Swell is forecast to increase to 2m by Sunday morning although due to light winds the surface of the ocean should be smooth.

However, the field will have to make their way through waves as they head out for the opening leg of the triathlon - unlike the last couple of years when conditions have been flat.

Heading back to shore might test their surfing skills.

Race director Rhett Pattison said organisers would take conditions into account when mapping out the course for the swim.

"We'll make it as easy as we can for them,'' Pattison said.

"But then again a bit of swell scares a lot of triathletes, so it could be interesting.''

Crowdy Head life savers will be out in force for the swim on rescue boards and the club's IRB. However, there won't be a chopper overhead keeping an eye for sharks, as was the case at Black Head last Sunday for the Head2Head ocean swim program.

"Our budget won't cover that,'' Pattison smiled.

He quickly added that every other precaution will be taken to ensure the safety of competitors.

Triathletes could also face slippery conditions on the road for the bike, with wet weather a strong possibility. Showers are forecast for tomorrow.

Despite this a record field could contest the race.

This will be the third time Forster Tri Club has contested the race at Crowdy after switching the venue from Cundletown.

Pattison said there were nearly 100 entries in yesterday and this was expected to rise around 120 by Sunday.

"We could get a record the way it's going,'' he said.

However, he admits that he doesn't want too many more than 120.

"If we get around 140 we'll have too many on the road,'' he said.

Newcastle veteran Tim Lang will be back to defend his title. At 46 he is the oldest competitor to win the triathlon at either of its race destinations Cundletown or Crowdy since the Forster Tri Club took over the event.

Lang crossed the line in 55.29 last year.

Another Novocastrian, Nathan Stewart was third last year and he'll also be back again. Stewart had success in the race at Cundletown and has been a regular in events conducted here in January. A strong contingent of triathletes from the Port Macquarie area will also contest the race.

Forster Tri Club's hopes will rest with newcomer Aaron Eishner who has been in strong form in club races. Richard Sewell is also another confirmed starter.

Pattison said the women's race appears open. Erin Doyle from Newcastle was a clear winner last year but has yet to nominate.

Wauchope's Laura Cook won at Crowdy two years ago but didn't race in 2015.

"I haven't heard from Laura so I don't know if she'll be here or not,'' Pattison said.

The race will again be conducted over a 500m swim at Crowdy beach followed by a 20km bike ride and a 5km run.

The last 5km of the run will be along the beach before competitors finish in front of Crowdy Head Surf Club.

Action will start tomorrow at 1pm with a 500m and then a 1000m ocean swim. These events will be followed by aquathons for children. Sunday's race will be underway from 7am.