SURFING: There were some impressive displays on the opening day of the Winter Longboard Classic Surf at Alexandra Headland on Friday.

A host of competitors hit the water for the 35th running of the annual event, which has become one of the country's iconic board riding contests.

There was 1/2m to 3/4m of surf and rideable waves through all heats on day one of the three-day schedule.

Hosted by the Alexandra Headland Malibu Club, the event caters for a variety of age divisions from under-15s to over-60s.

It also has special events like the logger, open eight-foot and old mal divisions.

Ex-world longboard champion Josh Constable, of Peregian, was the winner of one of the main events last year - the open nine-foot, when he staved off another local, international surfer Nic Jones.

He's due to get his title defence attempt under way on Saturday.

There should be similar conditions at the Bluff for the weekend.