Student surfers head for Raglan champs

Young surfers from around New Zealand are perfecting their "aerial" and "cutback" manoeuvres ahead of the secondary school surfing championships in Raglan this month.

In its third year, the competition is organised and run by students from Raglan Area School's surfing academy.

The cold, early starts don't worry Yvette Hulena, a Year 13 student and one of the organisers.

"Everyone gets there and gets in the water as soon as possible," she said.

Each school can enter up to 10 students, and unlike other national surfing competitions, there is no requirement for surfers to compete in regional qualifications first.

"It's for up-and-coming surfers," Ms Hulena said.

"You've just got to pull out your best and hope for the best."

She has been surfing for two years, but as an academy student is unable to enter the event on her home patch at Manu Bay.

The event is not open to academy students as they organise and run the contest as part of their curriculum. "I think it's quite good experience to be behind the scenes more," she said.

Conditions permitting, the schools event will be held on August 28-29.