by Nick Gillett

IDRE 2014

Offseason training is vital in maintaining the physical prowess of the Södermalm athlete. Open to all players and social members, Team captain Dylan O’Keefe went to the drawing board and designed a program that saw him lead a troop to the alpine training facilities at Idre Fjäll. A leading institution in motion and sports science, it was the ideal location to test the dexterity and endurance of the boys. Not phased by the bleak forecast the squad eked their way out of the Stockholm gridlock and onto the open road. Arriving late into the night the lads settled into their ‘ski-to’ cabin ready for an early start.

Day 1 Training Day:

First light unveiled plenty of the white stuff with few souls to be seen. At first lifts, the RedBull Wings team greeted Södermalm athletes with bright smiles. As the resort was desolate, it appears they blew in on wind an Australian Football squad would be in town. Grateful, the boys downed their energy cans and hit the slopes for an epic day of off pist action, followed by rehydration and sauna therapy.

Day 2 Endless Sunrises:

Clear skies and a fresh dusting sent the mood to fever pitch on day two. After performance statistics of day 1 were reviewed, the lads targeted the northern slopes. Hi fives were plenty with a new sun rising every time the chairlift rolled back over the mountain. Inspiring snowboarding late afternoon and refreshing after-ski drinks capped off a truly memorable day.

Day 3 Last Runs:
Challenging conditions, poor visibility and fatigue did not hinder the performance of athletes on day three. Gnarly jumps and box grinds were the order of the day and capped the final skill and neurological drills with the lads thoroughly pleasing the coaching staff. Afterwards, the gentlemen slipped out of their wet long johns and into a dry martini to celebrate a job well done.

The camp was a huge success in the eyes of Captain Dylan O’Keefe as his comments to the press reflected “It was a huge success.” He also stated “the boys dug deep… knee deep at times… we’re stoked with the results. It will become an annual fixture of our offseason training and recreation program.”

Awards given for exploits and achievements Idre 2014

Best Single Run: Mick Larsson

Next Level Snowboarding: Josh Hemsley

Style and Flow: Max Larsson

Best Wipeout: Dylan O’Keefe
Sauna to Snow Record: Nick Gillett