“We trust that you have cracked out your foamies & have diligently subjected yourself to the mandatory rigors of intensive training programs so needed to survive this event and jostle for the prestige of standing on the podium in glory at the end,” Brunette says with a laugh. 

He’s joking of course, after all, the event is a fun wind and wave festival encompassing the beach, sun, water, but also an appreciation of the Far South Coast and its produce. 

Brunette describes the organisers as a clan of crusty old surfers who are “compelled” by their love of the water to host the event over the last 34 years. 

This year, the surf will take on a medieval theme as “The Game of Foams” and Brunette is eager to welcome the “kings, queens, knights, renegades liars and even the honest” to this year’s competition. 

“This year we invite you into our war-ravaged kingdom, join our young queen’s army and rip the waves and be judged,” Brunette says. 

Judges of the event are unknown, even to many of the organisers and they work in secret. 

“These secretive, inconspicuous individuals will be out there day and night watching your every move.”

However, he did joke that if you happen to identify one, they were susceptible to bribery – mostly of the free beer variety. 

Everyone is welcome to enter, from juniors (groms) right through to the masters – known as grey groms. 

“We welcome all competitors,” Brunette said. ”For some this will be their first experience, but for others this will be another year of faithful attendance.

“And then there is those that are returning to catch up with old mates and make new ones.”

Judging includes your efforts in the water, but also your on-shore behaviour with organisers urging everyone to “spend as much time as humanly possible on the water,”

For those who aren’t already seasoned surf-junkies there will be a wide array of gear on show at the expo. 

From beginners through to the professional boarder, there will be kit on show that appeals to everyone. 

Brunette said there would also be local seafood and brews on show, while Saturday night would be a wrap-up party at Club Sapphire with everyone welcome. 

“Our aim is to feed you, entertain you and get you on the water in the best winds and waves available,” he said. 

Events will run on Merimbula’s Main Beach from Thursday morning with a briefing held at 10am each day and all entrants are urged to attend.