New Zealand Surf Boat Series at Waihi Beach this weekend

Omanu surf boat crew in action in big surf at last year's New Zealand Surf Boat Series. Photo / File

The fourth and final round of the New Zealand Surf Boat Series is set to take place at Waihi Beach this weekend, with 51 crews entered into the event where New Zealand Surf Boat Series Champions will be crowned.

The open men's title is led by the North Beach Beavers on 54 points but they are only narrowly ahead of the Mairangi Bay Merkins and the Muriwai Moonshine teams who both have 50 points heading into the final weekend.

The under-19 title race could also be tight with only two points separating first place holders Whangamata Motor Boaters from Sunset Hipsters in second.

The under-23 team of Sunset Young Guns have a comfortable 14-point margin over the Titahi Bay Putang Poachers, but the title is far from sealed.

In the open women title race, the Muriwai Meerkats are six points ahead of the Red Beach Jedeyes who in turn, have an eight-point lead over the Red Beach Muzzies. But with up to 20 points on offer, it could still be a close finish.

However, the race for both the under-23 and under-19 women titles are closer. The under-23 Orewa Aces/Diamonds have a slim two-point advantage over the Piha Pingers, who are two points ahead of Waihi. In the under-19 women competition Paekakariki lead North Beach Bullets by two points.

With all the points so close, teams who have consistently performed throughout the season could be rewarded with a series win on Saturday with dozens of points on offer for each race.

The New Zealand Surf Boat event will be followed by the New Zealand Representative Surf Boat Challenge on Sunday, as well as the Champion of Champions event.

Regional representative teams made up of four crews from the Eastern, Northern, Central and Southern regions will battle it out over a three-race series of one long course, one short course and one surf boat relay.

Sunday also sees the ultimate challenge in surf boat racing with the Champion of Champions event. It is considered an open event and allows all crews to test themselves against the best in the business.

SLSNZ sport manager Mike Lord said that this weekend was "shaping up to be one of the best in the series due to the number of crews competing. Plus, of course, most of them are aiming to secure a New Zealand series title so they'll all be pushing the limit".

"Although, the predicted weather and 1.5m swell could be an added challenge for the crews this weekend but the boats thrive in those conditions and they're spectacular to watch, so it should be an exciting weekend of racing for everyone."

The four teams selected to represent New Zealand at the Trans Tasman Surf Boat Challenge in Australia later in February will also be racing this weekend.

The event officially gets under way from the Waihi Beach Surf Life Saving club at 10am on Saturday, before continuing from 8am on Sunday. Spectators are welcome.