Police officers from around the country will be trading uniforms for wet suits next week when Mount Maunganui hosts the New Zealand Police Association Surf Champs at Omanu Beach, March 15-17.

This is the first time the Western Bay of Plenty has hosted the events and Constable Karl Blinkhorne is one of 96 officers taking part. Photo by Bruce Barnard.

Karl Blinkhorne will leave his rank and uniform on the beach when he hits the waves during the New Zealand Police Association Surf Champs at Omanu Beach on Monday, March 15.
The annual surfing competition will attract 96 police officers from all over the country.
This is the first time the Western Bay of Plenty has hosted the event, which features 19 officers from the region.
Western Bay police recruiting officer and event organiser Loyd Buckley will compete in the competition's over 50s category.
'It's all about participation and having fun. But with police officers involved there's a fair amount of rivalry.”
The most senior officer in the competition will be a detective inspector from Taranaki, but Loyd says ranks are left at home during the competition.
'All of us leave our uniform and work behind.”
Loyd has been surfing for 45 years and will be the defending champion in the over 50s category.
'I'm out there whenever I can and whenever the waves are good. It's a relaxing, good, clean sport.”
Independent judge Eric Burgraff will act as the head judge in the competition alongside five others, which will be rotated among the competitors.
Loyd has also gathered $10,000 worth of spot prizes for the competition, including three surfboards.
The competition will be held at Omanu Beach, March 15-17 and is open to the public.