“I still enjoy the competition too.”
The Lyall Bay surf lifeguard legend remains an active member of the movement and still gets a lot out of it.
“One of the things we don’t mention a lot is seeing young people through to be really good citizens. That’s special.
“I have made many lifelong friends through the surf movement.
“It’s a way of giving something back to the community and the odd rescue to help someone out is a bonus.”
Seventy-eight and still getting out there and enjoying himselfJohn McKerras, from Whakatane, turns 79 this year.
He came to Gisborne for a national championships in 1959 as a 20-year-old.
“There was a big sea rolling, I remember that.”
Over the years he has been in eight or nine surf clubs around the country and in his younger days competed in swim, belt and tube rescue races.
John will swim the surf race and do the run-swim-run today.
“I’m not quite sure why I’m still doing this. But I still enjoy it.
“We will see how we go today.”
'I don't want to stop'Rab Blair, 78, from South Brighton, will compete in swim and beach events today.
“I’ve been in it since 1956 and I don’t want to stop.
“It’s like a reunion every year.”
Jan Kane, 68, of Omanu in the Bay of Plenty, has been involved in surf lifesaving since the 1970s.
“I like to be active and I am also here to support my daughter Pamela, who is also competing in the masters today.
“So I’m the babysitter too.”
All four veterans embody the motto of Surf Lifesaving New Zealand — “In it for Life.”
Allan Gardner Memorial TrophyThe four-day TSB New Zealand Surf Lifesaving Championships continues tomorrow with the first day of the inter-club competition for the Allan Gardner Memorial Trophy.“It’s the biggest surf lifesaving sport event of the year, with almost 1350 athletes from 45 clubs entered,” said event manager Scott Bicknell.
“The clubs are from as far south as Kaka Point (one hour south of Dunedin) to as far north as Waipu Cove in Northland.”
Gisborne people were always very welcoming and the beach was perfect for the event, he said.
“While it can often provide a big swell, it always provides some good challenging conditions for athletes and the elevated height of the beach provides the perfect viewing platform.
“We have dozens of highly-skilled athletes registered for this weekend, so some of the races will be very close.
“Some of our New Zealand team (Black Fins) will compete, so the calibre of athletes is among the best you’ll find.”
Mr Bicknell also acknowledged the “incredible support” of officials, volunteers and sponsors who have made the event possible.
“We are fortunate to have more than 160 officials and volunteers who have taken time out of their busy lives to be at this event.
“Plus, of course, we would not be able to do it without the support of TSB New Zealand, so thank you to all those people for helping put this event on.”
He also acknowledged other supporters, including Gisborne’s ECT and Gisborne District Council.
“They have invested a lot around the beach, the walkways and access for the event, for which we’re very grateful.”
The club titles start at 8am tomorrow morning. Spectator entry to the event is free.
