The annual surfing event has been running for 35 years and Merimbula Sailboard Club president Glenn Brunette said he welcomed the visitors. 

The competition has grown and is now steeped in history to create a mass appeal for sponsors, displays and entrants. 

“We're certainly the largest competition in Australia and because of it's stature we've had a lot of international exposure,” Brunette said. 

He said about 90 per cent of the entries were from visiting surfers, but the competition has also developed a strong family atmosphere. 

“We had people from all over Australia, but I didn’t see any entries from the Northern Territory,” Brunette said with a laugh. 

There were 250 registered entries for the competition, but estimates of the visitors for the tournament ran into the thousands. 

Organisers said there was a tremendous boost to the economy from the event as accommodation and restaurants were booked to capacity near the Main Beach staging area. 

Brunette said 35 years ago the inaugural event was run by “eager young surfers”, but as they continue to host the event, more and more partners and kids are getting involved. 

“As an entry I am just one person, but my wife and three kids were there having a ball and it’s not just us,” he said. 

Brunette said he spoke with entrants who had been coming for 10, 15 years and more, while also commending the surfing veterans who had taken part every year. 

Three main divisions make up the competition with stand up paddle boarders (SUP), sail boarders and kite surfers. 

Many of the entrants compete in multiple categories, but Brunette said SUP had become the largest and most family oriented division. 

“You might have a die-hard surfer, but now with SUP the wife and kids can get involved and go for a paddle,” he said. 

The competition also attracts some of the world’s top surfers, which Brunette said was evident in their wave rides. 

However, the prizes are tallied among entrants using a “very secretive” judging method by a team of experienced judges to ensure major prizes go where they will be valued. 

However, with more than $40,000 in prizes on offer, everyone who enters get to take something home with them. 

Some of the top prizes this year included a trip to Fiji, new boards, apparel and an array of surf accessories including GoPro cameras and sunglasses.  

“Thank you to everyone who sponsors and provides support as we wouldn’t be able to do it without them.”