With the IRB season getting underway at Caves Beach last month, reigning champions Kiama Downs SLSC showed they still have the speed, claiming the overall pointscore ahead of Caves Beach SLSC and Catherine Hill Bay SLSC.

More than 291 surf lifesavers from 26 clubs (including the Central Coast Composite Team, which has five clubs) will be out to test their lifesaving skills across the two days of competition.

One of Shoalhaven’s most active surf clubs, Mollymook has years of experience in hosting national and state surf lifesaving events, most recently being the 2016 Interstate, Australian and NSW IRB Championships last winter.

Mollymook SLSC president, Rodney Austin says the club always looks forward to putting on a great spectacle.

“We’re starting to get a few carnivals under our belt and we always love hosting fellow surf lifesavers from across NSW,” Austin said.

“It’s a great location for spectators as we have amphitheatre type viewing looking onto the beach so we encourage everyone to come down to watch IRB racing at its best.”

New additions to the format of IRB racing this season has strengthened the sport in particular with the inclusion of Composite Teams which saw five clubs combine from Central Coast Branch to race in the opening round at Caves Beach.

Surf Life Saving NSW sports manager, Rob Pidgeon said no matter what carnival Mollymook SLSC host they always do a great job.

“It promises to be another outstanding weekend of IRB racing at Mollymook, and we would like to wish all competitors the best of luck,” Pidgeon said.

“Despite Mollymook SLSC not having a crew entered, we’re very thankful that the club has put up its hand up once again to host such a big event.

“It shows how much surf lifesaving means to the Shoalhaven community.”

Racing is set to kick off at 8am on Saturday, May 20 at Mollymook Beach.