The competition kicked off in small yet beautiful conditions as the best 200 age surfers in NSW began their campaigns for a berth at the Country Energy Australian Surf Festival.

With their competitive drive still as sharp as ever, what transpired was some high-quality surfing.

Led by Paul Wayland (Mona Vale) in the over 40s division, who accrued the highest heat, and single wave, total of the opening day with a 12.50 (out of a possible 20) and a 7.50 (out of a possible 10), the day was one to remember.

Ashley Gee (Woolooware) and Craig Morris (Wollongong) were also in great form in the early morning rounds, racking up 7.17 and 7.50 respectively (out of a possible 10) for a ferocious attack on the small, shifting peaks.

As the age divisions rose, so to did the scores as local stalwart and former ISA World Champion Terry Richardson (East Corrimal) wound back the clock with an awesome performance in the over 50s.

Mark Morgenthal (Mona Vale) and current Australian champion Rod Baldwin (Copacabana) were the main drawcards in the over 45s, and they did not disappoint.

With more scintillating action set to continue today, the event will be headlined by the crowning of five prestigious state titles – the over 40, 45, 50 and 55 years male division and over 28 years female division.