Competition will take place from Friday through Sunday, with crews expected to come from all over Australia and New Zealand.

It is one of the premier events for surfboats in Australia, with many Hunter crews using last weekend's Branch Championships as a tune up.

The Swansea-Belmont under-23 men have commanded a lot of column space this season, and justifiably so.

The strapping foursome of Ben and Ryan Haigh, Adam Paras and Mitch Williams won the open boat comfortably on the weekend, and have their sights firmly set on victory at the state and Australian titles.

However, despite punching above their weight for the majority of the season, they were given a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of surf lifesaving, coming runner-up in their age category to a crafty Caves Beach crew.

Despite that minor setback, their sweep Dean Elvin says they're primed for this weekend's competition.

"In terms of importance, the ASRL is the biggest event outside the Australian titles, and we'll be taking this weekend very seriously," said Elvin.

Action will get underway at 9am on Friday morning, with crews in all categories taking part.

Meanwhile, craft and beach competitors will keep the powder dry for another week until their Branch Championships kicks off at Catherine Hill Bay on February 18.