Bonnies will again take three crews to Tea Gardens for round six as the series combines with Newcastle and the Central Coast.

Up to 100 crews will participate in the combined series.

Boat captain Tony Kee said it was an exciting time for the club as they test themselves against the best.

“Last year our men’s reserves, masters men and open women all went very well,” he said.

“Our open women’s crew absolutely nailed it and won five from five so hopefully they can do the same again this year.”

An anticipated increase in southerly swell could provide challenging conditions after Kee said last year’s event was “tough”.

“Reserve grade finished fifth overall last year which turned out to be second on the North Coast,” he said.

“So that was a good result.

“The last couple of weeks they’ve also been training really well and are expecting really tough racing.”

All points gained this weekend will count towards the North Coast Surfboat Series point score.

Kee said it was also important for the Wauchope-Bonny Hills crew to continue the momentum they have created in the first five rounds.

“You want to build up as much speed and momentum heading into the new year as you can,” he said.

“When that happens the energy flows through the rest of the club.

“It has been great for us to have the depth across our crews where we’ve had people come in and haven’t missed a beat.”

Kee said the club would look to challenge their reserve men’s crew further in coming races.

“Our reserves have been borderline as to whether they move up to A-grade or not, but we’ve decided to keep them where they are for now,” he said.

Meanwhile, Port Macquarie Surf Club will head to Tea Gardens for the first time in the event.

Boat captain Rick Rolff believes his crew will be better for their first run of the season a fortnight ago.

He knows their men’s and women’s masters crews will have their work cut out with representatives from Newcastle and Central Coast also expected to take to the water.

“If we get to the finals we’ll be happy,” he said.

“It’s always a pretty strong competition down there but I think reaching the finals is a realistic goal for us.”

Rolff said the beach was protected at Tea Gardens when compared to other locations although the forecast was for an increase in swell.

“I’ve had a look and it looks like there will be a bit of a wave on,” he said.

“We might not have to row back to the beach; we might get a bit of help.”

An increase in the swell would mean for interesting viewing from spectators on the beach.

“There might be a little bit of fun and games out on the water,” Rolff said.

“The spectators want to see a bit of carnage.”

The carnival runs over Saturday and Sunday.