Schools from all over the country will be gathering in Woolacombe this weekend for the Hunter/Billabong British Schools Surfing Championships in association with Calypso and Kustom run by the British Surfing Association (BSA).

This year, due to popular demand the contest will take place over three days, starting on Friday 25th and running through until the 26th and 27th April.

Conditions look promising with 2 - 3 ft clean waves expected over another weekend of summery weather. Over 200 children aged between 12 and 18 years have already entered from 30 schools across the South West, England, Wales and The Channel Islands. They'll all be looking to topple last year's winners, Braunton, from their top spot and show their array of promising talent.

There will be both team and individual competitions and the BSA expects to see some impressive action as well as ensuring fun for all. Categories include Under 18s, Under 16s, Under 14s, Girls, Bodyboarding and Longboarding heats and many of the teams include the Britain's top Junior and Grom talent. School teams are made up of fours and must contain at least one bodyboard rider or one girl and one surfer.

Back to retain his title in the Under 18s Bodyboard will be Nat McCabe from Bournemouth and local girl Karma Worthington will be showing off her skills in her bid to hold her title as Girls Champion. Many of last year's winners have now moved on to university and are too old for the competition so those top spots are completely open for new champions.

National director of the BSA Karen Walton said: "The Hunter/ Billabong British Schools Surfing Championships in association with Calypso and Kustom is always such an exciting contest and with the biggest entry ever there is sure to be an electric atmosphere.

"It's a brilliant way to kick off the summer surfing season and we're looking forward to seeing them all in the water. Thanks in advance to all of the sponsors and all of the enthusiastic teachers and parents who are making the trip to Devon. "

Prizes will be provided by Kustom but most importantly the opportunity to be a British Champion and earn the ultimate respect from peers and other schools. It is also an opportunity for BSA team coaches to scout for new team members and future talent.