It was his last chance to claim the national title for his division, he had to ride some stellar waves and rake in the points against the competition – and he did just that.

Earlier this month, 13-year-old Mount Maunganui surfer Sol Fritchley put on a phenomenal performance at the 61st National Championship at St Clair Beach, Dunedin.

Sol came out on top in the Under 14 division, being crowned the national champ.

“I was pretty happy because I really wanted to win that because it was my last year in the Under 14s so I was hoping to get a national title,” says Sol.

“I didn’t know I had it in the bag. I knew I had to still work for it and I definitely knew I had what it takes to win.”

He sure does, with Sol also taking out the Peter Byers Overall Performance of the Event Award from 350 competitors.

“I was pretty honoured to get that.”

These recognitions are well deserved too.

Sol says he’s surfed “pretty much” since he was three-years-old.

“Then I went off it for a bit and then I got back into it around age nine.My dad and my mom just taught me and they were always into it.”

He surfs “lots” almost every day, two times a day.

“Whenever there’s surf – I surf… just whenever there’s any sort of swell I just get out there.”

His mahi has paid off.

Sol also won the Volkswagen Highest Single Wave Score where he got an impressive two 9.75 point rides in his semi-final heats of the comp.

“It’s pretty hard to get scores like that.I was surprised to get that many of them.

“There were a couple good snaps in the lip to get good scores like that.”

And his overall highlight of the competition?

“Definitely winning it and just seeing all my family happy.”

Sol has some advice for those looking to get into surfing too.

“Just keep it going, don’t get your head down and just believe in yourself.”

Next up for the young surfer is the Billabong Grom Series which is being held this weekend Saturday, January 27-28 at Tay Street, Mount Maunganui.

Get along and see the surf action for yourself!