The pinnacle of junior surf lifesaving is set to unfold on Mount Maunganui's Main Beach from today, with more than 800 competitors battling it out in the Oceans'14.

The annual Under-14 New Zealand Surf Life Saving Championships will see a total of 825 competitors aged 10 to 14-years-old take part in a four-day carnival.

Papamoa brothers Jake, Mitch, Scott and Ross Cowdrey. Photo: Jamie Troughton/Dscribe Media Services.

One club looking for composed consistency is defending champions Papamoa Surf Life Saving Club, having edged Red Beach and Mount Maunganui in a thriller last year.

Papamoa Surf Life Saving Club junior surf coordinator Tracey Mano says the club's 47 competitors are raring to go as they eye to retain the prestigious title after being put through their paces in a month-long training regime.

'It would be good [to win the title again] but we do lack in some age groups. But I think there is a good chance for some good individual results,” says Tracey.

'We will be up against it with some strong teams from Omanu and Mount Maunganui.”

Tracey says one Papamoa clubbie to keep an eye on is Mitch Cowdrey – the last of four brothers, who have all excelled at Oceans.

"My brothers were the ones who taught me how to ride a board - Mum reckons I was standing up and surfing at four - so they've definitely been a positive influence," says the 13-year-old.

Mitch, in his last year of the under-14 age group, is keen to back up the 10 individual medals he's already collected. Between them, Mitch, Jake, Scott and Ross Cowdrey, have amassed 45 Oceans' medals since Ross was nine-years-old.

Omanu Surf Life Saving Club director Mike Swan describes the event as the most popular event in the surf lifesaving calendar – something young clubbies aspire to.

'It's the pinnacle of junior surf in the country. I mean it is supported by clubs from all over the country and it's their national championships,” says Mike.

'We are really hoping the event is able to be held at the Main Beach on the ocean side rather than Pilot Bay because then it a true test of surf champs rather than pool champs.”

Boasting 52 competitors, on par with previous years, the club is aiming for a top five finish. It is putting greater emphasis on nurturing the club's future talent, with enjoyment and fun with their fellow athletes.

'It's all about the enjoyment rather than the competitive aspect for Omanu. We are keen on building kids and their abilities whilst retaining a little bit of the competitive interest.”

The Omanu team will also pay tribute to clubmate Harrison Mundy, who passed away on Sunday after a long battle with cancer – wearing red arm bands on Thursday's opening session.

The Mundy family have been heavily involved in the Omanu Club through the years.

While Mount Maunganui, Omanu and Red Beach have big contingents competing this week, the smaller clubs will also be represented. Five juniors from Pukehina will attend, while Waipu Cove, Kariaotahi and Dunedin's Warrington club all have only one competitor each.