Saffi Vette carries NZ hopes into final day

MAKING THE MOST OF THE WAVES ON OFFER: Saffi Vette advanced to the final day of the under-18 girls’ division at the Vissla ISA World Junior Surfing Championships in California. Here she negotiates the small surf at Huntington’s Beach, California, yesterday. ISA/Reed picture

After another arduous day of competition, 17-year-old Gisborne surfer Saffi Vette advanced through to the final day of competition at the Vissla ISA World Junior Surfing Championships in California, keeping alive Kiwi hopes for a podium finish.

New Zealand are in 12th place overall with results on the final day potentially swinging the final ranking by as many as three places up or down the rankings.

A podium finish by Vette would be New Zealand’s first since 2016, when Elin Tawharu won bronze in the under-16 girls’ division.

Vette surfed through three rounds on the penultimate day of the event being held at Huntington Beach, the small waves (under one metre) doing little to hinder the natural-footer’s performances.

Vette posted heat totals of 12.0, 9.2 and 8.04 in her three heats.

In the final heat of the day, she had to come from behind after sitting in third place to clinch second and advance after surfing her two best rides in the last three minutes of the heat.

“There were small waves coming through and it was super lully, so staying patient was the key,” Vette said.

“I knew that a wave would come to help me progress and I believed that Tangaroa would send me it. A fun left came through and I got the score.

“I have had to adapt to every heat as the waves change regularly here.

“I have reset between every heat, I’m staying well rested and hydrated, energised and focused on the job that needs to be done.”

Vette has contested six heats in the past two days.

With a further two heat progressions required to qualify for the final, Vette had nothing but that in her sights after yesterday’s accomplishments.

“Let’s make it to the final, the team chant is my fire-up and the team have been doing a great job supporting me. They are amazing and I’m stoked that I’m making them happy by making heats.”

On the final day of the event Vette was to face off against Sara Wakita (Japan), Sanoa Olin (Canada) and Nyxie Ryan (Australia).

Results from yesterday —

Under 18 girls, Repechage Round 6, Heat 3: Saffi Vette, (NZ) 12, 1; Alyssa Spencer (USA) 11.34, 2; Rachel Presti (Germany) 6.77, 3; Kalea Gervasi (Peru) 3.47, 4.

Repechage Round 7, Heat 2: Sara Wakita (Japan) 14.34, 1; Saffi Vette (NZ) 9.2, 2; Mathea Olin (Canada) 8.76, 3.

Repechage Round 8, Heat 2: Sanoa Olin (Can) 10.57, 1; Saffi Vette (NZ) 8.04, 2; Mafalda Lopes (Portugal) 7.26, 3.