The Power of Balance
“The Yin Yang of Life”
Splinter Surf Project
Inspired by the raw power and beauty of South Africa’s coastline, the Surf Collection pays tribute to iconic spots like Dungeons, Kommetjie, Blouberg, Big Bay, Melkboss, Jbay, Kalk Bay, Muizenberg. From the towering waves of Dungeons to the mellow breaks of Kommetjie where I caught my first South African wave, this project captures the soul of surf culture. Each piece reflects the energy, freedom, and stoke that comes from being in the water.
Skateboarding Project
Skateboarding is the way I see the world—it’s been my primary mode of transportation for decades. The Skateboarding Collection is a nod to the streets, parks, and skate culture that have shaped so many lives. Influenced by the 90s skate scene, these pieces are a blend of streetwear and the creative spirit that skateboarding embodies. From the thrill of the ride to the sense of community, this collection captures the rebellious, free-spirited essence of skateboarding culture.
Strength begins in the mind, flows through the body, and finds freedom in the spirit. Embrace the journey, wear it with pride.
From Earth to Street:
The Splinter Collections
Splinter Africa isn’t just about cultivation; it’s a celebration of everything that defines a life well-lived outdoors. Our clothing lines are a tribute to the surf breaks we ride, the graffiti that inspires us, the skate culture that shaped us, and the plants we grow. Every design reflects freedom, creativity, and the fusion of nature, art, and street culture.
Our collections are a statement—about who you are, where you come from, and where you’re headed. Wear it With Pride
The Yin Yang of Transformation
Splinter wouldn’t exist without finding a balance between strength and mindfulness. This journey is about evolving, breaking free from old habits, and building a better version of oneself. It’s the pursuit of a deeper connection to the waves, to nature, to the plants, and to the elements. Understanding the seasons, adapting to changes, and embracing every moment is part of our philosophy. Just as plants need nurturing, growth requires patience, care, and discipline.
Overcoming Challenges and Embracing Change
For many years, life was dictated by rules that didn’t belong to me. Breaking free from addiction, specifically alcohol, before the birth of my daughter was a turning point. The desire to be an inspiration for her, to show her what discipline and strength look like, drove me to change. The journey wasn’t easy, but it taught me that growth starts within. From battling the cold waters of Cape Town to overcoming the fear of the unknown, every challenge became a stepping stone.
Discipline, Fitness, and Daily Rituals
The transformation began with daily exercises—burpees, push-ups, squats, and more. For over 380 consecutive days, burpees became my way of reinforcing discipline. When my wife gifted me a pull-up bar in February 2024, it became a new challenge. From barely being able to do a single pull-up, I visualized the process every day until I could perform sets of 20. Each cold shower, every day of the year, became a ritual that sharpened my focus, built resilience, and prepared me for bigger challenges, like surfing without a wetsuit.
The Call of the Ocean
Cold water was once a barrier. But after two years of cold showers and self-discipline, I conquered one of my biggest dreams—surfing in Cape Town. My first session, without a wetsuit, was a milestone. I rode my first wave at Kommetjie’s Long Beach, near the legendary Dungeons. This experience rekindled my connection to the ocean, and the energy from every wave became fuel for my creative expressions. Now, surfing is not just a sport; it’s a way to harness the energy that flows into every collection we create at Splinter.
If I can maintain this consistency, my daughter will receive one of the greatest gifts the universe can offer—surfing. A great friend once told me that waves are a privilege; they only break in certain places across the planet. Cape Town, my home, is one of those rare spots. Overcoming your fears takes time, patience, and courage. But it’s better to live among those waves, to be a part of that movement, than to let your internal fears hold you back, keeping you from the present that’s happening right now.
Not all of us have the agility of Mikey February to ride giant waves with such grace, but trust me, there’s room for everyone. Whether it’s surfing, doing burpees, hiking a mountain, or anything that draws you to nature, don’t waste time waiting for the stars to align perfectly. It never happens that way. Get up, it’s time to make it happen, and today is the perfect day to start.
Fasting and Meditation
Fasting became a pivotal part of my transformation. Learning to control my eating schedule allowed me to tap into a sharper mental state, free from the heaviness that came with regular meals. Over the years, fasting has helped me develop qualities I never thought possible. I now eat only one meal a day—dinner—where I enjoy a balanced diet: chicken, rice, broccoli, salads, home-grown spinach, avocado, fruits, dates, and raisins. Yet, I also indulge my love for sweets and cakes, which led me to explore baking. From bread without eggs to cakes made with vinegar, lemon, salt, and high doses of coffee, I’ve found joy in creating treats that fit my lifestyle.
Exercising while fasting can be challenging, especially with cardio and core workouts, but I believe it’s all in the mind. With the right mindset, the initial days may be tough, but adaptation is inevitable once a routine is established, and a greater goal is set. One of my new mottos is that I need to master these skills so I can one day teach my daughter. For me, there is no greater motivation than knowing if I don’t do it, someone else will—with their narrative.
began meditating long before I even realized it. My newfound ritual of growing cannabis became my sanctuary—a space to be present and still. Before this, I had never truly nurtured anything. I had never watched something grow or cared for a plant consistently. I had never even discovered the subtle dance of a plant’s life cycle, from seed to maturity. But there, surrounded by my plants, I found a new form of peace.
An old, wise man in the Caribbean once shared with me that meditation isn’t just about sitting still. He said that when you’re burning herbs and your mind begins to wander—through thoughts, dreams, fears, and projects—you’re meditating. That moment of detachment, where the world falls away and you’re entirely present, that’s where meditation lives. Whether it’s in the quiet of a garden, the rhythm of a swell, or the stillness of a moment, these are all forms of being present.
Through my growing rituals, I’ve learned to find peace and presence, to detach from the noise, and reconnect with myself. We’ll be diving deeper into my meditation practices and rituals, embracing the idea of being the temple of your soul—finding tranquility, balance, and strength within.
Inspiring the Next Generation
Splinter is more than just a brand; it’s a movement. The values that drive Splinter are meant to inspire the next generation. Whether through surfing, skating, cultivating, or creating, the goal is to pass on knowledge, discipline, and passion. It’s about drawing the exact lines that others will eventually follow, leaving a clear path for those who come next. Be part of a conscious movement, support your local communities, and wear your journey with pride