It was ‘bombs away!' on the waterfront today with people of all ages throwing themselves into the harbour as part of Tauranga's first official Bomb Comp.

Cheered on by a crowd in its hundreds, the inaugural competition was one of several events which took place during the official opening of the new tidal stairs and pier on The Strand.

More than 30 bombers across three age groups fought it out for the title of Tauranga's best bomber during the competition, which was judged by Bomblife New Zealand founder Hads Te Huia.

'It was a bloody awesome comp. We had a mean turnout, the weather was awesome, and the competitors who showed up did what they had to do and did it well.

'With it being the first bombing competition held in Tauranga, it's been really impressive.”

The competition saw bombers launch themselves off a roughly 3.5 metres platform into the water below, and were judged on three areas – splash height, bombers' style, and the cleanness of their splash.

'Obviously ‘height' is as it sounds and the splashes today varied between 6-7m, ‘cleanness' means the splash isn't messy but tight and straight up in the air, while ‘style' is all about how the competitor leaves the platform and moves in the air before hitting the water.

'I noticed a few of the guys added their own styles to their bombs. A common one's called ‘angels', that's where they spread their body out and then tuck in before hitting the water, so they knew what they could do and the style points they were going for.

'There were some really serious players here.”

He's also quick to point out that size isn't everything when it comes to bombing – if your technique's tight, your bomb will be splash-tastic.

'It's not about size, size doesn't matter. I think the technique comes down to the type of bombs you want to do, whether it be a manu, a coffin bomb, a knee bomb, whatever you want to do. It's all about knowing what your strong points are and that's all that matters.”

Hads thanks everyone who entered and turned out for the inaugural competition, and says he'll be looking to host another next year.

'We're looking into turning it into an annual thing during the summer, and I will be here every year, definitely.”

Ross Davis, 12 won the 12-14 age group, Jerramiah Hay, 15, won the 15-17 age group and Bass Atkins for the over 18.

The new tidal stairs packed with spectators.

Josh Reid.

Jumpman Ross Hudson.Mai FM's Bombald Trump Jaron Jack.

Tauranga City councillor Steve Morris.

Over thirty people competed in the event today.

Winner Bass Atkins at the first stage of the angel bomb.

Bass Atkins leaning back into the angel bomb.

Bass Atkins tucking in before entering the water.

Bass Atkins entering the water in a winning bomb.

Bass Atkins' bomb making a big splash.