A Mount Maunganui surfer is aiming for a national title after moving into the quarterfinals of the Hyundai National Surfing Championship on Friday.

Surfer Alex Dive placed second in his Open Men's Division heat yesterday at St Clair Beach in Dunedin. Moving through to the last 16 surfers, he will be back in the water today to compete for a spot in the semifinals.

Alex's quarterfinal match up will see him up against Gisborne surfer and four time national champion Maz Quinn and his brother Jay Quinn. Alex will also be up against Raglan surfer Luke Hughes, who is described by Surfing New Zealand as "the one to watch" as the event progresses.

There are 23 national titles go up for grabs. As well as the premier Open Men's and Open Women's Divisions, there will be a further 21 divisions comprising of age groups from Under 14 through to Over 55s and also Kneeboard and Bodyboard disciplines.

Communications liaison for Surfing New Zealand Ben Kennings says the surf remained in the 2.0m range on Friday, and the sun did break through in the afternoon, making cold Dunedin conditions more pleasant.

The Hyundai National Surfing Championships are the second of six events on the SOL Surf Series and runs from the 13^th – 16^th of January.