The opening round of the Tasmanian open, under-21 and age championships begin with the East Coast Classic on Saturday and Sunday.

Reigning men’s titleholder Hamish Renwick is hoping to get his crown defence off to a winning start but the Sanford surfer along with multiple champions James Eaves and Luke Bugg are expected to be under pressure from the highly-talented Matt Kennedy and Kyle Cooper.

Surfing Tasmania executive officer Shayne Clark said he expects a new wave of young stars to seriously challenge the state’s surfing stalwarts this season.

He said more than 40 surfers would take part in the tournament.

“The prospect for an upset is always on in the surf where competitors need at least two high scoring rides in 20 minutes,” Clark said.

“There are so many challengers from all areas of the state now – it is very exciting.”

Clark said youthful Clifton Beach duo Rudy Davis and Kelly Nordstrom, Sulphur Creek’s Liam Viney, Devonport’s Shae Cadle and Tom Roberts and Scamander trio Ned Bramich, Tom Kelly and Tom Gray are all be dangerous on their day.

Former world junior champion Dara Penfold is the favourite in the women’s division with Bella Goward, of Clifton Beach, Marrawah’s Zoe Grey, Hobart’s Brooke Mason and Scamander’s Sarah Gray and Claire McManus all in the mix.

Veterans Scott Weinreich, of Scamander, Sulphur Creek’s Marty Viney and Lauderdale’s Luke Johannesen are the highly fancied to dominate their divisions.

Clark said conditions were forecast to be more favourable for surfing on Sunday with potential headaches in line for Saturday.

He said the competition’s location would depend on conditions.

Full details will be published on Surfing Tasmania’s Facebook page.