Athletes of all ages and capabilities have hit the sand, surf and sea today to take on the annual Mount Monster.

The event includes a 25km epic along the Mount Maunganui coastline, comprising a 5km run, 1500m swim - including a 6m jump off the Moturiki Island blowhole - a 12km ski paddle and a 6km board.

For the second year in a row, the event has also kicked off with the Mini Monster - an endurance race specifically for athletes under 14, with the main event kicking off at 10am.

SunLive photographer Nikki South got out among the action today. See the photos below: