Terje Haakonsen

A True Ledgend By Michael Quilty Terje Haakonsen came into this world on October 11th, 1974 in a place called Vinje, Norway. So there are No surprises…. that Terje is a Norwegian snowboarder. Håkonsen (can also be written as "Haakonsen") ruled freestyle snowboarding during 1990s taking home the ISF half-pipe World Championships three years in a row. First in 1993 then in 95 and again in 1997. He’s also taken out five European titles in the half-pipe 1991, 92, 93, 94 and 1997 as well as the U.S. Open in half-pipe 3 years 1992, 93, 95. He has taken out the Mt. Baker Banked Slalom a massive 6 times, back to back in 1995 and 96, 1998, 2000 and again back to back in 2003, 04. Terje won the Innsbruck Air & Style Contest in back in 1995 and in 2007 he set the world record for highest ‘air’ during the qualifying round of the Arctic Challenge in Oslo. To do this he defied gravity when he soared to an insane height of 9.8 meters that had him flying out of the top of the quarter pipe with a backside 360. Amazing stuff!!! No article would be complete if we didn’t mention that he’s also the mastermind that created the Haakon Flip Terje has also been credited in the development of the T6 snowboard made up of a substance called "Alumafly," The Alumafly core is 90% air by volume and represents the perfect union of high-grade aerospace technology and EGD . The 3D profiled tip-to-tail aluminium honeycomb construction combines engineered performance and strength in an ultra-lightweight core that provides a snappy, non-organic ride as a high-performance alternative to wood cores. He is also the co-creator of the Burton Fish the Terje and JG-designed Fish features a Swallow Tail and S-Rocker™ to maximize float, punch, and acceleration. (specifically designed for powder) and the Burton Malolo,The Malolo’s shallow taper lets guys like Terje and Nicolas Muller spin off cliffs and kickers, lay it sideways, and blast through stashes with uncompromised flow and precision. Whether it’s an epic dump or late day crud, the NEW S-Rocker design equals effortless float that will accelerate you out of even the deepest driving turn. A cross-breed between a freestyle and powder board. He had a star role in the doco First Descent, along with five other exceptional snowboarders, including Shaun White, Hannah Teter and Travis Rice, but in this Movie Terje lays it down big time when he decides to make the first descent down the mind blowing 7601….. you have to watch this clip, it will blow you away. The Man is a mad man or a genius…. you decide. He as also starred in other films such as The Haakonson Factor and Subjekt Haakonson by the filmmaker Dave Seoane. Just a little while back In 2007 Terje made a series of documentaries called Terjes Sesongkort, which means Terje’s Season Pass!!! These docos have you following him through a year of free riding, competitions and taking a look at his life as a pro snowboarder. This series features other accomplished snowboarders such as Nicolas Muller, Shaun White, Mads Jonsson and Kevin Pearce. When asked, Terje referred to the late snowboard legend Craig Kelly as his mentor. Terje is without a doubt one of this sports all time legends… and is certainly an inspiration to many of us out there that love this sport that is Snowboarding Thanks Mate Q