92 IN JUNIOR SURF RACE AT TAYLOR'S MISTAKE

Press, Volume CII, Issue 30064, 23 February 1963, Page 9

92 IN JUNIOR SURF RACE AT TAYLOR'S MISTAKE

.4 LTHOUGH the Canterbury Championship Pennant—the symbol of surfing supremacy in the province—Mas virtually been won by the Waimairi Club, which has an unprecedented lead of 31 points over its nearest opponent, the fourth and last surf carnival of the season, to be held at Taylor’s Mistake tomorrow, should still produce some interesting battles.

The carnival, known as “K-Day” because of the sixman contest for the Kesteven Cup, will be the last inter-dub competition before the national surf lifesaving championships, to be held at West Shore (Napier) from March 8 to 10. Accordingly, dubs will be making a genuine effort to reach the highest standard possible. The main event on the

programme will be the senior six-man rescue and resuscitation contest for the Kesteven Cup, which was won by New Brighton A last season with a points deduction of 7.45. South Brighton and Waimairi are favourites for the cup this year and, on performances in the six-man championship last week, it appears very unlikely that they will be beaten for the first two places. South Brighton's chances depend largely on a good draw for positions but its drill recently has been almost as perfect as it is possible to get. In the championship event. South Brighton lost only 4.6 points, compared with Waimairi, which lost eight. In A. Lee and G. Silvester, both Canterbury represen - fives, South Brighton has a strong core. P. Ross, who is a very steady competitor, is another strong link. He showed his ability in the final of the six-man championship last week-end, gaining precious seconds in th* belt swim for hie team.

Waimairi undoubtedly has the strongest overall team, at least as far as the swimming section goes. With E. Leask as a patient and T. Gaskell, the present Canterbury belt champion, in the belt, the team would undoubtedly complete the swim without the loss of a point. Leask gave Waimairi an early lead in the swimming section of the six-man championship by putting in the fastest patient swim. I. Greig, a Canterbury representative, and T. Stephens, a former Canterbury representative, could fill either position adequately. Two other teams which could possibly figure in the major honours are Sumner and Taylor’s Mistake. Sumner has some good material in B. Monk. K. McDonald (Canterbury representative) and A. McPhail. McPhail, in particular, can produce fine swimming form on occasions, but is inclined to be a little erratic. G. Le Cren is undoubtedly Taylor’s Mistake’s top swimmer, but it has several steady men to fall back on.

One of the most spectacular events of the day should be the senior surf ski race championship. This event could not be more open. A good deal of luck is needed and it is not entirely impossible for a mediocre competitor to take the title. Present holder of the title is R. Dalton (North Beach).

It is expected that he will defend the championship. Other surf ski exponents who have a chance include K. McDonald (Sumner), D. Quane (Sumner), E. Carbines (North Beach), B. Dasler (North Beach), J. Hughes (Waimairi) and R. Ealam (Waimairi).

For the first time since ;; women began competing in •' surf events, heats will have I I to be held. Nine teams have 1[ entered for the women’s ;; four-man alarm event, in- ■ > eluding the Sumner and I; North Beach teams which; competed for the first tune i last week. In the six-man 1 championship last Sunday. North Beach took third; place—an excellent perfor- • rnanee in its first competi- 1 tive event South Brighton and Taylor’s Mistake are; most favoured to win. Ninety-two entries, compared with 72 last season, have been received for the junior surf race. This is a record. The race, which was won by G. Le Cren (Taylor's Mistake) last year, seems likely to go to the Waimairr lad, G. Stringer. However, D. Staples (Waimairi). R. Gaskell (Waimairi), R. McDowell (Waimairi), D. Cutting (North Beach) and L. Mclntosh (North Beach), should all to be well in the running. The junior paddle board championship, won by McDowell (Waimairi) last season, should be an intereat-

ing event. McDowell is again the favourite, but he may be closely pressed by his clubmate, T. Jay, who was third last season. Surf canoe races have reached a critical stage and in both senior and junior championships, either Sumner or Waimairi could take the titles. Sumner has been showing good form recently and looks likely to take both titles. Sumner has won two of the senior races and two of the junior races, while Waimairi has won one junior and one senior. If Waimairi wins both events on Sunday, then it may take the titles, which it holds at present, as it was runner-up to Sumner in the four races (junior and senior) last week.