12 Mar 2010 8:47 a.m.
Whakatane's turning on its sunshine for the national Surf Lifesaving Championships at Ohope.
The annual event has drawn around 3000 people to the Eastern Bay, with 43 clubs competing.
The event kicked off with the Masters competition yesterday, as a precursor to the open nationals.
Spokesperson Christine Tulloch says the atmosphere is incredible.
She says Ohope's buzzing, and athletes are excited about putting their training and hard work to the test.