Hardy Surfers Shiver After Race At Taylor’s Mistake

Press, Volume XCVII, Issue 28619, 23 June 1958, Page 7

Hardy Surfers Shiver After Race At Taylor’s Mistake

Ten minutes before the wintry sun went behind the hills at Taylor’s Mistake beach yesterday afternoon, six surfers waited for the command which would start them on a 500-yard surf race on the shortest, and one of the coldest, days this year. The race was won by R. Blair, a senior member of the South Brighton Surf Club. His time for the distance was 6 minutes 15 seconds. Officials considered this a very good time considering the time of the year and the coldness of the water, which was estimated at about 47 degrees. J. O. Turpin, a junior members of the Taylor’s Mistake Club, was second and C.

Barltrop, a senior of the same club was third.

A similar race was held about this time last year. Several of last year’s competitors did not compete in yesterday’s race. B. Rattray, of Taylor’s Mistake, who was fourth and competed in last year’s race said that he thought the water was slightly warmer this year. No women surfers could be induced to enter the race. Last year, one was game enough to try, but after getting wet decided against continuing.

There was a large at the beach, the spectators yelling encouragement.

The water was fairly calm but a large surf boat stood by in case assistance was needed. Most of the swimmers were blue with cold when they finished but after a hot drink they • soon recovered.

“Never again,” said one surfer who competed in the race. This remark was backed up by several others who competed but the Taylor’s sMistakq officials intend to hold a similar race about this time next year.