The event, which includes the famous Pig Island race, will help raise recovery money for individuals affected by both the bushfires and COVID-19 that devastated the South Coast in 2020.

Originally scheduled to be held last year, before COVID-19 postponed it, the event will see teams from all over New South Wales descend on Nowra.

All money raised over the weekend, which will include teams from Sydney and as far as Dubbo and Merimbula, will be given to South Coast locals who are still doing it tough.

The two-day event will kick-off on Saturday with the numerous 200-metre races, as well as the 8km journey from Pig Island to the finishing line near Greys Beach.

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The latter will start at 11am Saturday and wrap up at 2.45pm Sunday, giving all teams - made up of 10 men and 10 women - the chance to hit the water three times and race all the other teams in their category - before the finals take place.

With it being close to two years since the Nowra Waterdragons, formed in November 2005, they are extremely excited to showcase their great sport - while also encouraging others to try it out.

"Our members come from a wide variety of backgrounds, ages and fitness levels and our diverse group has a common passion for dragonboat racing and enjoying each others company," Nowra Waterdragons' Peter Phillips said.

"The love of racing in dragonboats continues with the club diversifying into other paddle craft such as outrigger canoes.

"We value teamwork, passion, achievement and friendship and aim to continually improve through committed training, to grow our club and to support each other in friendship - which we hope to showcase this weekend.

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"Our motto is paddle hard and have fun and we look forward to seeing you on the water and welcoming you into our club."

The club currently has more than 40 competitive paddlers, which has led to remarkable success in masters and grand masters categories, including medals at Hong Kong's World Club Crews Championships in 2008, Italy's World Club Crews in 2014 and Hungary's World Club Crews in 2018.

Most recently, the Waterdragons, who train Monday and Wednesday evenings as well as Saturday morning, dominated the Cross Border Championships at Wodonga.

If you'd like to get involved in the club, contact Phillips on 0410 040 507 or visit their Facebook page.

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