The surf life-saving season will begin with the traditional White Island race today.
With calm weather anticipated, competitors could be inspired to have a crack at the long-standing course record.
White Island is 2.5km from the beach and competitors are expected to take 20-40 minutes to get there and back.
The surf ski competition record of 21 minutes has been held since 1981.
A prize of $300 has been offered to the person who can break it.
St Clair surf life-saving chairman Antony Mason said the surf ski division should provide some tough competition. St Clair's Heath Ratten was in good form, as was Brighton's Ryan Shanks, he said.
Mt Maunganui surf ski competitor Daniel Peacock, whose home beach is affected by oil from the stricken Rena, should perform well. Carla Laughton (St Clair) was another one to watch.
"She's an outstanding competitor."
Competitors will also attempt the race in double surf skis, malibu surfboards and surf canoes.
The Salty Dogs, a team of life-savers in their 50s, will be in the mix in the surf canoe division, Mason said.
Local swimmer Rhys Applegarth is attempting the swim, accompanied by a safety boat, in case of "big fishies", he said.
"You can't be too careful."
Although the forecast is for calm conditions with 1m swells, the weather can sometimes change rapidly, Mason said.
"We've had people going to White Island when one of those southerly bombs hit. Next thing they'll end up in Lawyers Head."
The racing starts at 9am at St Clair beach.
• By Andrew MacKay.
