: These things are great!!! I've done two half mile loops on the boardwalk (a beach dune walkover made of wood, it runs about 1.5 miles total), and today did a mile roundtrip on the beach at sunrise.

I have been thinking about getting something like this for hiking. Thanks for all of the information and the websites. Now if I could just get away from work!

gypsyrose1126 wrote:I have been thinking about getting something like this for hiking. Thanks for all of the information and the websites. Now if I could just get away from work!

I will say, if I could make the initial purchase again, I'd go lighter, these thing get heavy after a while!

I like these a bunch and might upgrade to them at some point: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00MP2 ... ET4Y3XS7V2

invested in 2 walking sticks... they work great! wouldn't hike w/o them! I have knees that im trying to save! better to be safe than sorry!