Local competitors ready to challenge visitors in Albany Surf Life Saving Club’s popular Surf Craft Challenge

More than 200 competitors are set to converge on Princess Royal Harbour for the popular Surf Craft Challenge on Sunday, run by the Albany Surf Life Saving Club.

The 13km surf boat and surf ski course will open proceedings at Princess Royal Harbour at 8.30am, with the race set to finish in front of the ASLSC at Middleton Beach.

A 2km beach run will also be held on Middleton Beach at the conclusion of the surf craft event.

This week about 36 boats and 60 ski paddlers have entered the race, with late entries expected to bump the number of competitors up to almost 250.

Event organiser Nick Walker said the race attracted local competitors and others from outside the region.

“Mostly the entries are from Perth as well as Bunbury, and then of course a really strong showing from our local boats and skis as well,” he said.

“Overall it’s looking like we’re going to have really healthy numbers for the event.”

Walker said organisers had overcome challenges to ensure the event took place.

“We’re already organising more volunteers than we need, and already key players have been taken out (with COVID-19) but that’s why we’ve got back-ups so we can just rally and make sure it goes ahead,” he said.

“It’s a super-challenging year for crews and competitors but at this point everyone is looking to band together to chip in within those clubs.”