THEY ENJOY IT!

Auckland Star, Volume LXX, Issue 148, 26 June 1939, Page 9

THEY ENJOY IT!

WINTER SWIM.

TWO AUSTRALIAN SURFERS.

BUT AtJCKXANDERS SHIVXR,

Watched by a crowd of shivering A.icklanders, wrapped in thick scarves and heavy overcoats, two members Of the team of Australian surfers who are on their way to take part in beach games at Honolulu, this morning practiced riding their surf boards on the stretch of water between the ferrv quay and Prince's wharf.

Despite the cold south-west wind, the two men. clad in bathing suit*, splashed about with an unconcern better suited to the middle of summer than to winter. Their surf board was right at Water level, so that any swell, however small, welled over the board and soaked the riders. Then, when actually driving the board along, they paddled With vigorous full arm strokes, sending spray all over themselves. Far from deterring them, the water seemed to add to their enjoyment. Nor was this any in-again, out-again performance. They remained in the water for at least twenty minutes. When they first entered the water, there were only the usual few waterfront stroller* present. But in less than no time there must have been at least a hundred interested spectators leaning over the rails. A passer-by would come along, hear a splash and peer over. For a few minutes his business was forgotten in wondering admiration. The surf boards are longer than Aucklanders are accustomed to use. while they are heavy enough to carry the weight of a man. One board had the sides curved slightly upwards from the water surface, making it something like a shallow boat.

When their intention was first announced on board the Monterey, in which they are travelling, one of the party asked a most important question. "Any sharks here?" he queried.