In today’s special episode, I’m honored to be joined by snowboarding legend, trailblazing athlete, influencer and one of my personal heroes, Terje Haakonsen. 

Terje is an athlete I’ve looked up to and studied throughout my own career. He has revolutionized the sport in so many ways, pioneering new concepts, pushing the envelope and constantly evolving what success in snowboarding looks like. I’m thrilled to have this conversation with Terje, and get to pick the brain of one of the most inspiring athletes of all time. 

Terje talks about his journey from his early career, the pivotal decisions he made along the way, and what he’s doing today. He also shares the state of modern professional snowboarding, advice for aspiring snowboarders and their parents, and why he’s passionate about staying active. 

Things You’ll Learn In This Episode 

Terje’s philosophy on exercise and movement
It’s important to keep our bodies programmed for activity and movement instead of letting age dictate what we can or cannot do. Terje is passionate about keeping himself active and putting fun at the center of everything he does. Why is this so important for him? 

The path to professional and financially sustainable snowboarding
We start snowboarding because we love it but things change when it turns into our livelihood. How did Terje navigate being catapulted into the professional realm and set himself up for success in terms of money, sponsorships and competitions? 

How to put innovation at the center of snowboarding
In snowboarding, “people have become conditioned to riding in perfect conditions with their perfect trick list, and they are missing out on all the different senses of the sport.” How can we continue progressing the sport and keep it interesting? 

Terje’s advice to aspiring professional snowboarders
With platforms like YouTube and Instagram, there are new paths to a successful snowboarding career. What is Terje’s advice to young athletes who want to make a name for themselves?

Guest Bio- 

Terje Haakonsen is a Norwegian professional snowboarder, and arguably the greatest legend in snowboarding. He is considered one of the most influential snowboarders in the history of the sport, and the rider who most others look up to.

Terje is the master of amplitude and style in the halfpipe and quarterpipes, and he is also one of the fastest riders in the world. Terje’s flowing style and his proficiency on all types of terrain are what has characterized his snowboarding and have had the greatest impact on the sport. While the foundations of his career were laid in halfpipe competitions, he also established himself as a dominant athlete through films and international snowboard productions. Here he would show his skills freeriding in powder, big mountains and in "big air" competitions — the forerunners to today's slopestyle competitions.

 Follow Terje on Instagram.