If you’re after a fun, action-filled day of surf life saving sports at the beach, mark Saturday, February 14, on your calendar.

Pukehina Surf Rescue is hosting the 2026 Harris Cup Invitational Carnival after bringing the trophy home last year and ending a 12-year drought.

Pukehina Surf Rescue life member Boyd Harris said his club’s young lifeguards demonstrated exceptional dedication and perseverance, working tirelessly to return the trophy to its home beach last year, where it now takes pride of place in the newly-built clubhouse.

“This year, they are keen to defend their title,” Harris said.

The invitational carnival brings together junior lifesavers – in age groups from Under-6 to Under-14 – from smaller surf clubs across the Eastern Bay of Plenty for a day of friendly rivalry, competition and skill development, he said.

“We are expecting more than 300 competitors to compete, representing Pukehina, Ōpōtiki, Whakatāne, Maketu and Waihī Beach surf life saving clubs.

“This year, for the first time, Raglan’s club will be competing,” Harris said.

Photo by Jamie Troughton/Dscribe Media. Youngsters enjoying the action at the 2025 Harris Cup Invitational Carnival. Photo / Jamie Troughton/Dscribe Media Services

“This is a once-a-year invitation, and we invite the smaller clubs around the area to enjoy the various water activities, and at the same time, it is an opportunity for them to showcase their skills and perseverance,” Harris said.

“The carnival provides a chance for young lifesavers to experience competition in a very supportive environment, with the aim for them to develop further, gain more confidence and continue with lifesaving training.”

Harris said Harris Cup trophy is named after his late father Selwyn Harris, who with others established the surf lifesaving base at Pukehina about 27-28 years ago. Today, Harris and his brother Quentin, are still involved in club and so are Selwyn’s mokos (grandchildren) – Nathan is a coach and Masters competitor while Jayden is a lifeguard.

“He founded the Nippers Club, an initiative that introduces surf skills and water safety to five-14-year-olds, with a focus on fun and development.”

The Harris family continued to play a vital role within the club, with several members actively contributing as coaches, crew members, and lifeguards.

Harris said while the Harris Cup is a key fixture on the junior surf calendar, it also strengthens relationships among the region’s smaller surf clubs and promotes a strong sense of community.

“We make it a really fun, supportive event for youngster from smaller clubs, especially those new to competing in these types of competitions so they don’t feel daunted,” Harris said.

“The day start with a traditional March Past, and we a do a chariot race with the parents, which are both a nod to the real old days of surf club racing.”

“The ongoing support of local volunteers and community members is essential to the event’s success and to the club’s continued commitment to surf lifesaving excellence.”

The 2026 Harris Cup Invitational Carnival is on February 14 based at the Pukehina Surf Rescue clubhouse at 723 Pukehina Parade. The competition starts 9.30am with the traditional March Past.