The club decided to postpone the event this year to give its many volunteers a break.

The 3 Rivers Marathon caters to all non-powered craft with rowing boats, surf boats, surf skies, kayaks, canoes, outriggers, dragon boats and even stand up paddlers taking part in the epic event.

The event regularly attracts over 100 competitors in some 50 craft.

The course for the main race starts at Telegraph Point and travels the 25 kilometres to the rowing club's headquarters off Hibbard Drive.

In 2016, the rowing club's organising committee included two shorter races over 15 kilometres and five kilometres.

Club spokesperson Bob Mowlem said the refresh would give the club time to examine some aspects of the event.

"The club is looking at the 3 Rivers Marathon event for 2019," he said.

"We are having a refresh this year.

"I have fielded calls from several watercraft clubs wanting to know about this year's event. 3 Rivers is certainly a popular event.

"The event will be run in 2019," he said.

One of the possibilities discussed by the organising committee was a change in course.

Club members tried the course from Rocks Ferry Reserve at Wauchope to Port Macquarie in mid-June, but found it was not suitable for a race with so many competitors.

Mr Mowlem said the club would this year also concentrate on building membership and promote casual rowing.

"We host learn to row every Saturday morning from 8am and people over the age of 12 years are welcome to come along," he added.

The club is also preparing to host its annual regatta on October 20, which includes a new course.

That will see six lanes racing over one kilometre roughly 200 metres east of Hibbard Ferry and finishing adjacent to McInherney Park.

Clubs from the Hunter Valley Grammar School, Manning River Rowing Club, Endeavour Rowing Club and several other Newcastle-based clubs are likely to compete.

Go to the club's website for information.