Almost 4000 people – athletes, supporters, and officials – will be arriving in town for the two-day competition, which is the highlight of the year for lifesavers based outside the metropolitan areas.

The South West Rocks Surf Life Saving Club is hosting the championships for the first time since 2013. 

South West Rocks Surf Club president Rod McDonagh said it’s good to finally have the Championships back in the beach side town.

“From the club’s point of view, it’s a prestigious event for us,” Mr McDonagh.

“We have hosted the championships on a number of occasions, but not since 2013, so it’s good to have it back in South West Rocks, and hopefully it will be a great event for everyone concerned.”

The Mid North Coast will be fielding its largest team for some years, thanks to hosting rights. 

With almost 400 competitors participating in the championships, South West Rocks has entered a 68-strong team, while local rivals Port Macq-uarie SLSC will bring more than 100 competitors.

Kempsey-Crescent Head, Hat Head, Tacking Point and Wauchope-Bonny Hills surf life saving clubs will also be strongly represented, with a number of their athletes quietly confident of taking home medals. 

However, the club from Byron Bay – winner of the championships for the past six years – will be the one to beat.

“I believe we will give most teams a run for their money as we have a number of boat crews entered that are currently doing well in the North Coast Boat Series,” Mr McDonagh said.

“Our juniors will be extremely competitive with the likes of Tayla Maybon and the Askew brothers, Finn and Harry, who are expected to go well in the surf events.” 

South West Rocks nipper Harry Askew is looking forward to competing on his home beach. Hailing from a lifesaving family, Harry, and his brothers Finn and Liam will be hoping to add to their already impressive competitive resumes in front of family and friends.

Last season was a break-through season for the 10-year-old, who claimed gold in the swim, silver on the board, fourth in the flags, and made the final in the sprints. He then backed this up, claiming a bronze medal at the State Championships in the swim, a fine achievement in what he describes as “insane conditions”.

“I love the water events, swim and the board, and then any of the team events,” the youngster said.

“I hope we win the Buchanen Relay which is so much fun. If I can fit it in, I will do all the beach events, too, and I really want to win both the board and the swim this season. 

“I get really nervous, so I hope it all goes well. We are off to State again in March, so I am hoping I can make the finals again in the water events, then I will see what happens.”

NSW Surf Sports Manager Rob Pidgeon is anticipating a tightly fought competition.

“All the regions are sending strong teams with most clubs represented which is very pleasing to see. The Country Championships are a wonderful opportunity for our lifesavers to not only compete, but also to forge friendships with those from outside their area which only strengthens the movement,” Mr Pidgeon said.

Rod McDonagh said the championships were also important for the economy of South West Rocks.

“It’s a great event for the community, with many locals involved in competition and helping out at events, and local businesses have really got behind it,” he said. 

“It’s of great economic benefit for the town, but most importantly it brings everyone together.”

The championships will also be a significant boost for the Macleay Valley’s economy, with an estimated $6 million expected to be injected over the course of the two-year hosting deal.