Andreas Wiig is one of the most influential snowboarders still riding today. From his buttery style to his clothing brand, Andreas pushes the limits of both the body and mind. Recently Krush has the opportunity to sit down with Andreas and chat about what it’s like to be him. Here’s what we found out in this week’s Krush Convos with Andreas Wiig.
D.O.B: March 5th, 1981
Age Started Snowboarding: 11
Home Mountain: Vardåsen Skisenter, Norway
Nickname(s): Mandreas
Sponsors: AWSM, Norrona Outerwear, Rockstar Energy Drink, Vans, Electric
Krush: In the past few years you’ve been spending more and more time in the backcountry and filming, do you plan on ever competing again? If no, how do you feel about that?
Andreas: No, I’m not planning to compete again. I felt that I didn’t have the same motivation for the contests as I used to have, and it was time to move on. I’m way more motivated to ride pow!
Sochi 2014?
No, but it would be cool to be there and watch. I think the level of riding is going to be pretty crazy.
You just signed with Norrona, the Norwegian outerwear company. What sets their outerwear apart from the rest?
Norrona is making outerwear of exceptional high quality. They’ve been around since 1929 and are known for being innovative and taking pride in their products. They have their own testing lab and testing team. That’s something that definitely sets them apart from the rest. I was pretty impressed when I went to their offices for the first time and saw how serious they are about making quality outerwear.
Do you ever plan on starting a season in full health?
Well, haha, I’m always planning on it, but it’s been some years since that has happened. I seem to end the seasons in good health and I’m aiming for a healthy start next year!
Urban, park or backcountry?
Backcountry. I ride the park as well, but spend most of my time in the backcountry.
Torstein and you started AWSM more as a crew back in 2009. How did it evolve into the brand it is today?
Yes, that’s correct. It started out as a crew, a crew that was all about having a good time out there. It didn’t take long before we started getting all these questions about what kind of products we were making. We decided to start making belts and accessories. Since then, the company has been growing like crazy. It’s been a short, but amazing journey so far!
Krush just previewed the Spring 2013 line, what were some of your favorite pieces from that line?
The Magic Wallet – It’s magic! The Nicole belt – AWSM for snowboarding. A performance stretch belt. The Highway Star Belt – Classy! The Champ Belt – Stretches for your comfort.
What type of input do you have in design and developing the ASWM product lines?
I always have a lot of ideas about the product designs and about making stuff we’re not already making. Everyone involved in the brand has input when it comes to the color ways and designs of all of our products.
What’s your favorite part about riding for the Vans crew?
My favorite part about riding for Vans is that I’m really good friends with everyone there. I’ve been on the Vans team since 2001, and they’ve been such a big support for me over the years.
Tell me about your signature boots from Vans for this season?
My signature boots are looking really good this year. The shell is a combination of suede leather and normal leather. Inside the tongue there are flex stiffeners so you can adjust the boots flex depending on the riding you’re doing. The liner is super comfortable and there is no heel lift. My favorite boot so far!
What does your set up look like these days?
Norrona outerwear – The Narvik series. My Vans signature boots. Electric EG2 goggles. Awsm Nicole belt. Custom made 165 flat camber board for the pow.
What are your must have products for 2013 winter season?
Electric boot heaters and second layer jackets from Norrona. Have to stay warm out there!
When you’re traveling what’s always in your bag(s)?
Lots of stinky socks and dirty boxers.
Krush’s slogan is “influence your crowd.” How do you think you are influencing the snowboard crowd?
Well, I just hope I inspire some people to get out there and have a good time snowboarding.
(Signature Question) What (to this point) has been your most “Krushable” (epic) moment?
Defending my X-games slopestyle gold in 2008. What’s next for you? This season I’m competing in the X-games Real Snow Backcountry so I’m filming as much as I can.
Got a question for Mandreas? Post it in the comments below and we’ll do our best to get him to answer them for you.
I want to know who’s making his boards