Watch: Perfect Moroccan Point Surf and the Magic of Mikey February

Mikey February’s surfing was made for long, right points. From J-Bay to Rincon, and in the case of his newest video drop, Morocco, his fluid grace and impeccable choice of craft, have made him one of the most eye-pleasing, surf session-inspiring wave-riders in the water today. He’s also an all-around wonderful human, which only adds to the equation.

If surf careers are built on a confluence of timing and opportunity, Mikey Febs’ ascent to style lord status could be traced back to the 2018 Quiksilver Pro at Snapper Rocks. The first event of the Championship Tour season, February was hungry to take his place among the world’s most elite competitors, the only catch, to finally kick the door down and become the first Black African surfer on the Championship Tour, 11-time world champ Kelly Slater needed to resign himself to the fact that he was too injured to surf.

Slater hemmed and hawed. He no-showed in the opening round before finally withdrawing from the Elimination Round. With Slater out of the draw, February’s time had finally arrived. He dispatched Matt Wilkinson in the Elimination Round before falling to Julian Wilson in Round 3. February was then on to Bells, where three-time world champ Mick Fanning celebrated his retirement. By the time the tour left Torquay, February’s spot was locked in for the remained of 2018.

Related: Watch: Mikey February Styles Through The Swell Of The Decade At Rincon

Save a quarterfinal appearance in Tahiti of all places, February’s results that year were lacking. One pundit described his surfing as “dainty,” which does a disservice to how truly talented the man is. By 2019, February was off tour and his current path began to open up. Creative and inquisitive, he focused his time and energy on experimenting with a myriad of surfboard design philosophies. From developing the twin-pin with Channel Islands, to shaping his own equipment, the broader surf world immediately opened up for him.

Five years down the track, February’s become much more than just a roaming free surfer or itinerant influencer. He stands at the forefront of a number of surf movements, perhaps most importantly, the rise of the African surf scene. Any more time in a jersey would have been a waste for him. February’s got a much higher, much more pure calling—and he delivers every time he paddles out.

This week SURFER’s going to be catching up with filmmaker Ian Thurtell, who is the man behind February’s new edit, “Morocco (Side A).” Until then, dig into some Moroccan perfection and vibe out with Mr. Febs. No jerseys required.

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