The first ever GWA Wingfoil World Cup to take place in the Pacific is kicking off in Tauranga this weekend.

Previously hosted in Spain and Brazil, it is set to run from Saturday, March 4, until Saturday, March 11, as part of the Waterbourne Beach Festival.

The opening ceremony kicked off on Friday night with a formal pōhiri, welcoming athletes onto the home soil in Mount Maunganui.

Around 52 athletes were formally welcomed into Tauranga on Friday. Photo: Supplied.

Wingfoiling is a 'fascinating” new type of surfing which is expected to feature at the 2032 Olympics, according to event director Laurence Carey.

'Athletes ride a hydrofoil board while harnessing the wind's power with a handheld wing. The GWA World Tour is the highest level of wingfoiling in the world, attracting athletes from around the globe to be crowned world champion in both freestyle and race.”

Laurence says freestyle is the competition of 'big arial moves” which feature tricks such as 1080s and flips.

The slalem racing category is a race 'downwind, in the waves” from one location to another zig zagging along the way.

Athletes registering at Mount Maunganui Main Beach on Friday. Photo: Supplied.

During the competition, members of the public are 'more than welcome” to come to Mount Maunganui to witness the world class athletes' skill on display.

'It's a free event to attend. We also have live music on March 4 at the beach from 3pm to 7pm, which is the first time that's happened in about 10 years from my understanding.

'Basically you're able to come down, watch all the wingfoiling and enjoy you're time. It is important to note it is an alcohol free event.”

On March 11, Laurence says there is a 'mass participation event” open to the public, the EVES Real Estate Stand Up Paddleboarding Championships, which will 'run alongside” the final day of the Wingfoiling tournament.

'Anyone who wants to paddleboard can come down and do a 300m paddleboard race, and if they race they can win flights to Hawaii.”

In total, the GWA Wingfoil World Cup is bringing about 52 athletes from around the world, three of which are Tauranga locals.

It is set to kick off Saturday, March 4. For more information, visit the Waterbourne website.

Enjoying kai together at the welcoming event on Friday. Photo: Supplied.