Michiel Van Acker

Michiel Van Acker on Surfers Ear Podcast: Titles, Kelly Slater, Wavepools and Epic Surf Claims

Surfers Ear Podcast, the podcast where steez and bravado come together, welcomed none other than four-time Belgian champion Michiel Van Acker this time. Michiel, former goalkeeper of the once ambitious KFC Varsenare (who, according to the hosts, never fully recovered from his departure to the waves), spoke extensively about his impressive surfing career, Olympic dreams, adventures in wave pools and his legendary meeting with Kelly Slater.

From goalkeeper gloves to surfboards

Michiel swapped the football field of KFC Varsenare for the waves, which according to insiders was the beginning of the end for his football team. Although he left Varsenare behind, Michiel remains a fervent supporter of Cercle Brugge, the green-black pride of the highest class. Despite recent difficult times, his love for the club remains unconditional.

Achievements of a Belgian Surfing Legend

With an impressive track record – Belgian junior shortboard champion, two-time Belgian open shortboard champion and one-time Belgian longboard champion – Michiel is a true competition surfer through and through. When asked about his best title, he surprisingly chose his very first at the Grommets, because of a nerve-racking final against the best surfing talents of Belgium, such as Dean Vandewalle and Arne Kindt.

Olympic ambitions and jury insights

Michiel was the first Belgian surfer to speak openly about Olympic ambitions. Although he once said that surfers peak around the age of 32, T-man was relieved to note that the hosts' peak is still far from being reached.

Michiel gave a unique look behind the scenes of jury work. He admitted that jury members sometimes do indeed miss waves (something every competitive surfer already suspected), and happily confirmed that alcohol consumption in the jury tower is a thing of the past. Michiel was also clear about claims: only waves above an 8 deserve a claim.

Kelly Slater and the aura of a legend

A highlight of the conversation was Michiel's meeting with surfing legend Kelly Slater at Lowers in California. Michiel said he was so blinded by Kelly's "divine, shining aura" that he was completely starstruck and didn't even dare say anything next to Kelly in the parking lot. "I was literally standing next to him taking off my wetsuit and couldn't get a word out. Missed opportunity? Absolutely."

Wavepool test pilot and mid-length surfboards

As an official wavepool tester, Michiel was allowed to extensively test the waves of Rif010 and Allwaves. He admitted that there is still room for improvement, but he certainly sees potential. In the meantime, he reluctantly admitted that he secretly has his eye on a medium-length board. "Maybe a 6'7 twin fin one day," he admitted with slight shame while the hosts teased him.

K3 songs and the eternal search for the fifth title

Michiel revealed that while surfing he sometimes gets bizarre songs like K3 hits in his head, which doesn't exactly help his performance. Still, he assured everyone that he is absolutely ready to win a fifth Belgian title. "Four titles sounds nice, but five is truly legendary."

Kelly news, music and more

In the regular column "Kelly News" listeners learned that Kelly Slater recently came in fourth in the election of the most handsome bald man in the world, just ahead of Danny DeVito. Kelly's villa in Hawaii is still for sale, now even with a 3 million discount. The HAVEN surf shop made a beautiful book available: "Kelly Slater: Through the lens of Todd Glaser", which listeners could win by sharing their dream activity in Kelly's villa.

Michiel added "amari" by J. Cole to the Surfers Ear playlist, a perfect soundtrack to get hyped for a session.

Meet us at the Vans Haven Surf Film Festival

Finally, everyone was invited to the Vans Haven Surf Film Festival on May 11th, where Surfers Ear Podcast goes live with special guests, lots of humor and of course Michiel Van Acker himself. The place to be for every surfer whose peak is far from being reached.