Surf Board Ban

Press, Volume CX, Issue 32209, 30 January 1970, Page 12

Surf Board Ban

Sir, —It was inevitable that someone would now attempt to restrict board-riding at Scarborough, and it would be regrettable if serious consideration were given to the proposal of Mr Sherratt and his anonymous group. Already, board-riders have been banned from the area in front of the Surf Club, and to ban them from the area proposed would be to prevent the use of one of the better stretches of surf for a rapidly developing sport. Board-riders have used this part of the beach for a longer period, and in greater numbers throughout the year, than the general public, which appears only on the few days of high temperatures. Rather than attribute to residents views which many, have never expressed, and which some do not share, Mr Sherratt would be better employed encouraging children to swim in an area patrolled by lifesavers.—Yours, etc., GERALD LASCELLES. January 29, 1970.

Sir,—The proposed closing of Scarborough Beach—one of the best surfing beaches round Christchurch—to surfers amounts almost to victimisation of a minority group. It is only the first 100 yards along from the clock tower, where the surf wraps round the breakwater, that the surfers use most, and this is the very area that is to be barred to them. There have long been places where surfers have, been banned in the interests of the public. In this case, when there are nearly always two surfers'to one swimmer, it would be justifiable to ban swimming. —Yours, etc., SWIMMER. January 29, 1970.

Sir, —I was very disappointed to read in this morning’s issue of “The Press” that a group of people would stop surfing at Scarborough. It was all right before the sewage was stopped—why not now? Does Mr Sherratt not realise that Scarborough is one of our best surfing beaches and that at the particular part he refers to is where these young people like to surf? I am horrified that anyone would try to stop these folk enjoying a good, clean sport. The swimmers are not left out either as there are plenty of safe beaches for them too.— Yours, etc., SURFER’S WIFE. January 29, 1970.