Welcome to the team Mika, how does it feel:
It feels great! I’m really happy that I have the opportunity to join the North Team and I can’t wait to do great things with them. I love so many of the riders so I really feel like I found my true home!
How and when did you start kiteboarding?
I’ve been doing it for as long as I can remember. I wanted to do it because my parents kitesurfed everyday! However, they wouldn’t let me learn until I was 8 1/2. When that day arrived, a family friend, Phillipe, taught me on a 2.5 meter kite with really short lines in Preá, Brazil. The conditions in Prea were super windy with big waves but I didn’t care! When there was wind I was on the water, and it was windy everyday. Learning was fun and easy.
When did you realize that you wanted to pursue it competitively?
When I was 9, Pro Rider Bruna Kajiya stayed at my parents hotel, Vila Bela Vista Prea, for 2 weeks. She taught me how to do my first front roll. Ever since I met her, I wanted to compete with her! As I progressed and learned more about competing, I decided that I wanted to be the best.
What products from the North Kiteboarding line do you love to ride and why?
I love to ride the Vegas because it gives me the proper amount of slack I need to land my tricks. I like the Sol harness because I prefer a soft shell harness for my back and conveniently, it is my last name! I like the Team Series board because it has just the right amount of flex to keep my knees safe while absorbing landing from my powered tricks.
Which riders inspire you and why?
The riders who inspire me most are Carlos Mario and Gisela Pulido. Carlos Mario inspires me because he makes his tricks look so effortless. Gisela inspires because she has won so many World Titles and I want to be like her.
How’s your 2018 looking and what goals are you hoping to achieve?
So far in 2018 everything has been going great. My goals this year are to finish in the top 3 in the Pro Tour World Championship and number one in the Jr. World Championship.