After a tough semi final, Saffi Vette was in sync with the waves yesterday when she took out the Women's Open for the first time.
NZ Womens Surf Champ 2021 Saffi Vette out at Piha. Photo: ©Cory Scott/ NZ Surfing Magazine
The 19-year-old from Gisborne jumped on her first board around the age of two. When she was nine she started competing.
"We got boogie boards for Christmas I think and we just stood up on them and it kind of went from there."
This year's NZ Surf championships was a family affair, with Saffi's younger brother Finn taking out the under-18s.
"It was awesome to see him and have that sibling bond before my heat."
NZ Womens Surf Champ 2021 Saffi Vette Photo: ©Cory Scott/ NZ Surfing Magazine
Taking out the title is a massive confidence booster, Saffi says.
She's now waiting for confirmation so she can travel to the Olympic qualifiers in El Salvador, in May.
"I'm not going overseas at this stage yet. I'm going to stay home and work and do a few comps around New Zealand and travel to a few places I've never been before."
