Mount Maunganui Lifeguard Service has taken the early lead in the Under-14 Surf Life Saving Championships which kicked off on Thursday.

The Mount team finished day one on 15 points after dominating the men's ‘run-swim-run' events with wins in the men's U12, U13 and U14 age groups, and in the U11 women's beach flags event.

But while they've taken an early lead, Maranui, Red Beach and Papamoa surf life saving club are all chasing them and aren't far behind with nine and eight points respectively.

The annual champs, also known as the Oceans'17, are enjoying near perfect conditions down at the Mount Main Beach where the four-day event is taking place until Sunday.

Event manager Scott Bickenell says the first day was a huge success and it's great to see everyone enjoying the iconic event.

'Everything from the athletes to the conditions, spectators and officials has been awesome today. It was great for us to see everyone enjoying themselves and supporting each other.

'It's also good to see a good battle emerging with the top teams. At this stage, it seems as though every point will count so we're excited to see them go head-to-head again today because it will definitely be close.”

Today the 898 athletes will compete in the board rescue, which involves one member of a two person team swim 120m to a designated buoy, signal and wait to be picked up by their teammate, before they both paddle to shore and cross the finish line on the beach with the board.

The diamond race and beach sprint events also feature on the timetable today before the event continues on Saturday and Sunday.

Oceans '17 is one of Surf Life Saving New Zealand's biggest events and aims to encourage younger children pursue a future in lifeguarding and surf sport.

Today's action has now kicked off and spectators are welcome to head down and watch all the action for free.

THE TOP SIX CLUBS AFTER DAY ONE:

• Mt Maunganui Lifeguard Service (15)
• Maranui Surf Life Saving Club (9)
• Red Beach Surf Life Saving Club (8)
• Papamoa Surf Life Saving Club (8)
• Omanu Surf Life Saving Club (7)
• East End Surf Life Saving Club (7)

For the full list of results visit: http://liveresults.co.nz/sls