But don’t be fooled. Underneath the jovial atmosphere and pats on the back will be a burning desire in hundreds of experienced competitors pushing themselves to the limit.

The NSW Masters competition includes categories for surf lifesavers over the age of 30, some of whom have raced at Olympic and Commonwealth Games as well as national and state open age events.

Among these experienced athletes will be many competitors like Lee Howes, who has taken up surf sports more recently.

Howes, a former PE teacher and swimming coach, joined Newcastle Surf Life Saving Club three years ago after her children joined Little Nippers.

In her first year of lifesaving, Howes represented the Newcastle club at the NSW Masters, taking a silver medal in the swim and a bronze in the tube rescue event.

Last year, the 47-year-old went on step better and took home gold in both the swim and tube events.

Howes is the only senior female competitor at Newcastle and trains four days a week with the men, who she said pushed her to train hard and keep up.

She said although there was a “very social atmosphere” amongst the team, the end goal for everyone is winning.

Howes said the masters races were always a bit of a wild card and some weeks she could be racing former Olympians while other weeks competitors may have work and family commitments.

At tomorrow’s event, Howes is hoping to hang on to her two gold medals in the 45 to 49 years swim and tube rescue races, while improving in the board event.