Surf Ninja – John Micheletti

Waaay up the African west coast, in the armpit of Africa, resides a surfer with an insatiable appetite for wedging barrels. When he’s not taking the drop on the perfect rebound waves of Tarkwa Bay, Nigeria, he can often be found hiding in the shadows alongside the rocks at Llandudno, waiting for a phat pit at the Gatt.

His name’s John Micheletti and he’s this week’s Surf Ninja.

NAME: John Adetokunboh Micheletti
AGE: Almost 30
LOCAL SPOT: Tarkwa Bay, Nigeria / Llandudno when in Cape Town

BEST THING ABOUT SURFING?
That feeling of freedom, that trip down the coast.

WORST THING ABOUT SURFING?
That self destructing obsession of finding a wave every day when you’re local spot is not working.

TO MAKE A LIVING I..?
Work as the Facility Manager for Vodacom Nigeria – I’ve also started a brand called Sick Rabbit.

THREE TRACKS THAT HELP YOU SHRED?
NOFX – War on Heroism – Decom Posuer
Blink 182 – Dude Ranch – Dammit
NOFX – Punk in Drublik – Linoleum

BEST SURFER IN THE WORLD RIGHT NOW?
I can’t really judge that! On paper – Kelly, on the rail – Parko, up in the air – John John, on power – Jordy; on speed – Mick; on technique – the Hobgoods. The list goes on and on – Travis backside sometimes is beyond comprehension. I also love watching Bourez, oh ja, and Dane Reynolds. I also like Joan Duru backhand, JOB at Pipe…

DAWNIE OR ARVO SESH?
Arvo preferably, the mornings are for wife and kids.

WHICH SURF SPOT DO YOU HAVE TO SURF BEFORE YOU DIE?
It will have to be a long, 10ft barreling left or right, the rest doesn’t matter, it could be called Grand Ma’s Toilet if you like.

WHEN YOU ARE NOT SURFING, YOU CAN BE FOUND WHERE?
At the beach just like everyone else, fishing just like every one else, or doing family stuff just like everyone else.

BIGGEST FEAR?
My family being hurt.

BEST SURFING MEMORY?
First time surfing a point break 10+ years ago – a handful of guys out in glassy 4-6 ft waves. I could not believe the amount of time I had to set up a turn and enjoy a ride longer that 10 seconds.