Surfing: Big field confirmed for winter classic

The North Coast Boardriders' annual mid-winter surf contest is on again at Sandy Bay this weekend, with surfing starting tomorrow.

With good-to-very-good surf predicted, a big field from as far away as Gisborne is confirmed, along with a number of current and past national champions.

Now into its 32nd year, the competition starts 8:30am tomorrow before the final takes place on Sunday, with the open winner walking away with $1000 of cash thanks to event sponsor Mammoth Insulation.

North Coast Boardriders president Mal Egginton said this weekend's competition should make for some good viewing, adding that he was thankful for the support of sponsors.

"We've been privileged to have Schnappa Rock as main sponsor for five years," said Egginton. "They're still very involved with the event and have helped smooth the transition to the inaugural Mammoth Insulation Polar Bear Classic."

The Polar Bear Surf Classic was first held in 1981 as a fundraiser and an excuse to invite other clubs who could make the trek north for a good party in the middle of winter.

The contest is well supported and there are surfers in the over 50s division who attended the early Polar Bears as grommets. While the premier division is the Open, other divisions such as women, juniors, over 40s and 50s - make up the majority of entries.