12-07-2025
WATCH: Durban North resident shapes bodyboarding journey
DURBAN North resident Mika Justino has been competing at national bodyboarding championships since the age of 11.
His progression in the sport has seen him reach many milestones, including starting his own business, MStar Distribution.
This year, the 18-year-old can add another accolade to his career after being named vice-captain of the eThekwini Bodyboarding Association (EBA) for the second time.
Alongside captain Chris Green, he is part of a team of 21 riders that will compete at the SA Bodyboarding Championships later this year in Durban. Mika will compete in the pro division.
'I've been competing in the national championships since 2018 and I've moved up divisions from 'development boys', to 'boys', to 'juniors' and then to 'pro' division. In terms of expectations, I really haven't set myself any goals or put any pressure on myself. My overall goal is to continue to support and inspire the team as best I can. It is my first time being named as a vice-captain so that in itself is a massive honour. On a personal level, I hope to go out there and do my best in the pro division.
'Having a national champs on our doorstep is an incredible opportunity to grow the sport and showcase our skills as a team. I know the conditions in Durban pretty well. I'm not a person that surfs in one place on our coastline, I try surfing as many different breaks as I can. Every place is totally different, which is what makes competing here so interesting,' he said.
While he has a comprehensive knowledge about bodyboarding, a big aspect of the youngster's journey has been starting his own business where he custom shapes bodyboards out of his shop in Glen Anil.
'The Covid-19 pandemic changed everything for me. I was in my first year of high school and after speaking to my parents and acknowledging the risks of Covid we decided that home schooling would be the best option. With that came the decision to start a bodyboarding business at 13. The best way I can describe what I do is that I shape and manufacture custom bodyboards as well as design, source and produce quality, high-performance bodyboarding accessories,' he said.
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