But, every year, they are united in their efforts to have fun on the lake and raise money for a worthy cause.

In fact, in the past decade Paddlefest has raised more than $150,000 to support a range of worthy causes including emergency accommodation for homeless people; sail boats and equipment for disabled sailing in Toronto; school breakfast programs; youth mental health programs; and Shelter Boxes for communities dealing with natural disasters all around the world.

This Sunday, proceeds from the entry fees of participants in Paddlefest, at Speers Point Park, will go to the Hunter Melanoma Foundation, the Cancer Council, and other local projects.

The event is staged by the Toronto Sunrise Rotary Club.

The club’s president, Pam Dean-Jones, said Paddlefest was about having fun on the water with family and friends in the Hunter’s largest community paddling event.

Te club is inviting businesses, school and social groups, and families to get involved.

“The club wants to encourage families and social paddlers to come along and enjoy a day on beautiful Lake Macquarie for a good cause,” Ms Dean-Jones said.

“Cancer, and especially melanoma, touches so many families in our area. Paddlefest supports the organisations that help our community.”

This year a ‘Melon Splash’ has been introduced, a fun novelty event involving anything that will float and can be paddled. Expect to see rubber ducks and pink flamingos in action. The entry fee is just $10.

“Make sure you have a life jacket and lake shoes,” Ms Dean Jones said.

Entry in events involving kayaks, stand-up boards, outriggers and dragon boats costs $25.

Paddlefest is also a big day out for local Cubs and Scouts.

On Sunday, almost 300 Cubs are expected to build outriggers from recycled materials and then race them.

The action will get under way at 8am.

Entry forms and further details are available at paddlefest.com.au

Best of Paddlefest 2017 | photos | video