Winter 2009. Assembled around Nicolas Droz, the Homies crew has already been going for a couple of seasons. These movies have played a significant part in the jibbing evolution across Europe, with its action focused more acutely on the new street approach, and the crew is also on the constant hunt for new talent. This precise year, two newcomers make an impression, scoring respectively the intro and ender of the production: Wojtek Pawlusiak from Poland and Frédéric Couderc from Switzerland.

Everything about this Swiss guy demands attention. Be it his natural talent on rails (although we now know he is as good in the park and the backcountry) or his calm, nonchalant attitude, or even his mixed origins, which reminds us how cultural diversity is often sorely lacking in our side sliding community. With a football-loving father from Madagascar, and a Swiss mother who was a ski addict, Fred was involved with all lot of different sports as a kid, especially football, hockey, skiing and rollerblading (nobody’s perfect). He was even sponsored in the latter, before he found his true passion – snowboarding: “I think my cousin Alex Coudray gave me the virus. He was one of the best freeriders of the time,” he remembers. It sure must have inspired some ideas – as he puts himself: as a hyperactive kid, snowboarding was tailored to suit him. “I’ve always loved sports. I really wanted to land in there. Everything made sense when I met Nico Droz.”

Over the course of two seasons, Fred built his reputation as hardcore jibber in the videos Homies 3 and Homies 4 but when he explains his story, it almost feels like he was tagged as a metal specialist by chance: “I mostly started in parks. Then I might have been influenced by American films; I saw what was possible on the streets. We used the opportunity the snow gave us in my valley, but still we went riding pow anytime we could.” And why not? Some nice urban spots, perfectly shaped parks – especially in Les Crosets where Fred likes to spend time – and of course the infamous backcountry ‘Zone’ that appears in many Absinthe videos of the De Marchi era…When you get everything, why choose?

He’s the kind of guy who makes you want to smile. His kindness is obvious at first glance. There is no way to be a jerk with him. He loves snowboarding and will do his best to ride as much as possible. Coudy is always motivated. He gets upset all alone when things don’t work… That is priceless! – Sylvain Bourbousson

Even though he had some great trips and sessions in Switzerland and France, Fred believes his season and his part could have gone better: “I didn’t land any doubles. Nowadays, it’s cool to nail one at least. With the Victors in Arêches I tried one on a big kicker dubbed The Catapult. I almost put a Cab double underflip 10 down…” Winter ended with a bitter knee injury and surgery. “Since I started, I might have only had one season without injury. That’s the way it is. It was still a productive one. And it will help me do better this year! The crew is great, plus Victor De Le Rue and Mathieu Crépel got in, which is very inspiring!”

In addition to his part in Almo’s Drôle de Vie, Fred had the chance to get some coverage in the excellent Incoming by WhatWeWant Films… although the injury curtailed his season at the beginning of March!  “I’ve had my share [of injuries]… twice the ACL, once the meniscus and the cartilage, plus some traumas here and there…”

Now, though, Fred is now done with physio and back on his board, more eager than ever. The guy can give it some. He’s tough and determined: “When I’m at a spot I like, I have to nail my trick. If I don’t get it, that can really upset me!” This winter, he hopes to destroy everything on his path with Almo… if all goes well considering how budgets are being cut left right and centre. Fred is also renegotiating his contract with Salomon, which hopefully makes a priority in keeping such quality riders in the team.