Trio relish ideal waves

The star-studded open men's division at the national surfing championships enjoyed the best conditions seen at Piha this year on day three of the week-long event yesterday.

The surf peaked at two metres, with big turns and barrels highlighting some exceptional performances.

New Zealand's top three internationally-ranked surfers all progressed through their heats.

In a bizarre twist of fate, Richard Christie (Gisborne), ranked 43rd in the world, and Billy Stairmand (Raglan), ranked 79th, drew each other in their first heat but progressed easily, Christie edging Stairmand this time.

"I am stoked to beat Bill for sure," Christie said as he left the water. "It was fun out there, I got into a rhythm early on and held the lead but I am stoked Billy did well as well."

Stairmand, who had to settle for scoring 12.83 to Christie's 14.57, is the lighter of the two and admitted to struggling with the strong offshore winds.

Jay Quinn (Gisborne), was in equally devastating form to win his heat despite a slow start.

"It was a good result in the end but it was hard with the incoming tide and the wind," Quinn said.

A resurgent Bobby Hansen (Gisborne) is out to give the top seeds a run for their money and his was the best in a raft of top performances from the event's underdogs.

Raglan's Leon Santorik surfed well to win his heat as did Mt Maunganui-based Matt Hewitt, Tim O'Connor and Keone Campbell who all won their heats.

Conditions for day four today are expected to be good despite a forecast drop in the size of the swell.

Light variable winds are forecast for the opening of the women's and age group divisions and the continuation of the open and under-18 men's divisions.