The Poverty Bay Race

The annual Young Nicks Head to Waikanae Beach races were contested by five swimmers, four paddleboards, and five canoes in near-perfect conditions early in the New Year.

Swimming at a stroking rate of about 60 to the minute, 17-year-old Clifton Blumfield maintained a good lead throughout the race to step ashore in an equal record time of 3hr 13min. The only other swimmer to complete the course was 17-year-old Vivien Swindell, who became the second woman to make the crossing.

A school of porpoises gave both swimmers and paddleboarders a few anxious moments in the early portions of their races, but soon tired of their slow-moving companions and departed for the open sea.

In the paddleboard race national junior champion Alan Byrne came home an easy winner ahead of Barry Broughton (2nd) and Denzil Owen (3rd).

The canoe race was won by Richard Mann, with Syd Scott second, and Burton Lamont third.

With early morning mist dulling the scene, lone swimmer Vivien Swindell strokes steadily across the vast expanse of open water.

Blumfieid sets cheerfully about the task at hand

While a companion lies contentedly on the bow of her escort boat, Barbara Weir forges through the water.

Michael Cutts and companion head for distant Waikanae Beach

Vivien Swindell does a spell of backstroke, watched from her escort boat by Robert Powell.

Freddy Tong stops for a rest

Less than 3¼ hours after taking to the water off Young Nicks Head Clifton Blumfield walks triumphantly up Waikanae Beach.

A tired Vivien Swindell is escorted up the beach to the finish line

From his paddleboard Denzil Owen views a slashing dorsal fin with momentary alarm. To his relief it belonged to a friendly porpoise.

Alan Byrne sprints for the lead

On the beach, canoe race winner Richard Mann (left) is congratulated by second placegetter Syd Scott.

Canoeists pass swimmers as they approach the beach

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The Gisborne Photo News

No 139 : January 26, 1966

The Poverty Bay Race