Mid-winter madness

Press, 22 June 1981, Page 1

Mid-winter madness

By

ROBERT CROSS

From between hundreds of frozen lips and through thousands of chattering teeth came one word heard everywhere at New Brighton beach yesterday — "C-c-c--crazy!”

It was the annual midwinter swim organised on the shortest day of the year by Radio 3ZB. At 1.55 p.m. one man jumped the gun and started a stampede for the water five minutes before the swim was supposed to start. They jumped out of cars in the car-park, they threw off their coats on the beach, and they ran out of the surf club changing rooms across the sand and into the cold, green sea.

Like mad infantry about 300 men, women and children charged the ocean. They were watched by about the

same number of spectators. Conditions were “ideal.” A 19-knot south-westerly wind, driving rain, and an air temperature of 8.9 degrees. Goose-fleshed skin in shades of blue, purple, and orange left no doubt about the temperature of the water. Why do they do it? “There is nothing else to do on a Sunday.” said Pete Jackson, aged 28, of Woolston.

“Just for a laugh.” said Jackie Buck, aged 14. of Hornby. "I am just crazy," said Tony • Cavanagh, aged 15, of Spreydon. Most people rushed in and rushed out again, but some hardy souls stayed in for five minutes, or even longer. Wetsuits were strictly out, although at least "one man went in wearing long-johns. Swimmers were given cer-

tificates ■ stating that they had' taken part in the swim. "Certified insane,” as one gleeful participant put it.

Then came the serious part of the proceedings, strictly for the hard-core: a competition among surf-life-savers for the “Brass Monkey Trophy,” and a 3ZB contest for trophies and $25 cheques.

Entrants in both had to swim out to a rubber dinghy about 35 metres from the shore, . circle it, and race back to the beach. The 27 entrants were formally pronounced insane by 3ZB disc-jockey, Pat Courtenay, before the start.

Surf-lifesavers took the first three places. David Clarke, aged 20, from the ' North Beach club, was presented with the coveted trophy, a mug. not a monkey. “It’s the first and probably ; the last time I will ever do

this,” said David, obviously euphoric after his victory. Carl Immers, from the Taylors Mistake club, came second, and Bryce Ward, from the South Brighton club, was third. First man home in the 3ZB contest was David Clarke, aged 18. “I did it for the- glory of the Dukes basketball team,” he said.

Andrea Moritt, aged 18. of Bishopdale won the women's trophy. "I heard about it at work and just decided to enter.” she .said.

They were presented with trophies and $25 cheques. Lara Steele and John van Peteryem picked up trophies and cheques for being the second woman and man back to the beach. There were no injuries or accidents reported, and after the craziness was over, it was back to the surf club for showers and free hot toddies.