#1 in Africa

FUTURE STARE: Mikey Feb aspires to the big leagues of professional surfing. Photo Tim Gerges

Mikey Feb has had a stellar year, with two wins out of two events on the City Surf Series and a second, which has boosted him to #1 in Africa on the WSL Qualifying Series rankings, and 15th in the world. Suddenly, a spot on the Championship Tour is in the offing after years of knocking on the door.

Spike: Well done Mikey. You've been at it since 2011, when you were 487th on the QS. Six years of slog but each year you've moved up. Now you're 15th in the world with a real shot at the CT. Are those years of hardship paying off?
Mikey: Thanks so much! Yeah it has definitely been a good amount of years on the Q for me. I guess everyone is different and everyone has their time to get on tour, the fact that my ranking has only gone up every year definitely makes me motivated.

You must also be chuffed with your current WSL Africa ranking? You've moved from 9th in 2015, 3rd in 2016 to Number 1 in 2017.
I am super stoked!

You've been picked up by Quiksilver International and no longer the local office. How has that been?
It's been really cool and a very positive step for me in my career. The support is great and it really makes you want to work harder to continue getting that support. Already I have been on some of the most amazing trips in my life and just been so cool to get involved with the brand on a more global scale.

FROTHING: Not many surfers can boast the talents of this Cape Town local. Photo Tim Gerges

What are the tricks of the trade to reduce your costs (accommodation, travel and food, for example) when you travel?
Well firstly we all know how expensive traveling as a South African can be. The best thing is to travel with another South African or someone who has a similar budget to you. The last thing you want is for your friends from the US or OZ to be heading out for a fancy dinner which is way out of your budget range. Always try make mates in different countries so that you can stay with them in the years to come. Also always try stay in a place with a kitchen, better food and way cheaper!

When you're overseas, you hang out a bit with Aritz Aranburu. Has he helped you with your surfing?
Yeah during the past Hawaii season we were roomies and got along very well. He helped me out a lot over there and after that we traveled together for the next few QS events. He's a really rad guy with a lot of experience that he is always keen to share.

I believe he is sponsored by VW. That must come in handy!
hahaha Yeah definitely helps with the budget!

SUPERS STYLE: You can bet on a top performance on the big walls of JBay. Photo Ian Thurtell

Great to see your family are so involved in your career. What roles do they play?
They are my main support and have been there for me and with me through everything since the very beginning.

Have your travel arrangements become easier over the years? Why?
Well being in the top 100 it definitely cancels out a few trips, as well as having all the new events back home which makes all the difference in points, practice and money.

We don't hear a lot about your mom Marsha, but I hear she's does a lot behind the scenes?
haha Yeah she definitely keeps a lower profile than the rest of the February boys. She's been through it all with me, always there for me, during contests, wining or losing and also emotionally. She also sorts out a lot of the admin. We have fights regularly when I decide to leave accommodation or visas to the last minute, but she always seems to make a plan. Super thankful and blessed to have a her.

SHREDWORTHY: Mikey Feb aspires to the big leagues of professional surfing. Photo Tim Gerges

Can you tell us whose boards you are riding, and how's is it going?
I don't have a board sponsor and buy all of my boards at the moment. I have quite a mix in my quiver of Tim Stamps and DHDs. But I have mainly been riding my Stamps in every event. I usually get about 2 - 3 stamps every year during the US Open and somehow they last till the following year. I was lucky enough that he does some shaping in Japan and have 2 freshies waiting for me when I get there later this month. He's a really cool guy and been awesome to work with him.

Which events are you going to target for the rest of the year.
Every event I surf is good for either points or practice. But I am definitely aiming at trying to get results in the bigger events like the 6000s and 10000s.

FUTURE STARE: Mikey Feb aspires to the big leagues of professional surfing. Photo Tim Gerges

Explain to the readers what must happen for you to be on the CT next year.
Even tho I have a good ranking now at the beginning of the year, as it goes on I need to get big results in the higher rated events in order to stay and improve on my current rating.

And the million dollar question: Are you going to be on the CT next year!?
Just focused on surfing every heat and event to the best of my ability and learning along the way. But thats the goal!