The old Reverend of gospel and soul Al Green may have been singing for 60-odd years but this is the first time he has made it Downunder.

The NZ team have been making the most of their limited build-up for the World Junior Surfing Championships beginning in Piha.

With growing numbers chasing the perfect ride or just an uncrowded wave come tensions - which can spill over into abuse, vandalism and arrests.

Sun, sea and the birth of surfing: the second part of a four-part story by Graeme Lay.

A look at the top ranked surfers on the ASP women's world tour.