Article by Bev Mortimer. Photos by Dean Sale ©
A rising South African surfing star with an announced affinity with the ocean and who is fearless and persistent to boot, is Crystal Hulett, the new U15 SA Junior Girls’ Champ.
This 14 year-old lass, who hails from St Francis Bay, proved her mettle yesterday by snatching the title away from the competition, including the much favoured-to-win Chanelle Botha from SKZN.
Having surfed through to the semi finals in the U15 Girls at the Hurley SA Junior Championships at the Point at Jeffreys Bay, on Saturday, Crystal started off yesterday morning trailing until she “picked up a bomb” just before the end of her heat. She achieved a 6 point score enabling her to advance into the finals.
Before the final event started Crystal spent time alone studying the waves – “getting focused,” she said. She then walked with utmost determination and confidence along the beach to the keyhole for the start.
When the U13 Girls event commenced the waves were messy and the rides were extremely short as they were quickly broken up by foam. All the girls battled to get good rides of more than a couple of minutes.
At the outset Crystal (EP) and Chanelle Botha (SKZN) were both fairly equal in points. Crystal notched the first lead that was short lived when Chanelle quickly achieved a better ride than her. But not to be outdone and with courage Crystal was soon up again on her board, having found a good wave and holding on for as long as the wave would let her.
Then it was announced she was again in the lead! The heat was truly on in more ways than one. It was becoming a closely contested affair and a nail biting event for her supporters. With time running out there was the real danger that Chanelle could overtake her again.
But Crystal’s supporters need not have worried. Some others may have rested on their laurels, but not Crystal! Crystal was determined to hold on to her lead.
Not waiting to find out what Chanelle’s latest ride results were, she grabbed the next good wave and rode it like a Pro in front of an astonished crowd, achieving a score that put her put her way above any competition.
She was announced as the champion before she even left the water and all her team mates, family and friends cheered wildly. As Crystal neared the rocks to exit the surf, her Eastern Province team mates, family and friends hurried to the water’s edge to congratulate her.
She was borne aloft on her EP team mates’ shoulders and among many there was scarcely a dry eye. For those of us watching this was a most moving, emotional and joyous moment.
Highly elated but almost bewildered by her win, Crystal said she had battled to get a good grip of her board with her feet during her last ride. But nevertheless, her amazing spirit and success brought home the kudos for EP, making the province, her family members and St Francis Bay extremely proud.
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St Francis Chronicle 
Well done Crystal – everybody must be very proud of you!
l.o.l. “Charlotte” from Plett!