Saffi Vette Gisborne club surfer of the year

OPEN WOMEN'S CHAMPION: After winning a leg of the national Billabong Grom Series earlier in the year, Asia Braithwaite punched well above her weight class as she made several open women's finals in GBR's Super Series, including earning a win. Picture by Don Pearson

Gisborne Boardriders Club rounded off a year of success with their end-of-year prize-giving last weekend.

Saffi Vette won surfer of the year, the award acknowledging her national championship title at the start of the year having just turned 19.

It's the third time in a row a Vette has won Gisborne Boardriders' top title — Saffi took the honours in 2019 and her brother Finn Vette was awarded the title last year.

George Busby was named club person of the year for his services to the club and its competitions, Gisborne Boardriders Club said in a post on Facebook, where the winners were named.

“Thanks so much for all you do for our club, all the kids and surfers you encourage and help on their journey, our region and the whole of Tairawhiti,” the post said.

“Your passion for surfing and sharing the stoke is infectious!”

Asia Braithwaite was overall open women's champion. She took out the regional Super Series, having podiumed in every competition.

Hannah Kohn was second and Vette third.

Jay Quinn was overall men's champion.

Jay Ryan-Emerre won the award for most improved longboard surfer after winning the national women's junior longboard title.

She is moving to Raglan next year to start at the Raglan Surfing Academy, a programme offered by Raglan Area School.

Casey Dewes won the award for most improved surfer and most improved junior surfer. She also took home the junior girls' title.

Open: Jay Quinn 1, Finn Vette 2, Nick White 3.

Women: Asia Braithwaite 1, Hannah Kohn 2, Saffi Vette 3.

Over-50s: Andrew McCulloch 1, Anton Lobb 2, Sam Phillips 3.

Over-60s: John Gisby 1, Mike Yukich 2, Marguerite Vujcich 3.

Over-60 women: Marguerite Vujcich 1.

Junior club champs 2021 —

Under-12: Ollie Tong 1, Waylon Lynch 2, Oska Gunness 3.

U14: Ollie Tong 1, Gabe Lobb 2, Shea Ferguson 3.

Junior girls: Casey Dewes 1, Asia Braithwaite 2, Bonnie Lynch 3.

U16: Max Phillips 1, Hunter Lynch 2, Riku Gordon 3.