One of the biggest surf sporting events is about to hit Bay of Plenty shores this weekend, with hundreds of athletes from around the country set to take part.

The annual Eastern Region Championships this year will see 850 athletes compete in the surf and on the sand near Mount Maunganui Surf Life Saving Club, from January 26-28.

The largest team to compete at the 2018 ERCs is Red Beach Surf Life Saving Club, with a total of 88 athletes, followed closely by the local team from Mount Maunganui Lifeguard Service, with 75.

Joining them, and fresh off their dominant performances at the Central Regional Championships, are New Plymouth teams Fitzroy and East End Surf Life Saving clubs, with 27 and 25 athletes respectively.

SLSNZ Eastern Region Sport Manager Mark Inglis says the event is shaping up to be one of the most competitive this season due to the large number of athletes along with their sheer skill.

'To have over 800 athletes, including a lot of New Zealanders who compete overseas competing here in Tauranga, is simply fantastic,” he says.

'Year on year, this event is one of the largest on the calendar and we're proud to be continuing that tradition.”