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In the winter cold of France, two young representatives from Saint-Barthélemy continue to shine in local competitions. More specifically, at the Open Territorial 64 Shortboard Espoir organized by the Comité 64 on Ilbaritz beach in Bidart, in collaboration with the Bidarteko Surf Club, on Saturday November 30 and Sunday December 1. Célia Magras, crowned Guadeloupe cadet champion in March, made her debut in the junior category on the Basque coast. With the flag of Saint-Barthélemy displayed under her name, the teenager made it all the way to the final. Better still, Célia took second place on the podium behind France's Clara Hirigoyen (Hendaye Bidassoa Surf Club), but ahead of Basque Lorea Bertiere and Germany's Hannah Meyer.
Meanwhile, before taking part in the French Open in Guadeloupe in January, Kalani Giraud confirmed his fine 2024 season by winning the Open in the junior category. He dominated the final (13.37 points against 9.07 for the runner-up) to win ahead of three other French surfers. "I'm happy to have won this weekend," commented the young champion soberly in an online publication.
To sum up, while waiting for Anaïs Blanchard to join the "big boys", the Ajoe Reefer Surf Club can pride itself on its ability to train young athletes capable of making their mark outside the island. Saint-Barthélemy therefore has many years of sporting visibility ahead of it. Not least thanks to surfing, while we await the emergence of young sailors.
