A record number of entrants will contest the North Island IRB Championships at Waihi today.
It is only the second time the event has attracted crews from all nine surf lifesaving districts.
"This is the strongest entry ever for these championships, with 59 crews compared to 56 last year and
46 the previous season," said Mark Weatherall, Sport Manager for Surf Lifesaving New Zealand. "And we are guaranteed new champions in the premier and women's divisions."
Last season's premier champions from Opunake have retired, and the women's top crew, from Brighton, will also miss these championships.
"The long-serving crew of Chris Scott and Jaron Mumby have retired after a number of years as New Zealand representative," said Weatherall. "That leaves the premier crew trophy wide open.
"Likely successors could be the Wainui crew of Justin Martin and Nathan Teutenberg, or Ben Flynn and Matt Backler from Paekakariki."
Kate Bonner and Kirsten O'Regan, from Brighton, will also be absent after being unbeaten at championship level last season.
"The leading women's crew could be Leisha Fleming and Sarah Williams from Sumner," said Weatherall. "Another Canterbury club, Spencer Park, is the leading club, with six entries for the under 21, women and senior divisions."
The two strong district entries are from Northern Region with 14 and Taranaki with 13 crews.
"It is pleasing to see such a strong entry in the under-21 division, with 20 crews expected at Waihi," he said. "The next-strongest category is the senior competition with 17 crews."
