Mount Maunganui's Main Beach will be awash with junior athletes over four intense days of competition at the annual Under-14 New Zealand Surf Life Saving Championships from March 2-5.
Known as Oceans 17, the annual competition has a proud history of being one of Surf Life Savings biggest events which aims to encourage and promote young children to pursue a future in life guarding.
Surf Life Saving New Zealand sport manager, Mike Lord, said the carnival was the high point of the season and many of the athletes had been training and competing at a local level throughout the season in preparation.
"There's always an amazing atmosphere at the Oceans carnivals as the kids give the competition their all but also display great sportsmanship, looking out for one another and cheering each other on. It's a great chance for them to hang out with their mates in an environment that they love," he said.
Last year's event saw Omanu Beach Surf Life Saving Club successfully defend their championship title after fighting off stiff competition from around the country.