Join us as we catch up with Donovan Wichmann, the marketing manager for AK Durable Supply Co. Learn more about the man behind the marketing, and gain some insight into what’s coming next.
Donovan, for those that don’t know, what is your story so far?
I am a born and bred Capetonian residing in Marina da Gama. Growing up 5 minutes away from Muizenberg, it was inevitable that my life would revolve around the ocean. Surfing has always been my life from a very young age, I used to compete as a junior and traveled my entire junior career from event to event competing throughout South Africa. Growing up with the ocean being the focal point in my life meant that I had the best childhood I could ask for.
It has always been so special having my passion, surfing, as a central part of my life, it has shaped so many amazing experiences and memories along the way that will remain with me for the rest of my life.
So, I hear you are a foiler now, why did you make the change from surfing?
Since I recently started foiling, I’ve definitely neglected surfing, but surfing will always have a special place in my heart, and I will for sure surf until the day I die. I mean, I still say I am going for a surf even when I am actually going for a foil (laughs).
I definitely wouldn’t say I’ve replaced surfing with foiling, I still love surfing, but there’s a special feeling when being on the foil that’s difficult to beat; the feeling of being free and nothing holding you back, there’s no feeling quite like it.
What is a typical day like for you?
Being a surfer, fisherman, foiler, and soon to be kiteboarder (laughs), I usually have so many options to choose from, often making for a hard decision. I usually get up fairly early, around 7am and get ready for a day in the office. If there’s waves, you’ll for sure find me surfing or foiling during my lunch break between 12-2pm. Working for such an epic company like AK Durable Supply Co., I am lucky enough to go for a session during my lunch break, only to have a quick shower back at the office, and then it’s straight back into work. If the wind is up in the afternoon, you’ll either find me messing around in the vlei with my wing, or trying to find some ramps at Sunrise Beach.
What was one thing that was crucial in getting you to where you are now?
I would say that the one thing that was crucial in getting me to where I am now is definitely always doing what I enjoy. I always try to live my life to the fullest and that involves always making time to do the thing that I love and enjoy. If you constantly do what you enjoy, how can you not love life?
I have also always had exceptionally high standards for myself. This has pushed me to reach all the goals I set my mind to.
What is your greatest accomplishment so far?
My biggest accomplishment so far would have to be getting my dream job at AK Durable Supply Co. almost a year ago. I am also over the moon to have finished my 5 years of studying last year with all distinctions, definitely stoked all my hard work has paid off!
One last thing to mention, I recently got a double page spread in the latest Foiling Magazine (image below), which is a huge accomplishment for me, especially considering I had only been foiling for a couple months before the epic image was captured by AK’s content creator, Mitchell Doyle Markgraaff.
How did you get into marketing?
From a very young age, I’ve always been into buying and selling things. It started off with buying and selling downhill skateboards, and that slowly evolved to me buying and selling boats as a side hustle. With the mindset I had, it was a no-brainer that marketing was the right direction for me, and I am very happy it’s the pathway that I chose.
I have always taken an interest in social media and using it to promote myself and the brands that sponsored me from a very young age. I also recently started a TikTok account where I share my POV surf videos. I managed to accumulate over 10k followers in less than a year, but I haven’t kept up with posting since I started foiling. I do plan on posting more regularly in the future because I do miss getting shacked (laughs). You can find my TikTok account here.
What are you most excited about moving forward?
I am really excited and determined to make a name for myself in the foiling industry like my brother, Dylan Wichmann. My brother and I also have something epic brewing, but you’ll have to wait until the next Foiling Magazine issue to see that.
I am also super excited to get into kiteboarding! I’ve always wanted to start kiteboarding, but I never had the money or gear to get into the sport. Luckily, now that I work for AK, I have access to all the kiting gear I need, so hopefully some big things to come!
Find Donovan Online Here: Donovan Wichmann