Ironing Board Derby

Midsummer madness breaks out in various forms. One form, more noticeable each year, is California's annual August aquaplane race from Catalina Island to Hermosa Beach--44 miles of seesawing open sea.

Originally a publicity stunt to boost Hermosa Beach, California's Ironing Board Derby--said to be the world's longest aquaplane race--is sanctioned by the American Power Boat Association

(governing body of all motorboat races), is run according to strict rules, draws crowds of 100,000 or more to watch the winner get the checkered flag.

Aquaplaning is.nothing more than standing on a broad, flat board, hanging onto a rope and being towed by a motorboat. But, at 50 m.p.h. hanging-on is no hay ride. Usually, less than half the starters finish (falling off, however, does not disqualify). Despite padded shin guards and taped hands, those who finish invariably require first aid--for sprained wrists, numbed feet, bruises from flying fish as well as falls. Many are carried from the finish-line to a hospital.

Record time for the ride is 1 hr., 12 min., 54 sec., established last year by Vancouver's Dale Carpenter, University of Washington student. Last week young Carpenter tried to better his record. But the best he could do, after taking two bad spills, was finish fourth. Winner: 35-year-old Robert Brown, garage mechanic, winner in 1937 and runner-up last year. Of 20 starters, 14 finished--including beauteous Barbara Denny, daughter of Actor Reginald Denny, who streaked in last, sobbing hysterically.

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