Surfing: World's best head to NZ

Piha beach on Auckland's west coast is set to be graced by four of the world's top surfers next month for the inaugural Surf Sessions competition.

Defending world champion Andy Irons and former world champion Sunny Garcia -- both from Hawaii -- will be joined by Australian pair Mark Occhilupo and Joel Parkinson in the world team to face four of New Zealand's top wave riders.

Daniel Kereopa, Maz Quinn, Jay Quinn and Bobby Hansen will square off against the internationals in a head to head competition at Piha on October 22.

Maz Quinn will enter the competition in good form after winning his first professional surfing title in Spain over the weekend.

- NZPA