Mount Maunganui surfer Elin Tawharu has progressed into the semi-finals at this year's 2016 Billabong National Surfing Championships in Dunedin today.

Elin is contesting three divisions at the championships and has so far progressed to the semi-finals in the open women and the Under-18 Girls' division.

Elin Tawharu and Jordan Griffin competing at the national surf champs in Dunedin. Photos: Mark Stevenson.

The teenager will compete in the Under-16 Girls' division later today.

Also competing at the champs is fellow Mount surfer Jordan Griffin competing in the open men's division although he was eliminated he had a solid competition finishing ninth overall.

Jordan has a chance to push for a better result when he competes in the men's Longboard Division later in the week.

Conditions at today's competition has been perfect for surfing with 1m to 1.5m waves and light variable winds.

The championships are being held from the 11th – 16th January, the primary venue being St Clair Beach. It is the first time in five years that the event has been staged in the South Island and it coincides with the 50th anniversary of the host club South Coast Boardriders Association who are based at St Clair Beach.

This year marks the seventh time the event has been held at Dunedin.

In the 53 year history of the event the Billabong National Championships presented by Health 2000 has grown to encompass 21 divisions spread across all disciplines and age groups making for a largely inclusive event filled with high level surfing as well as good times in and out of the water.

Over 200 entries have been received for the event. The senior men's divisions start from Tuesday with the Longboard taking place from Wednesday and Stand up Paddleboard plus Kneeboard taking place from Thursday.