Eric G Messler a Swedish Sargent in Arctic warfare developed a passion for Nordic skiing that would later become the inspiration to create Erik Sports in 1973 as a North American distributor for Nordic equipment.

My parents had a passion and respect for the outdoors which was enjoyably engraved in my way of life by learning to ski, fish, camp and hunt. They truly enjoyed the outdoors and took the time to include their kids. I have taught this same philosophy of respect and enjoyment of the outdoors to my children. This also is the standard for the products Erik Sports produces so that others can enjoy and experience the outdoors and hopefully include their children.

After a Nor’easter in 1993, I was Nordic skiing in fresh powder with the task of a brand name for Erik Sports products to which we could control engineering & quality. I wanted a name that would represent Nordic skiing, snowshoes & winter fun. Skiing for miles, my mind tangled in ideas, the task seemed to be unsuccessful. Then turning around to head home I noticed all the windward sides of the trees were coated with fresh white powder. From this angle the woods were peacefully white and the epiphany hit me. Whitewoods!

Jan Michael Messler