Mount Maunganui Lifeguard Service leading surf nationals

Hundreds of superstar lifeguard-athletes have displayed their talent during the second day of the TSB Bank National Surf Life Saving Championship as the competition to take the overall title heats up at New Brighton in Christchurch in less-than-ideal conditions.

However, it's still Mt Maunganui Lifeguard Service who continue to lead the event with 93 points heading into the final day tomorrow.

Although Waikanae Surf Life Saving Club of Gisborne could still be a threat as they finish the day in second after a strong performance including a win in the under-19 women's board rescue (one swimmer, one board paddler).

Rounding out the podium in third is Mairangi Bay Surf Life Saving Club from Auckland who are sitting on 42 points, just head of Hawkes Bay team Ocean Beach Kiwi who are in fourth place on 37 points.

The top placed southern team is Waimairi Surf Life Saving Club who are currently in eighth place but with another day of potentially chilly and windy weather forecast tomorrow, the southern teams could have a quiet advantage of their northern rivals.

TSB Bank National Surf Life Saving Championships event manager Prue Younger said while the weather was cooler than yesterday, it didn't affect the event too much.

"The weather wasn't the big challenge we expected today although it did get cold enough to warrant athletes the option of wearing wet suits," said Ms. Younger, "but aside from the cold, it was a pretty good day and the weather certainly didn't put a dampener on things here."

The final day of the TSB Bank National Surf Life Saving Championships begin tomorrow at 8am, starting with a special Lifesaver Relay Exhibition Race. While the exhibition race is not a point-scoring race, athletes will compete for club pride across five surf life saving sport disciplines.

The Lifesaver Relay Exhibition Race consists of a short course boat race, 120 metre ocean swim, a short beach sprint, along with a board [paddle-board] and ski [similar to a kayak] component.