uMhlanga’s Mac Millan scoops third place at pro skate jam

UMHLANGA’S Kalvyn Mac Millan skated to the third at this year’s Ballito Skate Jam presented by Monster Energy & Volcom.

Mac Millan, winner of the 2021 and 2023 titles, took home R4 000 for his third place spot behind Josh Beukes (second) and overall winner Khule Ngubane.

Speaking on his results, the local skater said his finish position didn’t matter as it was more about growing the skate community.

“The bowl contest is so much more than trying to get a podium or first place finish for me. It’s always great to get a win and sure it’s a little flex among the friends and I love the competitiveness of it all but it’s become more than that for me. It’s become more about the kids and how much they have improved and how they are pushing themselves to be the next generation of rippers in that bowl. The community is also so tight and supportive in Ballito and to be a part of that and all growth happening it is pretty electric. First, second third or last place, I always enjoy the event and being there with everyone.

“It gets tougher for me every year because I’m not getting any younger, but the level across the board is on the up for sure. The kids are the next generation and where the focus should be. Every year they keep getting better. Ezra (Vosloo), who placed first in the Grom division will be winning opens soon. He is knocking on the door. But another prime example is Caitlin (King), there was no girl’s division this year and she featured and placed among the boys. I’m sure it was daunting but she pushed through and made it happen , it’s that kind of thing other girls will find inspiring and where you find the real growth and development in skating because everyone wants to be apart of something and Ballito Bowl is somewhere epic to start,” he said.

Mac Millan said while there was no downtime in skateboarding following the completion of the Pro, he is already training for next year’s event.

“Skateboarding is a relentless discipline, nothing comes for free. You have to trade a copious amount of literal blood, sweat and tears and hours of your time to keep to a standard of skill and keep progressing. So between now and then that’s exactly what you will find me doing and in a year we will put it down to the test in the Ballito Bowl and push our limits even further and bring the youth with us along for the ride,” he said.

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