PLAYGROUND SUBZERO.
AREA M Winter means: Ice Experiences in the BMW M2, BMW M3 or the BMW M Ice Racer above the Arctic Circle; Snow Experiences on the Sölden Glacier at an altitude of 3,000 metres; Snow Drift Experiences in the Pitztal; or designing your very own Experiences with the ‘Custom’ option. AREA M Winter heats up the cold season with excitement, thrills and adrenaline.
It is precisely these aspects that extreme surfer and BMW M enthusiast Freddie Meadows associates with his own sport. The Swede is a pioneer in tracking down big waves in Scandinavia, which he surfs in every season, even in cold conditions with temperatures around freezing and below. In this interview, he talks about the similarities between surfing and drifting, the sense of community, and how he learnt to ‘dance’ on a drift track.
FREDDIE MEADOWS.
FREDDIE MEADOWS.
Nationality:
Sweden
Profession:
Surfer / Explorer
Passion:
Life
Favourite BMW M model:
BMW M3 Touring
Motto:
Love thy fate.
Hi Freddie, thank you for taking the time to talk to us. Could you tell us: what does driving mean to you?
Driving has so many layers in my life… cars have been my partners in surf exploration. Even a home at times - some years I’ve slept over 150 days in my BMW. They’re a place of reflection… and there’s no feeling like taking your seat in a fully packed car with the promise of adventure ahead.
What has been your favourite AREA M experience so far?
The location and flow of the AREA M Ice Experience, the people and community vibes we all felt in a really strong way… but of course, putting in the time and earning that seat in the Ice Racer are some of my most special memories, and gave me that extra trust and comfort when our roads freeze at home.
Which driving manoeuvre did you really have to practice to master?
Learning to ‘dance’ as my coach Tom would say. Really seeking those limits whilst flowing smoothly through your drifts around the track. I remember taking any free time I had on set to get out and try to master it.
A road trip everyone should do at least once?
One through Scandinavia.
What was your first experience with cars that made you think: ‘Yes, I like this!’?
I’ve always admired cars and been impressed by them. When I became an ambassador for BMW Sweden in 2016, it really opened up a new world for me. That's when I started seeing the details.
What was your first car, and what was your first BMW M model?
My first car was a BMW in 2016. It was a BMW X6 30d, and I was so proud, we did basically all of Scandinavia together; a lot of kilometres. My first BMW M model was a BMW M5 in 2017. Hard to drive anything else once you’ve driven an M.
What is the difference between surfing in Portugal, Hawaii or Australia and surfing in the North Sea or even in Arctic waters?
Everything is different: the way waves break, the surroundings and arena, your equipment. The distances that you drive. Temperature is an obvious difference. But daylight is arguably the most challenging aspect.
Is there anything in common between surfing on a board and drifting in a sports car? And if so, how would you describe it?
Absolutely, and something I thought about often whilst in Arjeplog. The precision, focus and timing of your turns or manoeuvres, whilst being as relaxed, calm and fluid as possible. In a way that is what it means to be both a great surfer and a great drifter.
Is there one feeling you find when surfing, that you also can find at AREA M?
I’d say the excitement, suspense and adrenaline. Also, the partnership… between you, your car, the track… it’s very similar to you and your board and the wave.
ABOUT.
Swedish surfer Freddie Meadows has made a name for himself by riding the waves of the North Sea and the Baltic Sea. As a former professional, he has a wealth of experience in big-wave surfing. As a result, the search for the ultimate wave in seas where hardly anyone else would surf has become his great passion. This is why he is also known as Scandinavia’s most successful wave hunter. Neither wind nor weather nor season pose an obstacle to him; on the contrary, Freddie particularly enjoys surfing in winter.
Freddie discovered his love of surfing at the age of 13; at 16 he moved to Portugal, where Marlon Lipke – European champion of the World Surf League – took him under his wing. After more than ten years on the professional circuit, he returned to Sweden to devote himself to seeking out, finding and surfing the biggest waves in the coldest waters.
What I Call AREA M with Freddie Meadows.
[1] Performance data of petrol engines apply to vehicles using RON 98 fuel. Fuel consumption data apply to vehicles using reference fuels in accordance with EU Regulation 715/2007. Unleaded RON 91 and higher with a maximum ethanol content of 10% (E10) may also be used. BMW recommends RON 95 fuel. For high-performance automobiles, BMW recommends RON 98 fuel.
Range depends on various factors, in particular: individual driving style, route characteristics, outside temperature, heating/air conditioning, pre-conditioning.
For plug-in hybrid: Electric drive depending on battery charging level.
For plug-in hybrid: At temperatures below minus 10 degrees Celsius, the fully electric drive system is only available after a few kilometres of driving, once the battery has heated to operational temperature.
For plug-in hybrid: Composed of combustion engine drive and electric drive. Electric drive depending on battery charging level.
For models with Boost function: Temporary uprating <10 seconds in excess of specified nominal value.
The models illustrated include optional equipment. Due to regular software updates, screen designs in the communication may differ from the actual screen design in your car.
All vehicles, equipment, combination possibilities and varieties shown here are examples and can differ in your country. In no way do they constitute a binding offer by the BMW M GmbH. Visit your local BMW website or see your authorised BMW M Retailer for accurate details on the offers in your country.
The stated values were determined in accordance with the prescribed WLTP measurement method. The actual values depend on various factors, e.g. load, driving style, route, weather, auxiliary users (including air conditioning), tires, battery state of health. For ranges, data determined as per WLTP takes into account any optional equipment (available on the German market in this case).
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