The event will be held at South West Rocks for the next two years, with the carnival expected to bring more than 5000 people to the region.

Running from January 15 – 17, the carnival will attract almost 2000 competitors from every non-metropolitan surf lifesaving branch in the state, making it the second largest surf lifesaving competition in NSW this season.

Surf Life Saving NSW President Tony Haven said while the logistics of the event were massive, the Mid North Coast Branch has what it takes to stage a successful championship of this size.

“This event is good news for the region,” Haven said.

“We estimate visitors will spend around $1 million over the three days.”

The Mayor of Kempsey Shire Council John Bowell described the event as a tremendous boost to sports tourism in the region and congratulated Stramit and the South West Rocks SLSC for staging the event.

“An event of this size takes an enormous commitment at all levels, but the more we can showcase and boost the competitive arm of surf lifesaving in our region, the better,” Bowell said.

Stramit’s regional manager, Ian Nash said the company was very pleased to be able to support the development of surf sport athletes in regional areas.

“We believe it’s important to put something back into the communities we work in,” Nash said.

South West Rocks President Rod McDonagh said his committed team of volunteers is looking forward to welcoming elite surf sports competitors from around the state for three days of action in the beach and in the water.