The State’s 11 branches will be involved, representing around 500 athletes. This will include some of Australia’s top surf and beach competitors.

This is the second time in six years the championship – one of the major events on the State’s surf lifesaving calendar – has been held at Black Head. Cape Hawke Surf Club hosted the inter-branch three years ago while it has also been held at Crowdy Head.

“The inter-branch is held at either our branch (Lower North Coast), Hunter-Newcastle or the Central Coast,’’ Black Head and Lower North Coast official Terry Aldridge explained.

“These are the three best branches geographically in the State in terms of travel while accommodation also isn’t a problem.’’

Mr Aldridge said Black Head should be in perfect order to cater for the surf and beach events providing there’s no unforeseen weather event.

Competition will start at 8.30 on the Saturday and run to 4pm. There’ll be a 7.30 start on Sunday and the carnival will be finished by 1pm.

Forster, Black Head and Cape Hawke competitors dominate the Lower North Coast side to be coached by Kevin Boag, Beth Rodham and a newcomer to the area, Marty Cowper, who has previously worked with high performance squads in the Sydney Northern Beaches Branch.

The six club LNC branch is among the smallest in NSW.

“Because of that we’re allowed to call in what is termed ‘branch of origin’ competitors,’’ Mr Aldridge explained.

Former Forster Surf Club members Ethan Whiteman and Allira Richardson have been drafted into the squad. Both are now at Newcastle clubs, Whiteman with Redhead and Richardson at Cooks Hill.

“It’s always a big ask for us when we compete against the bigger branches, so to get some experienced competitors who have moved on from here back is a big help,’’ Mr Aldridge said.

Meanwhile it has been confirmed Cape Hawke will host the Lower North Coast Branch championships next February at One Mile Beach.