Young surfer is gliding ahead, writes Bronwynne Jooste

Surging through the swells as Kommetjie’s Long Beach, teen surfer Mikey February shows the skill that is taking him to the top of the game. At just 14, Mikey is already ranked fifth in South Africa’s under-18 surfer standings, and he is gearing up to compete in the world Championship to be held in France later this year.

Living just metres from the surf, he strolls down for a practice session at least five times a week. Mikey recently took first place in the Volcom surfing contest in Durban and was placed fifth in the Oakley Junior Pro’s under-20 division. Earlier this year, he came second in the under-16 division of the Quiksilver King of Groms competition. Mikey said that after stepping onto a board just over seven years ago, he never looked back.

The Silvermine Academy pupil said he won his first contest just a year after starting surfing, coming out tops in the under-10 category.
“My dad’s a surfer and my friend invited me to come along for one of his lessons one day. It felt good, and I’ve liked it ever since.”

His passion for the sport has translated into an impressive list of achievements. Last year he won the billabong Junior Series overall, and came out tops in the under 14 division of the South African Championships. He has been the South African champ in his age group for two consecutive year.

Mikey received his first major sponsorship at 10 years old, from popular surfing brand Quiksilver. He also appeared in a sponsorship film called 14 below, which was shot in the Maldive Islands and focused on South African surfers under 15 years old.

Mikey is modest about his success and understands what needs to make a successful surfer. “You need to have good boards, and be surfing well. You also must have spare equipment.”

Mikey hits the waves on custom-made Hutchsom Handcrafted Surfboards. He has been working with brand owner, John Hutchison, for a few years and he is probably one of the only 14-year-olds in the country to have a surfboard named after him – the Mikey model.
Taking to the sea, he glides from one watery mountain to the next, seldom losing his composure in Long Beach’s choppy water.

From the shore, Mikey’s younger brother and bidding surfer, Luke, 7, is in awe of his sibling’s talent.

Their father, Isaac February, can’t hide his pride, saying he had wanted his son to explore the surfing lifestyle.

“Now it’s become his lifestyle, his dream,” said February. He said one of Mikey’s defining techniques was his ability to execute airborne manoeuvres with apparent ease. “When a surfer does that, the judge notice”. Mikey still gets nervous before competitions, but sees this as positive. “You have to have that mind-set, that you are good enough. The nerves help – it’s better than being over-confident.”

For aspirant young surf kings, Mikey advises a visit to the nearest surfing school. “You can get a feel for it, and they will teach you everything you need to know.” His surfing future is bright, but Mikey’s goal is to finish school and perhaps follow in his father’s footsteps and study graphic design. “My main thing is to do some good surfing, and win a world title along the way,” he adds.

By Bronwynne Jooste - Weekend Argus

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