5 February 2026, Issue 1296
Skills and support Surf carnivals offer exciting water and sand-filed fun for youngsters. But if you’ve never competed before, they can be daunting. That’s why the Harris Cup Invitational Carnival is different. It
offers smaller surf clubs across the Bay of Plenty a day of friendly rivalry, competition and skill development. The 2026 Harris Cup Invitational Carnival is being hosted on February 14 by Pukehina Surf Rescue, who brought
the trophy home last year and ended a 12-year drought. Pukehina Surf Rescue life member Boyd Harris said his club’s young lifeguards demonstrated exceptional dedication and perseverance to return
the trophy to its home beach last year. “This year, they are keen to defend their title.” Pictured is Waihī Beach athlete Finn McIntyre, now aged 11, competing last year. Find out more page 14. Photo / Jamie Troughton/Dscribe Media Services