The crew went into the North Coast Surf Boat Series in Woolgoolga with a two-point deficit but found their form in the waves on Saturday, January 11.

Sweep Steve Monaghan said the crew initially struggled to get the correct fitting gear for the boat they were borrowing before sparking into action.

"It was a pretty exciting weekend and we did quite well. It was new territory for us travelling like that and we didn't know what to expect," he said.

"We were using a borrowed boat and gear but once we had everything worked out we started to get some good results.

"We were getting seconds and thirds. Although the Woolgoolga womens crew were on fire and untouchable that day. Everyone else was scrambling for the minor places.

"In Woolgoolga it wasn't really about getting good results there, it was more about keeping our points ticking over."

The boatettes crew then made their way to the Sydney's Collaroy International Young Guns carnival on Sunday, January 12.

"The full team got together at Collaroy in a borrowed boat and performed quite well," said Mr Monaghan.

"We got some good wins in the heats, second in the quarter and semi-finals but unfortunately we didn't really put our best race together in the final.

"Three boats skipped out while we were getting tangled up in waves and another three boats were tangled in waves. We came sixth in the final out of the 20 boats in that division against some strong boats.

"I think the long trip probably had its effects and crew wasn't fresh at all. They did row well and we had good surf skills in quite tricky surf but couldn't clinch the final.

"I would hate to do that every week but we love the Collaroy young guns format. It was really good weekend."

The Boatettes have previously faired well at Collaroy Beach by winning last year's under-19 division.

The team includes Emma Eggins, Jesse Willis, sisters Grace and Lucy Monaghan.

Over-50 mens, over-40 womens, reserve grade men, open/under-23 women and an open men's crew from the Bonny Hills Surf Life Saving Club also competed in the Woolgoolga carnival.