Vette’s run ends in quarters

A109 Light Utility Helicopter flight with mayor Gisborne City from the air in November 2023.

GISBORNE teenager Finn Vette made it to the quarterfinals of a World Surf League Men's Junior Tour contest in Australia over the weekend.

The recently-crowned New Zealand under-16 men's champion competed at the Queensland Pro Junior at Duranbah Beach on the Gold Coast.

Vette was second in his Round 1 heat, totalling 8.5 (3.75, 4.75) out of a possible 20 for his two best waves — 0.35 behind Australian Blake Ireland.

Vette advanced to the quarterfinals with a second placing in his Round 2 heat. He totalled 12.25 (6.65, 5.6) to trail heat winner Australian Marlon Harrison on 13.60.

Needing a top-two finish to move into the semifinals, Vette fell short with a score of 9.2 (4.35, 4.85) to place third. Aussie pair Jackson Graham (12.25) and Taj Simon (10.45) progressed.

Australian George Pittar won the final with a score of 16.35 (8.6, 7.75).