Friends

Daniel paddled hard each day and it didn´t take long until he could follow us into the big white water. He developed faster than anyone I had ever seen, and you could see that he had fun! He could not accept that we were better. Instead of sulking, he simply made sure to be just as good as us. Daniel returned to the town of Dala-Floda the following summers, and after two years, he eventually convinced his mother to move from Stockholm to the white water of Dalarna. Already after his first year since his debut, he participated in his first competition, Master of Water, in Dala-Floda. The spectators were incredibly impressed with this young man´s courage, and he quickly became a crowd favourite. Daniel ruled junior competitions and soon gained a spot on the national team. He has the courage necessary, no matter if it´s a huge jump on a snowboard, bicycle or in a kayak. He always gives 100% and almost always wins.

Read more about Daniel at  Young Swedish Amatuers

There are few filmmakers who are so dedicated themselves to the adventures as David is. Have you heard of any other filmmakers who are trying to learn a Rodeo 540 on skis at the age of 34 years, and actually makes it?
David travels the world to film and produce content and he has won Banff Mountain Film Festival, created one of the seven best format in the Public Service, and participated as one of the first Swedes at the Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour.
He's passionate about everything that includes adventures and likes to have fun it’s as simple as that. He loves making film, to be an artist with a camera, preferably with ropes, ice ax and his backpack!

"My favorite clothes are for sure the Power Hoodie that I have way too many of, it is simply the perfect garment, and Toasty Top Hat that keeps my head warm, no matter if I'm far out in the archipelago on a rescue vessel or on the way up Stetind and waiting for the right light."

He is a natural talent in the most things he do. Whether it is to flow smoothly on a downhill bike down slippery trails in Åre, or to double some woopies.  After many years of competing in World Cup boardercross, with a medal in his luggage, Jonte ended his career at the Turin Olympics, 2006. Instead, he began to coach the Norwegian snowboard team. When  Jonte is not coaching snowboarders he assemble bikes at the store Åre-skidsport. One month a year, he usually heads for warmer climates for the new-found passion, surfing. You can thank Jonte that there are now a breast pocket on the Power Jacket. He values his Snuff dearly and bears it close to his  heart. Besides, Jonte wears with pride his Power Houdi and lets the Chimney Shorts prove their worth.

Anders was born in a little farm in Pilterud, Vikersund. He has been skiing since the day he took his first steps. His family always brought Anders to the slope when he was a kid and he spent o lot of time there.

About four years ago he started with Twintop and after that everything has gone better for Anders. He has been skiing all over the world with alot of new people. He have hade the pleasure to get to learn filmteams in different countrys. He is very greatful to his family because the always made him ski alot in his younger days.

Anders thinks that skiing is a terrific sport because you can always grow in it. "Thanks to all of my sponsers that´s always been there for me, supporting me.

Other hobby that Anders does is Downhill, Kayak and MX.

To check out his homepage, click here

Markus Torgeby has always has gone his own way. Competing in his first race at ten years old, he completed the distance with his nose bleeding and large blisters on his feet. It may have been a daunting experience, but his drive, desire to compete and the love of running began at this moment.
 
At the age of 20, Markus left the comforts of "normal" life behind. He bought a tent, filled a backpack with survival gear and moved into the forests of Jämtland, Sweden. He took this decision with the intent to give himself "time". Time to think, time to run, time to rest.
During the four years Mark lived in the tent he was followed by documentary filmmaker Peter Magnusson, who made the film Löparen (the Runner). You can see the movie trailer on www.helionfilm.se.
 
Today, Markus is thirty-three years and his love of running still burns brightly. He sees racing as a challange, as a way to truly understand and know oneself.  His philosophy is that running is so much more than the performance and the clock. It is about the journey, of reaching your limits and trying to get past them...experiencing the fullfilment and satisfaction of completing a difficult and sometimes painful task.
On a lighter note, Markus correctly points out that running is a perfect way to explore and see new locations.
 
Today, Markus is also a lecturer, motivational speaker and columnist. He enjoys sharing his stories about running, his experiences, and about life in general. To read more about him enter www.markustorgeby.se

Serkan was born in Istanbul and started climbing at the age of 13 in Kocaeli, Turkey. He spent some years in Bulgaria and Germany and ended up i Stockholm, Sweden where he now lives.

Serkan has had the opportunity to climb in many countries with the best climbers and he is the only national team climber from Turkey that has the International Routesetter Certificate from IFSC, International Federation of Sportsclimbing. Serkan is a versatile climber who loves both bouldering, sportsclimbing and alpine climbing. He say he learns different skills and techniques from the variety. Strength in bouldering, techniques in sportsclimbing and the psycological strength from alpine climbing. If he shouldn´t practice all different sort of climbing, he doesn´t think he would be as good as he is now. The hardest route he has climbed so far is at the grade of 8c+. Spending time outside is important to Serkan, hanging out with good friends at the same time makes it even better.

"There are just so many different sports! I want to try and learn new things. The mountains have always fascinated me; they´re an endless source of challenge, but also an unrelenting teacher. I think that´s why I got hooked onto climbing and skiing in alpine terrain. Itís the same with the ocean, water sports are also fascinating." At the moment, Calle is finishing his education to become an internationally certified mountain guide, while trying his hand at kite surfing! As one of our favorite models, we have made him test each and every one of our products through the years to guarantee the best fit and comfort. Spending more time outside than inside, Calle knows what does and doesn´t work. "Design and a varying thermal capacity in one and the same garment means that you can get by with one layer less. Before the Alpine Alphies were introduced, I used to wear two base layers to stay warm when belaying, but when climbing I got much too warm and sweaty instead. Thanks to lightweight garments that breathe and keep you warm at the right spots, you don´t need to freeze or loose performance to keep warm. The new base layers in merino wool have different thicknesses in different areas. Incredibly comfortable and very nice to wear thanks to the fabric and the great fit". The Power Houdi is another one of Calleís favorites: "I got my first one in 2001. Itís been with me for a long time and itís still going strong. Every time you put on a Power Houdi, it´s like getting a nice hug!"

Stian started to climb about 12 years ago, but even though he´s still young he has already competed in national and international competions. After a few years he needed a break, and he went for a long roadtrip and discovered Europe during four months with an ending in Aix-en Provence, where he staid for a year. While being there he spent all of his time climbing.

After many years of devotion to climbing he more and more gave in for bouldring. The movements are very fun and you get a feeling of freedom with bouldring, that feeling is unbeatable. The last three years his devotion has been for boulder but sometimes he goes back to regular climbing. But it´s not likely that Stian will ever go back to climbing.

Stians goal is to always perform his best and grow in the different kinds of bouldring. He has different kinds of projects a head of him this winter and then he´s leaving for South Africa next year.

His favourite clothings from Houdini is:

Liquid Skin Tee, Alpha Crew, Power Houdi, Warp, Liquid Rock Pants, Chimney Shorts and Power Wrist Gaiters.

After watching the Dosage- films way to many times, it became obvious that I had to go to Ticino in Switzerland. Since I, at that time was working my way through my final practil year as a physiotherapist. I didn´t have the opportunity to take a long time off, but I hoped that 10 days would be sufficient to stagger the worst hunger. And Ticino did not let me down.

Steep and gymnastic bouldering, beautiful surroundings and the sunny weather made this trip a success from day one although 10 days doesn´t come close to being enough time. I especially enjoyed Magic Woods, where only got one day of climbing. This is the most fantastic, narrow gorge with granite blocs and pine trees located between a steep hill and a river. Hopefully I will return next spring and have a looky on all the superblines I never got the time to giva a go on this trip.

Nine years ago, Lina was introduced to MTB cross country. It was instant
love. After a trip to Åre 2004, where she tried downhill for the first time, her interest in going more down the mountain was awakened. A sudden injuryhowever put it off for another year. But after that she has developed rapidly on her downhill bike. Now, five years later and with an inexhaustible passion for speed and being outdoors with friends, cycling is a passion. It is an intense sport that requires physical strength, focus, and daring. And Lina does dare at full speed. She has won the Swedish Downhill Cup, women's elite, the last two years. Also, this year she went to France and won the Masters World Championships, women 35+.

To do sports and racing has always been part of Linas’ life. To compete in downhill was therefore a given challenge. "It's a mind game to compete in downhill, you must keep control of your nerves, have focus and
ride down the race track on the mountain as fast as you can, without crashing of course. The feeling when you deliver and have the fastest run is a thrill!"

Some of Lina´s favorite bike places are New Zealand and British Columbia, Canada. Magnificent nature with great bike parks with high quality and a wide selection where it’s easy to find likeminded people. The variety in the sport is great, it is either hard, technical and steep, or has nice flow in a freeride track.

Climbing granite is a favourite that has taken Hanna several times to Yosemite in the US. On the most recent trip, she and her boyfriend became the first Swedes to climb the notorious The Nose on El Cap in one day. One of Hannaís favourite Houdini garments is the : Since they have a slightly high-waist in the back and donít hinder freedom of movement, they are perfect to climb in. They don't cling to your legs either, and are super comfortable On somewhat warmer trips, Hanna has two other frequently used garments, and . But Hanna thinks that the best of all our garments is definitely the : ìI love the Liquid Skin Crew! Itís so comfortable. Iíve had it in blasting sunshine and it worked way better than expected.î When itís a little cooler, a is the obvious choice under a shell jacket  Hanna Mellin

Goal-oriented and stubbornness are qualities that describe Johan well.

-As a sailor, I'm impulsive and physically strong. I have to make decisions quickly and act right away, Johan says.

Things are going very well for Johan. Sailing has taken him halfway around the world to places like China, Brazil and Martinique.

-Nothing beats the feeling of success and I'm working very hard with every little detail. It is this development that drives me forward, he says.

The difference between training sessions can be huge. It can be everything from big, bright sunshine in Brazil to the grim winter of Sweden. Despite the weather in Sweden, Johan doesnít get lazy. Keeping up with sailing even during the darkest months of the year is vital.

-As long as there is no ice, I can sail. I need at least four days a week on the water, Johan says.

When the weather is wicked and cold, Houdiniís clothing fits him right in.

-The Alpha Crew or the Speed Crew have a permanent place underneath my dry suit. Long Power Tights are also one of my favourites. I have even helped Houdini develop some of the garments, Toasty Crew is a really warm and comfy sweater to wear under a dry suit, and Liquid Skin Crew is a thin, durable and quick drying shirt with excellent sunscreen protection, Johan says with a big smile.

Working out is something that characterize a big part of Janettes lifestyle. After WM in Åre she put her skis on the side and decided to devote herself to personal training. But skiing is still a big part of Janettes life, she will this winter be in the slopes in USA, Japan and the Alps with her girlfriends.

Her personality is creative, inspireing, happy and strong. She always says what she thinks and for that reason she is a natural choice for Houdini to help out with the development of the products.

Her favourite products to use from Houdini is W´s Power Houdi a perfect choice for long trips, good to have both down and up on the mountain. W´s Movement Tanktop is the perfect working out top, she uses it everyday in her training. She haven´t been skiing a day without the Mix Wrap Bra since she got her first a long time ago.

Christian Åslund has worked with Greenpeace since 1998. He has documented campaigns in India, Svalbard in Norway, Iraq, Indonesia, and Alaska and throughout the US. Christian was on the Greenpeace boat Arctic Sunrise and documented the blocking of the toxic ship Probo Koala until it remained in Estonia. Together with his assignments for Greenpeace, Christian has developed into one of Swedenís premier ski photographers. His photographs have been published in magazines all around the world, such as Powder Magazine, Outside, Ultrasport and Brant. Christianís work as a ski photographer means that our clothing is put through the toughest tests, clothing that must stand up to great temperature changes. He carries all of his equipment up the mountain, followed by many cold hours of standing still. Christian Åslund

He has crossed Lake Hövsgöl Nuur in Mongolia on Nordic skates with some true enthusiasts from the Swedish Skate Sailing Association. It was so cold that carving with the newly sharpened skates was almost impossible. As well as being able to work at 6,000-metre altitudes or at -50 degrees Celsius, he has to be ready for desert heat or tropical rains. Felix is an exceptionally demanding user of our products, and one of the most inspiring people we know! Felix Oppenheim

At the age of twelve Mats found a way to kill off any future boredom in the small village of Dala feeds in western Dalarna. The solution was called Västerdalälven, an exciting and ever-changing playground with endless possibilities. With the best possible conditions began Mats paddle rapids. Surrounded by water rafting in the world and with support from the local kayak school Kajaktiv. Mats developed so quickly that he,only two years later, started to win races and hold his own courses of Kajaktiv.

Now, ten years later, Mats owns at least a dozen SM medals and has a given place in the Swedish Freestyle National Team. He has paddled and explored the rivers around the world and has also played an important role in the development of Swedish freestyle kayaking. Last but not least, he is a very proud Houdini Friend.

Mats lives more or less in his Thrill Twill Pants and when paddling The Chad is an obvious choice.

For the last few years, he´s been the owner of a sail-making firm and has regularly been hired in as guest sailor on all kinds of competition boats to trim the sails and tweak the boat speeds. His last effort was Archipelago Raid, a 470 km long non-stop race in the Stockholm and Åland archipelgos. This year, Anders won with Calle Hennix in his Formula 18 boat. During these four days, Anders and Calle were clothed in dry suits, with Houdini Power Shorts, Alpha Loft Vest, Alpha Boxers and Alpha Crew underneath.

Stefan Rasmussen´s passion is in bouldering and particularly to develop new stuff. The search for new hard lines around Sweden continues. Around Västervik are over 500 boulder problems with first ascents signed SR. The Rasmussen family uses most of their spare time to hunt boulders and being out in the woods and fields. Several new areas under development. A new blog page with guides on boulder under development are under production. Here we present new and old locations, see link; Blocv-Fold, here you will find travelogues, photos and movies and other interesting stuff that we are interested in. Here is a movie about the latest hard climb of the Pro 2 8A-8B boulder at Marstrand in Västervik.
 
On the contest front, it will be made appearances at various events, and Stefan will be involved in arranging several races. Otherwise, he works frantically with the trainer education and a new federal education for route builder to contests and climbing walls around the country
 
During October, there will be a 2 week road trip through Sweden from Kjuge via Gothenburg to Örebro and on to the Åland Islands, the list of what to do is long. Stay tuned ...

She hasn´t totally stopped competing. Skier cross, freeskiing and slope style competitions have been on her schedule the last few years. Ane´s skiing career began as a two-year old when she took her first turns on her home soil in Hemsedal, Norway. Today, Chamonix is her home base and a packed bag is always at the ready for assignments with the Nuit de la Glisse team as soon the film team´s meteorologists predict ideal filming conditions. Even though she skis all over the world, Norway tops Ane´s list of favourites. Ane uses our Chimney Shorts or Drop Knee Power Tights depending on the weather. On her upper body, she likes it loose and often combines Speed Crew and Power Houdi. Alpha Boxers and Mix Wrap Bra is her favourite underwear. Ane Enderud

As the initiator, project manager and artistic director of the Swedish Posse Jerk can probably be said to be the Sheriff of the gang. His aim is often set to one of his squires and best friends, skiers Kaj Zackrisson, Sverre Liliequist or Jon Örarbäck. Together, they head to where the snow has fallen to capture the moment that the rest of us only dream about to experience. Jerks artistic talent left their mark here at Houdini. He is fastidious when it comes to the aesthetics and is therefore an obvious juror when we select new qualities.He has made a limited edition of the Power Houdi and the Speed Crew with a stylized sketch condor.The inspiration Jerk finds in Argentina. Where can be seen the majestic birds, the world's largest and has up to three meter between wing tips, at high altitude in the Andes mountains. Swedish Posse