Stand-up-paddle boards, skis and surf boats pumped through punishing wind in Pambula's Club to Pub marathon on Saturday, September 21.
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After checking conditions at Pambula Beach, event organisers made an early morning decision to move the race to the river.
"The winds were too strong and seas looking like they were going to increase, which would have limited what the competitors wanted to gain - it would have been horrendous," Pambula Surf Club boat captain Chris Briggs said.
Paddlers and rowers met at Broadwater for a 9.30am start and completed a 10km course to the Pambula Rivermouth and back.
Although the finish line was not at the pub, competitors found their way to the Lakeview Hotel, Merimbula, for a hard-earned beverage and presentation.
"Everyone was really happy with race," Briggs said.
"Considering the conditions, we had a really good alternative."
The race was a great test and training session for all competing in the upcoming George Bass Marathon.
"It's a good pre-race for the George Bass - to get them going and wake them up from their winter," he said.
"It was great to get everyone involved, and we hope to do it again next year."
Volunteers of the Far South Coast Surf Life Saving Branch pitched in to help run the event and act as water safety.
"It was really good to have other clubs involved from the Far South Coast," Briggs said.
Prizes were handed out after the event, Briggs thanked sponsors.
"A big thanks to Merimbula Surf Shop, Pambula Mitre 10, Pressure Systems and Paddle Boards and the Lakeview Hotel for their generous donations," he said.
Three mad SUP men went head-to-head, against the challenging wind. Canberra's Todd Hayward finished first in 1:20:57.
Joe Halsey took out the Men's ski division in 0:53:11. Pambula paddler Kim O'Halloran was the first female to cross the line on her ski in 1:02:20.
Liam Oneill swept his Pambula crew to victory, smashing through the race in 0:43:00.
In the Open Women's division, Rob Pollock's Broulee crew finished with a time of 0:57:08.
In the Women's Vets division, Tathra and Pambula battled it out for a close finish. Tathra came home with a two-minute lead and time of 1:03:33.