They might not win many races, but Wollongong City's surf boat crews are looking forward to hosting this weekend's Australian Surf Rowers League championships.
City will be represented by six crews in open men, open women, reserve men and under 19 men.
Boat sweep Ken Lawrence said City's hard-working members had spent countless hours preparing for the annual carnival.
"Our crews have had some good results this season and we'll be going out there to race to the best of our ability this weekend, but the main aim is to run a good carnival and make sure everything goes smoothly," Lawrence said.
"Having said that, one of our reserve crews is going well and we expect some big things from them.
"All the top crews from Australia and New Zealand will be there and there are plenty of good local crews involved. Austinmer and Bulli will provide stiff opposition in the open men, Corrimal, City and Austinmer are strong in the reserves and Helensburgh-Stanwell Park have a very good under 23 women's crew."
Close to 2000 visitors will flock to Wollongong for the carnival and motels and camping grounds in the region are expected to be filled by Thursday night.
"There's certainly going to be lots of boats and cars and trailers around town," Lawrence said.
"It'll be a good boost for the local economy."
Big seas forced last year's corresponding event to be moved to Bulli and organisers are crossing their fingers a similar situation doesn't arise this weekend.
"We're praying for Huey to be kind to us this year," Lawrence said.
"A nice four-foot swell would be beautiful. Hopefully it won't be like last year."
Races get underway tomorrow morning before the event wraps up with Sunday's finals.
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