Surf Lifesaving: Veteran still has plenty to offer

Dan Harris says he has won just about every title he was eligible for over his long competitive career. Photo / Alan Gibson

Fifty-seven years after climbing into his first surf-ski, Dan Harris still spends six mornings and evenings a week in the water.

The 71-year-old from Hamilton has competed in 50 years of surf life saving nationals, and his tanned, creased hands have steered boats to every major title.

He will sweep for a women's team from Hamilton and a junior boys' team from Waihi in the National Surf Life Saving Championships which begin this morning at Ohope in the Bay of Plenty.

Mr Harris, who has a Queens Service medal for his contribution to the sport, said the great reward of creating young life savers kept him competing since he was 14.

He drilled his women's team on the Waikato River nearly every day before leading them on Waihi Beach on the weekends.

"That's what it takes to get to the national standard. Early mornings, and after work. If they're good girls they get Sunday off."

All his children were now heavily involved in surf sports, and he hopes his youngest grandchild will soon join her siblings in the ocean.

"She's only 2, so she has four years before we can get her going."

He has had some harrowing moments in the surf but says the Ohope waves will provide milder conditions than his home beach at Waihi.

The major championship events finish on Sunday, with a record 1262 competitors entering from 44 clubs.