Huge waves and perfect conditions set the scene for the start of this year's Hyundai national surfing championships at Piha in West Auckland.
More than 200 surfers from around the country will compete during the week-long competition.
The event is being held at the south end of the beach and will include 25 different divisions in age groups and disciplines.
Hundreds of people were at Piha yesterday to cheer on competitors and to cool themselves off.
Among those making a splash was teenage surfer Sean Kettle (pictured), of Taranaki, whose performance won him heat six of the Open Men's competition.
