Current world champion beaten by golden Harvey

Friday 28th March 2008, 2:28PM GMT.

Chris Harvey on his way to the gold medal in California. (Picture by Chris Ketner)

CHRIS Harvey retained his gold medal at the opening World Cup Series surf kayaking event of the year at Santa Cruz, USA.

The 28-year-old Sarnian who is one of the top surf kayakers in the world, pulled off his trademark aerial moves at the famous Californian surf hot spot of Steamer Lane, to grab the top place on the podium for the second year running.

In the process the outdoor education teacher who currently works in North Yorkshire got the better of world champion, Rusty Sage, on his home break. ‘It was quite nice to beat the current world champion and to retain the title,’ said Harvey.