The annual tradition of local board riders donning a Santa suit and hitting the surf will continue in 2019 and the community is being encouraged to don their own santa hat and come down and watch.

The event in the Camden Haven is the brainchild of Jeremy Bate from the Wauchope-Bonny Hills Surf Life Saving Club who saw it happen elsewhere and wanted to bring it to town.

Along with the support of the Mid North Coast Girls Surfriders, Mal de Mer longriders club and local residents the event has gone from strength to strength said surf club president Ian Latham.

"The annual Surfing Santa's event is a popular one each year which is organised by Jeremy Bate and representatives from all the local board riding clubs in the area," Mr Latham said.

"It is a chance for everyone to get together for an afternoon of fun with a message of having fun and staying safe out on the water over the festive season.

"It is always a great day out and everyone gets dressed up in Santa suits or elf costumes."

Mr Latham said in years gone by more than 50 surfers make their way out on the water to have a paddle bringing a smile to those on the shore.

"We have lots of surfers who get into the event dressing up but we also hope those coming along for a watch also put on a Santa hat,' he said.

"The event is a great way for everyone to come together and spent time at Rainbow Beach.

"We are hoping to have excellent surfing conditions and the sun shining so that everyone will want to come down to the beach and join in the fun."

He also said that there will be prizes for the best dressed Santa to come prepared.

"Lots of people go all out and dress with the hat, suit and beard and our reigning Santa looks like he could be Santa's brother so the competition is on to see who will be our best dressed Santa in 2019.

If you are a surfer there is no need to register just bring your board and your favourite Santa suit.

The event begins at 2pm at Rainbow Beach, Bonny Hills.