About 36 competitors are taking to the harbour this weekend as they compete in the annual Tauranga Spring Windsurfing Slalom.

The event, which is taking part on the water in front of Fergusson Park, has drawn surfers from all over the North Island, with just about every region represented.

Competitors taking part in the Tauranga Spring Windsurfing Fun Slalom Weeken. Photos: Cameron Avery.

Event organiser Peter Head says the winds have picked up for this afternoon's racing and he is pleased with today's turnout.

'Racing has been divided into fleets – gold, silver and bronze – to reflect the surfers' skill, experience and weather.”

Starting from the beach, up to 10 competitors race on a figure eight course with several races being run before the fleets are regrouped, helping push the competitors.

'It is back-to-back slalom racing so they get between five and eight races each day.”

Peter says this summer's drive in the Bay of Plenty is to encourage more windsurfers, particularly former windsurfers, to get out on the water with a bit of fun competition.

'It is aimed at the recreational windsurfer and gives them a good excuse to get together at the same time for some thrills and spills.”

Racing will start again at 1pm tomorrow.