The secondary schools beach volleyball champs are taking place at the Main Beach today in perfect conditions.

Eighty, two person teams from eight colleges are taking part in what is the biggest contest for some years, says Volleyball BOP operations manager Tim Cleaver.

As well as most Tauranga colleges, there are schools vying for the medals from Katikati, Rotorua and Whakatane. It is the first time Katikati College is competing in beach volleyball, says Tim.

Tauranga Boys College is entering 13 junior boy's teams this year, while Mount Maunganui College which is much closer to the beach is entering two junior girl's teams and two senior boys teams this year.

'They have only just got some staff who are involved in beach volleyball,” says Tim.

'It's an annual event, probably been going 20 years. This is a big field, probably the biggest in the last couple of years. I think it's quite good.”