SURF NOTES

Dominion, Volume 30, Issue 130, 26 February 1937, Page 17

SURF NOTES

Resume of New Zealand Championships

RUMOURS CONCERNING ISLAND BAY

(By

SURFER.)

In the four-man alarm championship at the recent New Zealand surf championships a very large entry was responsible for this event occupying a considerable time on the programme. Nevertheless, some line performances were seen, Ihe displays on the whole being of a high standard. Superior swimming in the belt was the main factor in teams winning their heats. The land work of the various teams being on a par tbe time put up by the beltuian was an important factor in the placing of big team, and in every cass except in the final the team gaining.the fastest, time in the water was placed first. The final of this event saw Maranui 15 and Taylor’s Mistake fight out a hard dual. 'l'be Taylor’s Mistake beltuian was successful in beating Maranui s bellman to the buoy by 5 3-ssec.. This, however, was not sufficient to enable his team to win. The margin of victory must have been very close because Taylor's Mistake gained in their waterwork time. They lost 4 point in resuscitation and did not appear to lose many points in their land drill, although I think Maranui outshone them in land work. Both displays were first class, and the winner and runnerup deserve congratulations on their performances.

Beltman’s Championship. The beltman’s championship saw some fine surf swimmers in action. Tbe surf was very strong when this event was decided, and it was a real test of ability. Seven heats were run off, as in the fourman alarm championship, necessitating semi-finals and final. In the heats R. Pelham, Lyall Bay, gained fastest time of tbe day, but was not able to repeat his performance in the semi-final, in which he hud to take second place to A. Dalton, North Beach. Dalton swam exceptionally well in the semi-final and again in the final when he defeated D. Symes, Taylor’s Mistake. J. Miller, Australia, won

the final of the beltmau's championship, but as he is not eligible to take the title A. Dalton, who finished next, was adjudged New Zealand champion beltman for 1936-37. To Dalton falls the honour of being the first surfer in New Zealand to gain this title twice; and he thoroughly deserves the honour as he swam consistently well throughout, the championships and defeated the best surf swimmers in New Zealand. The March Past.

The honour of being the champion inarch-past team goes this year to Opunake. This club deserved its win, and the team looked remarkably well in their bright costumes, Taylor's Mistake gained another second place with Ohawe (ItaWera) third. The first Wellington team to finish was Lyall Bay, which was placed fourth. It was an inspiring sight to watch the sixteen teams marching up the beach, a sight never seen before nt a New Zealand surf championship meeting.

Individual (Jhampionships. One of the most thrilling contests seen during the meeting was that for the senior individual surf race championship. In this event the Australians competed. and five out of the six Australian starters finished before the first New Zealand num breasted the tape. The Australians gave the New Zealand surfers a lesson in the art. of shooting breakers, the first Australian breaking the tape forty seconds ahead of the first New Zealander, R. Pelham. In actual swimming there was very little difference between the Australian's and New Zealanders. Pelham’s swim was a good one in excellent company, anil under ideal surf conditions. Pelham is well known throughout New Zealand for his fine sportsmanship and his win was exceedingly popular. Pelham has been competing in New Zealand swimming and surf championships for more than ten years, and it says a lot for his ability and strength of character that he, could come out at his age and beat the'cream of the country’s surfers. In my opinion no finer exponent of the art of surf swimming, with or without the licit, than Dick I’elham, has been seen, and it.is to be hoped he will be fit and well to toe the mark again in the championships next year. Surf Championships. The senior .surf teams’ championship created great excitement, the race resolving itself into a dual between Maranui and the Lyall Bay clubs. The Australians also competed in this event, and finished practically two minutes ahead of the first New Zealand team. Maranui shaded

Lyall Bay after an even tussle. Members of both teams hud competed in a number of events during the day. and so it was not a true test of their capabilities. The junior teams’ championship resulted in a win for St. Clair, who defeated the young Lyall Buy team. S. Jarvis, St. Clair, swam well in this event to defeat W. Beil, Lyall Bay, and give his team the victory.

Australians’ Fino Surf-shootiug. An indication of the superiority of the Australians man for man over the New Zealanders was given in the special international teams’ race championship. Some fine shooting of breakers was shown by the Australians, who practically lapped the New Zealand team. Here again the ability of the visitors to handle tbe surf gave them a substantial lead over the New Zealand team, who did not appear to be able to catch a, breaker at all. No doubt after the exhibition of the Australians more time»will be devoted to learning the art of riding or shooting the breakers. It will certainly be necessary for the team selected to represent New Zealand in Australia next year to be expert surfers.

Island Bay’s Position, There have been rumours about lately to the effect that Island Bay intend retiring from competition work, chiefly, it is understood, as a result of the decision of the judges in the junior provincial championship held recently. It is contended by Island Bay that their team should have been placed first and that they did not get a fair deal. It is interesting to note, however, that the three judges concerned all placed Lyall Bay first. (This fact can be verified by a perusal of the judge's card.) It is also interesting to note that in the recent New Zealand championships the Island Bay junior team was soundly defeated in their heat, and, as Lyall Bay again proved victorious, judged l>y a different group of judges, it would appear that the judges at the Wellington provincial championships gave the correct decision. In any case, competitions are held to develop the standard of life-saving, and to educate the public to the good work being done by the clubs, and all events should be competed in tbe best traditions of true sportsmanship and victories and defeats accepted accordingly. I sincerely hope that~"Pame Rumour” is again at fault, and that we shall see Island Bay competing in the competitions held each year, accepting their defeats with good sportsmanship and their victories with becoming modesty,