Newquay Harbour will once again turn into a venue for community sports on Sunday when people compete in the water and on the beach. 

Swimming, surfboard paddling and sculling races will be held from 2pm as part of the long-established Newquay Harbour Sports Day. This year offers a new event, a stand up paddleboard race, for people who can take along their own board. 

Commentator Roger Mansfield said: “As always, its objective is to  provide a fun family day for all ages, either as active participants  or as spectators, watching from the beach or harbour quay, while listening to live commentary. 

“This is a free event, open to all who can swim 50 metres. Contestants will have to register their name on the beach, at the entry table between noon to 2pm. 

“Come and watch, listen or even fall in the water for a bit of competitive exercise! No-one takes it too seriously. It’s all just an afternoon of salt-flavoured fun!” 

The 21st century harbour sports event has evolved from competitions first held in the 1920s. The event has changed in its format but has carried on the principle that each year there is one occasion when people can have free use of the harbour for fun and sport. 

The occasion has become Newquay’s oldest water-based sporting event, which was in existence for 40 years before the start of surfing contests in the mid-1960s. 

The harbour sports day has seen almost three hours of water-based activity on each chosen afternoon in recent years.  

The longstanding voluntary members of the harbour sports committee give their time to organise the once-a-year event.  

Secretary Chris Jepson said: “In the last few years, our community support has expanded with the active, helpful involvement of the local Rotary club, Lusty Glaze Surf Life Saving Club and now Newquay Lions.  

“We certainly invite any new organisations or individuals to share their time and expertise with us. Please contact us and talk about it.” 

People can email Christine on [email protected] or telephone 01637 876030.