The sudden increase in windsurfer numbers on Tauranga Harbour this week was a precursor for the first competitive wind surf racing there.
The Tauranga Yacht and Power Boat Club is hosting the RS:X and Techno North Island Championships this weekend, with training camps being held this week in the lead up to the competition races.

Windsurfing racing is just getting started in Tauranga. The club's six Techno boards were handed over to the Bay of Plenty Sailing Academy by TECT on December 5, says spokesman Stuart Pedersen.
'The kids that are getting involved are not up to the standard of doing the race if it's blowing,” says Stuart.
'But it will be great for them to see it and learn from the kids that are out there.”
The Techno boards are for the youth class, under 15 and under 17 year olds.
'It's a smaller sail and a larger board,” says Stuart. 'The RS:X is the Olympic class, there is an under 19 and an open division for that. They have bigger sails.
'It was all part of the plan, we put it all together in a big splash its coming altogether.”
So far there are 21 RS:X entries, headlined by Beijing boar sailor Tom Ashley, and 11 Techno entries.
'We have also got some prepared activities for beginners today and a training camp,” says Stuart.
'We're looking for budding young windsurfers who want to get into regular club and regatta racing, and who would be interested in chartering a board for a period rather than purchasing one up front,” says Stuart.
'As well as those who are currently doing a windsurfing course, there may be others within the club or outside who can already windsurf and would like to try this exciting sport.”