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The Gisborne Photo News

 

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Mid-Winter Surfing

Fifty hardy surfboard riders braved a blustery mid-winter wind to compete in the Gisborne Surfriders' Club first competition carnival at Makarori Beach on a recent Saturday.

While spectators shivered on the shore, the surfers, who know no season, scorned the prevailing conditions and raced into the frigid waters to try for honours in the various events.

Among the competitors were 25 visiting surfers from Mt. Maunganui and Hastings.

The waves were small, but well-shaped, and were considered ideal for the occasion.

Gisborne riders proved their prowess at this rapidly growing sport by taking all the placings in the three events, for men, boys, and women.

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Junior national champion and winner of the junior event, Alan Byrne, cuts across a fast-breaking wave as another competitor prepares to take off and still another paddles out.

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Heavily wrapped against the biting wind, two Mt. Maunganui visitors shiver on the beach while watching an event.

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Surfboards were transported to the beach in all manner of ways

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Roger Jenkins, winner of the senior title, waxes his board prior to competing in the final.

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Alan Byrne walks up the beach after winning his event

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Mr D. M. Byrne, president of the club, gets a heat underway with his starting gun.

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Senior placegetters "thaw out" round a fire after competing in their final. From left: Terry Byrne (2nd), Peter Goodwin (3rd), Roger Jenkins (1st).

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Competitors and spectators watch events from the road. From left: Barry Broughton, Robert Morse, Denzyl Owen, Ray Boggs, Joan Patty, Rosemary Harrison, Lynda Davies, and Gail Patty.

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In perfect position, Roger Jenkins slides across a small wave as other competitors prepare for a ducking

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Twin sisters, Joan (left) and Gail Patty, took 2nd and 1st placings respectively in the women's contest.

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Large rocks hold down unused surfboards on the wind-blown beach

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Judges and officials watch an event. From left: Mr D. M. Byrne, Ian Hammon (spectator), Geoffrey Thompson, Bob Davies (judges), Paul Dobson (secretary), Dave Walpole (N.Z. president), Chip Post, and Bob Steele (judges).