How Sisu Grip came to be
Sisu Grip began with a simple observation. In Finland, where walking and spending time in nature are part of everyday life for many people, an idea emerged: Could a walking pole feel lighter on the wrist and offer a different kind of walking experience?
The idea did not begin with a trend or market research, but with a genuine need. A desire to develop a pole that would feel different from the very first steps.
It all started in a parking lot
In 2019, Fredrik Serlachius was talking to his neighbour, who could no longer use regular walking poles due to wrist pain. This conversation sparked the first experiments and the development of a flexible handle structure. The first prototype confirmed that the idea had potential.
First external assessment
For the idea to be properly evaluated, it had to be tested in practice. In 2020, Tuomo Jantunen, a well-known expert in Nordic walking and a sports counselor, received a prototype to test. Initially, his attitude was curiously cautious, but after the test, it became clear that the idea truly had potential.
From Idea to Implementation
In 2023, Fredrik contacted entrepreneur and product developer Jouko Rahikka and asked if he would be interested in taking the idea forward.
Jouko recognized something in the idea that was worth developing further.
After retiring, he was looking for a project that would combine practical development work, product development, and genuine benefit for people.
Sisu Grip offered just that.
Development work in Finland
The actual product development began in Finland. Jouko Rahikka, together with his son Antti Rahikka, started developing the idea into a finished product.
The work focused especially on three things:
the functionality of the materials, the durability of the structure, and the walking feel.
The handle, flexibility, tube structure, and details were tested and refined step by step, so that the end result would not just be an interesting idea, but a truly functional and reliable fitness walking pole.
From Finland to the World
When the product was nearing completion, an international perspective was also introduced. As Antti Rahikka lives in Switzerland, Sisu Grip Schweiz GmbH was established there together with his wife, Stefanie.
Product development, assembly, packaging, and background work for the product will remain in Finland. The Swiss company will focus on sales, marketing, customer service, and the development of Sisu Grip for the European market.
Result of development work
Sisu Grip is the result of years of observation, testing, and development.
It is a Finnish fitness walking pole designed to make walking more comfortable, natural, and enjoyable. We didn't want to create a traditional pole with a new look, but rather a product whose difference can be felt in use.
Sisu Grip is a story of curiosity, solving a practical problem, and the desire to make movement an enjoyable part of everyday life.
