Pines Beach Carnival Could Provide Spectacular Surfing

Press, Volume CIII, Issue 30633, 26 December 1964, Page 11

Pines Beach Carnival Could Provide Spectacular Surfing

NOTWITHSTANDING the x fact that a number of prominent competitors will be absent because of the holidays, the Pegasus surf carnival at Pines Beach tomorrow should prove a bright spectacle and a fitting meeting to mark the successful establishment of the Pegasus dub, which no w has an enthusiastic membership of about 40. As so often happens in carnivals where no championships are at stake, some really outstanding performances could eventuate in a number of the individual events. One of the most entertaining and closely fought events on the afternoon programme will be the open surf race. This will be a good chance for several of the province’s most promising juniors to compare their performances against some of the leading seniors.

The Taylor’s Mistake junior, A. Harrow, the current holder of the Canterbury junior surf race championship, is a likely starter and such is his form that he could finish well up among the minor placings. His performances in the recent New Zealand trials confirmed his rating as one of

the top juniors in the country. Other New Zealand trialists who are expected to contest the surf race include A. Lee, K. Lanyon (South Brighton), P. W. Stevens, A. B. McDonald, I. A. Greig, R. L. Gaskell (Waimairi), P. Ross (South Brighton) and G. Le Cren (Taylor’s Mistake). McDonald, the junior belt race champion last season, has great potential in swimming events but his chances are considered no greater than those of Ross, Le Cren, Greig, or Lee, Who could all take the major placing in a suitable sea. And the possible entry of J. Hughes (Waimairi) cannot be overlooked. If a high sea is running he could well start as favourite. The surf ski rescue event is another which could be particularly close with the possible late entry of one or two of the outstanding Sumner ski exponents, M. Lord, K. McDonald and D. Quane. At present, J. Stead (Taylor’s Mistake), who was runner-up for the provincial title a few weeks ago, and M. Stevens (Waimairi), the current New Zealand champion, appear likely to battle out the first placing. An open paddle board race has been included in the programme and this should prove a good opportunity for P. Stevens (Waimairi) to obtain some tough competition before facing up to the Canterbury championship. Although only in his first season as a senior, he has shown excellent form in recent weeks and holds the Canterbury junior title from last season.

Beach events, an open four-man alarm and an open six-man rescue and resuscitation competition will make up the remainder of the competition.