A Flight of Symbols

Disc golf entered my life over a decade ago, a pastime that seemed nothing more than a fleeting distraction. Little did I know that this seemingly simple and fun game would carve out a path leading to my dream career. I couldn't have imagined that one day, people worldwide would be throwing my signature discs, feeling the thrill of a perfect shot as they engaged in the sport that has become my passion. Over the years, as I evolved, so did the design of the discs that bear my name, each carrying a piece of my essence.

The turning point in my disc golf journey came in 2017 when I joined Latitude 64. It was from the lower ranks, but even that felt monumental for someone from a small country called Estonia. There was no immediate dream or promise of a signature disc, but I was given a small run of discs to celebrate after some victories. One of the first was the Fuzion Defender, featuring my silhouette, which seemed to be a popular design then. The pride I felt was overwhelming. At our wedding, Silver and I threw these discs as our opening throws as husband and wife, a beautiful symbol of who we are today and disc golf's role in bringing us together. Though short-lived, that design marked the beginning of something much bigger.

Silver and I at our wedding / Photo by Iti-Pätrik Järve

As time passed, my contract allowed me a certain amount of credit, which I could use to design and sell fundraiser discs. I was eager to create something beautiful, and I knew I wanted an animal on it, more accurately, a wolf. While browsing image banks for inspiration, I stumbled upon a mandala-style wolf that instantly resonated with me. That design, seemingly chosen by chance, became my story. As my success grew, so did the number of wolf discs, each a testament to my journey and a piece of art cherished by many. The wolf became synonymous with my name, and I am deeply grateful to everyone who has supported me by buying these discs, whether for play or as a collection.

However, as I continued to achieve more in my career, I needed to refine my brand further. Earlier this year, I turned to Neway, experts in their field, to help me on this journey. Through their thoughtful questions and guidance, we arrived at an unexpected symbol: the heron. It wasn’t a bird I had studied closely before, but its appearance felt significant. I recall a moment at the end of the final round of Throw Pink in 2022 when a heron flew up to me, close enough to feel like an omen.

Later that same year, I joined the Holistic Institute in Estonia to take over a year-long study of my inner world. This became another turning point where the symbol of heron reappeared. Its presence became more frequent in the literature and art I consumed and the natural world around me. A particularly meaningful moment came while considering whether to go on a retreat with my now official mentor when a heron flew beside me along the Pärnu River - of course, I decided to go. This bird, associated with Bennu in Egyptian mythology—a deity of rebirth and self-creation—began to symbolize my journey of renewal. Just as Bennu rises in brilliance, I also feel the urge to try to follow this path. 

The heron’s symbolism—patience, wisdom, and transformation—paralleled my evolution in disc golf. It felt suitable to incorporate this elegant bird into my disc designs. Although the wolf was already set for this season’s signature discs, the heron found its place through commemorative discs. The timing was perfect; shortly after, I lifted the trophy at Waco, and the first disc featuring the heron design was born. The moment became even more special when I looked back to my first training round and remembered that two great blue herons were the first ones welcoming me back to the US. They flew over my head as if blessing this new chapter.

Bennu: Ancient Egyptian Symbol Of Rebirth

The heron, with its profound symbolism, has become a new emblem for my journey—one that continues to evolve with each throw, each victory, and each moment of quiet reflection by the water’s edge.

IF YOU’RE LOOKING TO GET YOURSELF A HERON-STAMPED DISC, MAKE SURE TO CHECK OUT THE LATITUDE 64 FACTORY STORE HERE.