Vette’s Olympic campaign gaining momentum

Saffi Vette in Jinzun, Taiwan last month where she competed in the WSL qualifying contest. Picture supplied

Gisborne surfer and Olympic hopeful Saffi Vette has had a busy couple of months, chasing the swell in Taranaki and Raglan and competing at the World Surf League (WSL) qualifying event at Jinzun, Taiwan last month.

After recovering from a torn MCL ligament, she was keen to get back out and get used to competing again.

“I am back to full training  and excited to get back into peak form but my knee is a bit iffy sometimes,” she said.

She recently attended a Calm Under Pressure course run in Piha by Dave Wood, funded by the Olympic Solidarity Fund through Surf New Zealand.

Wood has built a name for himself training UFC greats like Israel Adesanya.

“I learned a lot about using my breath,” said Vette. “Especially underwater and how to use my energy and the different muscle groups that come into play.”

Based in Gisborne, Vette is back into her training routine which normally involves a combination of strength and mobility training at the Waikanae Surf Club gym, Pilates with her mum Vanessa Vette as well as surfing and cardio sessions.

With the support of her coach Mick Cain based on the Gold Coast, she will train for the Australian qualifying series in the WSL which takes place in February. Flo Bub from Gisborne Boardriders oversees her training in New Zealand as she prepares for the International Surfing Association world games coming up in Puerto Rico at the end of February 2024.

“This is the same event that I qualified for the Olympics in last year. It’s compulsory for all Olympic qualifiers to go.”

Unfortunately nothing is funded so she has to rely on sponsorship and fundraising.

Pultron Composites and Sunshine Brewing stepped up as principal sponsors and a committee was formed to arrange fundraising events, including an auction in October and a raffle, with many Gisborne businesses supplying cash and prizes. The Agency, Bronwyn Kay, Fenns and Gisborne Laundry Services have also come on board as supportive sponsors.

The auction at Wainui Surf Club was a big success making a significant contribution to Saffi’s Olympic campaign.

“It was a great night and the auction went really well. People were so supportive. I feel like everyone enjoyed the chance to get out after what has been a tough winter. There was a great live local band — The Band With No Name —  and lots of dancing.”

Committee member Kate Long said it was a magical night.

“Amy Spence from Black Fig donated her time and food and LeaderBrand, Indevin and Sunshine Brewery donated the alcohol.All this played a big part in the success of the night.

“The auction was also incredible with lots of very generous bidders,” she said.

“The community support on every level has been overwhelming.”

The next big fundraiser of the year is the Double Draw Xmas raffles with prizes up for grabs donated by local businesses.

The raffle is being drawn on air on Bevan for Breakfast on More FM  on Thursday.

First prize is a brand new 5’10” LOST fibreglass surfboard donated by The Boardroom, Wainui, valued at $1250.

Second prize is a $1000 online gift voucher at Billabong.  There is nearly $5000 worth of prizes in each draw and up to $10,000 in total.

“I want to say a huge thank you to the Tairawhiti Adventure Trust who have facilitated the raffle and to all the businesses that have donated prizes, “ said Vette.

“I couldn’t do it without your support.”

The Paris Olympics are in June 2024, with the surfing competition at the famous Teahupo’o break in Tahiti. Surfing as an Olympic sport made its debut at the 2020 Tokyo Games (held in 2021).

To buy raffle tickets and for the list of prize go to www.eventspronto.co.nz/saffisraffles