The first one was run in 2002 every year until 2010 until organiser Clayton Pickworth moved away from the area.

“It is just purely drop-knee bodyboarding,” Pickworth said.

“We’ve had riders from all around the world previously and have a 32-man draw for this weekend.

“It’s more for the older group of guys that are in their mid-20s to early 30s.”

Pickworth is now back in town and while there are no international surfers expected to take to the water, a current national champion looms as the one to beat.

Queenslander Gary Thatcher will be tested by former Port Macquarie surfer Keegan Cronin who now lives in Newcastle.

Justin Welsh and Dane Pope are also expected to perform well.

Bodyboarders from the Sunshine Coast in the north to Kiama and Wollongong in the south are expected to head to Port Macquarie for the event.

“We’ll have those guys who don’t really follow the national competition form and felt it was a good time to get it rolling again,” Pickworth said.

The action starts from 7am on Saturday morning, with the final scheduled for 3pm.

It will take a knockout format, with only two in the water once the starting 32 has been reduced to 16.

“Less guys in the water means better action because you’re not fighting for waves,” Pickworth said.

While there are only three or four positions left on the draw, Pickworth said there would be beach entries.

“You usually have one or two who pull out on the morning because they don’t like the look of the surf,” he said.

“But they’ll have to get there pretty early as the first heat is at 7am.”