Eckstein to lead Aussie surf charge in NZ

World ironman champion Shannon Eckstein headlines a withering Australian team picked to compete in the DHL International Surf Challenge in Mount Maunganui later this month.

Eckstein, who wrapped up his sixth title in the Kellogg's Nutrigrain ironman series in Australia last week, will be joined by another ironman legend Zane Holmes, as well as current ironwoman world champion Kristyl Smith.

They'll compete in the three-test, five-nation series, which is part of the nine-day Festival of Surf Sports at the Bay of Plenty beach from January 29.

While Australia's super-star ranks are a daunting prospect for the 12-strong host team, New Zealand coach Scott Bartlett is excited at taking on the best in the world.

"Australia have got some great depth and it's very exciting having Shannon and Zane race out here," Bartlett said.. "Those two are supreme athletes and very good short-course racers. They're probably the best two in the world and have been for some time and we're lucky to be able to see them live."

Smith and Eckstein both won the world ironman titles in Egypt last year, while the 12-strong Australian team also includes Courtney Hancock, who won the women's title at the Kellogg's series last week and finished second at the Coolangatta Gold.

Holmes won the last two rounds of the Kellogg's series after an 18-month recovery from back surgery.

Bartlett and his fellow New Zealand selectors have bolstered their beach-sprinting ranks - including champion flags exponents Paul Cracroft-Wilson and Morgan Foster - while Australia have included only one specialist male and female sprinter.

"A lot of our team events are excellent - our ski relay teams are incredibly strong and our board relay teams are strong, as well as our beach team. We're going to match them head-to-head in a lot of events and a lot of things - like the home beach and the home crowd - will come into our favour."

New Zealand's ranks include ironman Mike Janes - fresh from his 17th-place finish on the Kellogg's series - and five-time national ironman champion Daniel Moodie.

Other nations competing in the challenge include Canada, Japan and Britain, with the United States a late withdrawal.

The Festival of Surf kicks off with the two-day Northern Regional Championships, which will include a large contingent of overseas athletes warming up for the test series.

The festival ends with the Lion Foundation Surf League the following weekend, which will also include a team from New South Wales.

Australian ISC team:

Men: Shannon Eckstein (Northcliffe) - Captain, Zane Holmes (Northcliffe), Hugh Dougherty (Tugun), Alastair Day (Warilla Barrick Point), Dev Lahey (Northcliffe), Thomas Nolan (North Cottesloe).

Women: Kristyl Smith (Northcliffe), Naomi Flood (Manly), Elizabeth Pluimers (Northcliffe), Alicia Marriott (Mooloolaba), Courtney Hancock (Northcliffe), Laura Shorter (Queenscliff).

Boat crew: Whale Beach (Howard Christie, William Phillips, Matthew Chave, Justin Webb, Brent Babicci).