Top surf rescue boat crews will fight for national championship honours at Whangamata this weekend.
More than 100 crews from 34 surf lifesaving clubs will compete in a range of simulated rescues.
Last year's top crew, Ben Fuller and Kelvin Eglington, of the Bay of Plenty's Omanu club, will defend their title against previous winners Chris Scott and Jaron Mumby, of Taranaki's Opunake club.
Last year, Scott and Mumby, both New Zealand surf lifesaving team members, were competing in the tri-nations test series in South Africa .
Otago's Marie Kelly is overseas this year, and the female driver's title is up for grabs.
Twenty female crews have entered the championships and the inflatable rescue boat championship has record entries.
Surf Life Saving New Zealand chief executive Geoff Barry said investment in members was beginning to pay off.
- NZPA
Lifesaving: Boat crews join battle
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