Markus Malin, the cool and calm halfpipe slayer from Finland has been posting top ten results from almost every halfpipe event he has entered on the Swatch TTR World Tour. Markus ended his season 2008/2009 in the Swatch TTR World No 8 spot and managed to climb even higher up the ranks in 2009/10, which he ended in World No. 3 thanks to some great results in early season 2009/2010, taking 4th place at the halfpipe formats of the 6Star O’Neill Evolution, 5th Place at the 6Star Burton European Open and 3rd place at the 5Star Canadian Open halpipe. Topping his season off with a 4th place at the men's final TTR contest in 2009/10, the Burton US Open.

His 2008/2009 season started off with a bang, when he placed 2nd at the 5Star Burton New Zealand Open and 3rd at the 5Star Burton Australian Open halfpipes. Heading to the Southern Hemisphere proved valuable for Malin, as it helped him to maintain a solid spot in the rankings throughout the season.  He did not find the podium again until placing 2nd at the 5Star Nissan X-Trail Asian Open, however, this result, combined with consistent finishes, ensured his spot in the Swatch TTR Top 10.

In 2009/10, Markus has finished his studies and is now focusing on the riding, so expect to see a lot more of Markus on the podium. Finland is currently producing some of the world’s best riders and Malin is no exception.

Interview with Markus Malin in January 2010

How did you start snowboarding?

First I started with skis and I realized it wasn't my cup of tea and I saw someone going down the slope with a snowboard and it looked so cool. So I went to whine to my parents that I wanna try snowboarding, but they didn't have faith in me :) They said: “Let’s rent a snowboard for him and then he will see that it’s not gonna work out.” But in the first day I proved them wrong cause I learned to slide with the board in about 30 min and that’s how I started snowboarding.

Are there any other athletes in your family?

Well not really my little sister was a sprinter for a while but she quit that.

Have your parents supported you throughout the way?
What do they think about snowboarding for a living? Yeah they have. Sometimes a bit too much :) well actually I can't say that I do this for living because I don't get money at all except if I do good in contests :)

Favorite film: well there are so many good movies but one of the favorites is the lord of the rings

Favorite music: I listen all kind of music but mostly rock music

Favorite read: Hmm I don't read much but Dan Brown's books are great.

Favorite food: Moms food :)

What do you do after a hard day of snowboarding?

It depends if I'm tired I don't do anything but usually hang out with my friends and maybe do some other sport.

Are you studying at the moment?

Yeah I just finished high school :) I know it took a while but I'm happy that it is over now. Well I'm not going back to school that’s for sure, after 15 years of studying. Now I just focus on snowboarding and try to make a living out of it.

Do you have any other hobbies on the side of snowboarding?

Playing guitar and I'm into any kind of sport.

Three words that describe Markus Malin? 
Shy, Calm and... I don't know you tell me :)

What is your favourite memory from snowboarding?

Every time I learn a new trick, that’s the best feeling.

How and with who do you learn new tricks?

By myself usually.

How do you keep your nerves during a competition? Do you get nervous? 
I don't know actually… Yes, I do but in a good way, not too much.

What is your favorite TTR competition?

Hmm well there are many. I can't name just one.

What do you think of the development of halfpipe riding in the last few years? How do you keep up with it? 

Well, this year halfpipe riding took a big step forward. Everyone is doing double corks but I haven't done those yet - but I'm working on it :)

What is your favorite trick in the Halfpipe? 
FS indy :)