N. Z. Surfriding Champions

Inconsistent surf conditions marred the New Zealand surfriding championships held here over Easter. The only events contested were the heats of the men's and junior titles, the women's contest, and the paddling events. The contest went on to New Plymouth the following weekend for the men's and single's finals.

Local rider Ben Hutchings came third in the men's event at New Plymouth.

Roger Brown, one of Gisborne's top juniors, in action.

The women finalists preparing for their heat. They are, from left, Valerie Treadea (Auckland) 2, Gail Porter (Auckland) 1, Carol Cranch (Auckland) 5, Gail Patty (Gisborne) 3, Cindy Pinnenger (Waikato) 4, Lyn Galloway (Waikato) 6.

Robbie Walsh (New Plymouth) on a good wave.

The paddle races were held at Waikanae Beach, and Gisborne competitors featured strongly in all events.

The start of the men's race over 1000 yards.

Chris Ransley (Gisborne) about to collapse on the beach after winning the closely contested men's event.

The Gisborne No. 2 team which came third in the relay. From left: Nigel Mountford, Chris Sampson, Gary Stephenson, Tony GledhilL

Fourth in the relay was Gisborne's No. 1 team. From left: Glen Sutton, Chris Ransley, Ben Hutchings, Barry Robinson.

An exhausted Nigel Mountford gasps for breath on the sand after winning the junior race.

The closest finish ever seen at any championships was that of the relay when Mike Jenkins (Waikato), nearest camera, and Peter Way (Auckland), obscured, crossed the line together. Nigel Mountford (Gisborne) was a very close third.

Part of the large crowd at the Waikanae Beach events.

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The Gisborne Photo News

No 190 : April 22, 1970

N. Z. Surfriding Champions