February 21, 2008 Vermont man spreads word of Nordic skating Play video

(NECN) - Nordic skating has been popular in Europe for centuries but it is only now gaining traction in the U.S. Vermont resident Jamie Hess is a large part of the reason why.

Hess, who has been skating for more than a decade, likens Nordic skating to cross country skiing and roller blading. Cross country-like boots clip onto a steel blade and the skater takes long, diagonal strides. Some use poles for more speed and stability.

Hess learned about Nordic skating on a trip to Sweden back in 1999. Now, he runs a skate and ski shop in Norwich, Vermont and organizes regular Nordic skating events around the region. Hess is determined to popularize the little-known winter sport. He says that when it comes to spreading the word about Nordic skating, his job is made easier by the fact that it is easy to learn and easy to master.

NECN's Anya Huneke has his story.