Surfing: World's best surfers make tracks from Raglan to Piha

Australian Mick Fanning, who is running fifth in the current World Championship, makes himself at home on the surf at Raglan's Manu Bay yesterday. Picture / Sarah Ivey

Top-five world surfers Joel Parkinson and Mick Fanning joined local boardriders at Manu Bay, Raglan, yesterday to cut a few tracks across the famous left-hand break.

The impromptu session by the Australians was unheralded, with just a few spectators on hand to watch the action on a half-metre swell.

Today, world No 2 surfer Andy Irons and his brother Bruce arrive in Auckland to meet the Aussies at the Vodafone Queen St store.

The quartet will be joined by Kiwi surfers Maz Quinn, Daniel Kereopa, Bobby Hansen and Richard Christie for an autograph session from 12.30pm to 1.30pm.

The surfers head to Piha tomorrow for the 2006 Vodafone Surf Sessions, from 11am to 3pm.

Surfing NZ executive officer Greg Townsend said the line-up was "hugely impressive".

"It's a rare opportunity for the public to come along for free to watch this ultimate surfing showcase."