For most, reaching the pinnacle of junior surf lifesaving four times in their budding career is a feat. But for Omanu's Ella Pollock, stepping out for a 'lucky” fifth time is extremely special.

Next Thursday 800 of the country's budding surf lifesavers descend on Mount Maunganui's Main Beach to do battle in Oceans 15.

Omanu's Ella Pollock dives to beat Orewa's Holly Skinner in the Under-13 beach flags at the Oceans 14 in Mount Maunganui. Photo: Jamie Troughton/Dscribe Media Services.

The annual Under-14 New Zealand Surf Life Saving Championships sees competitors, aged 10-to-14, from 42 clubs take part in the four-day carnival.

Auckland's Orewa, with 62, and Red Beach, with 58, boast the most athletes coming but the local clubs are hot on their heels with defending champions Omanu entering 46, and both Mount Maunganui and Papamoa have 44.

From the South Island comes seven teams from within the Canterbury region and two from Dunedin.

And right in the thick of furious competition will be Pollock, intent on ending her longer than normal oceans career on a high.

A star beach sprinter and all-round athlete, who has medalled in all but one individual event and many team events during her ‘Oceans' career, she aims to compete in whatever she can despite a shoulder injury hampering preparations.

'It's really cool to be there for five,” says Ella. 'It's an amazing event and having a lucky birthday helps,” says the 14-year-old Mount Maunganui College student.

'My left shoulder just blew out last week. It just started hurting and getting sore and it got to the stage where I couldn't turn on a light without it hurting. The ice pack has become a good friend.”

Last month Ella qualified as a lifeguard and is looking forward to stepping up to senior level and giving back to her sport doing her time on patrol.

But not one to miss out, intends to push through the pain barrier – and hopes her added experience will hold her in good stead at clinching one or two titles one last time.

Looking back fondly on the event Ella says ‘Oceans' is where friendships are formed for life and the pinnacle of the season always brings out the best in the athletes.

'You train hard and never know what the conditions will throw at you,” she adds. 'Giving it your best is the challenge.”

Omanu will need that kind of attitude if they are to defend their 2014 title – the first time in the event's 14-year history the club has tasted overall victory.

Omanu finished on 60 points – 12 clear of neighbours Mount Maunganui, with Red Beach and Papamoa joint third on 42.

'We are not too worried about the added pressure,” adds Ella. 'I think we are just going to go out and focus on our team doing their best and see what the outcome is.”

The event runs from next Thursday, February 28 to Sunday, March 1 at Mount Maunganui's Main Beach.