The elite surfboat event took place at Dee Why, where sizeable waves and choppy conditions tested crews' surf skills.

Neil Innes swept both Batemans Bay mens and womens crews throughout the day. The men's crew participated in a special tribute to legend sweep and good mate Denis Patison of Austinmer.

In trying conditions, Newport and Palm Beach were too strong for the Batemans Bay men who placed third.

Batemans Bay rower Brendan Ellis rushed home after the third round to support his wife who went into labor. He pulled over halfway to answer a video call from his family, celebrating the birth of his first baby boy.

His crew suggested the perfect name - Rowan.

Unfortunately, the MESCO Broulee women's crew did not qualify for finals after a crash with Palm Beach in round three.

The Broulee boat had damage to the bow. The crew rowed a replacement North Steyne boat, but did not make the semi-finals cut.

The Ocean Thunder event will feature on FOX Sports in the coming weeks. The second event of the series is on Saturday, February 2.

Womens finals results:

1^st - Onelife Fitness - Batemans Bay.

2^nd - DKG Surfboats - North Cronulla (McDonald).

3^rd - Dial before You Dig - Palm Beach.

4^th - Hula Beach - Lorne

5^th - GJ Gardner Homes - North Narrabeen

6^th - Box Electrical - Collaroy

Men's finals results:

1^st - Sheldon Fitouts - Newport.

2^nd - Parker Financial - Palm Beach.

3^rd - Dial Before You Dig - Batemans Bay.

4^th - Otway Boots - Lorne.

5^th - Facilities First Australia - Coogee (Leary).

6^th - Trayd Pools - North Cronulla (Purdie).