Warrnambool Surf Life Saving Club (WSLSC) is striving to defend its title on the Lakes Entrance waters.

Crew Xavier Thornton, Gary Askew, John McNeil, Toby Pettigrew, Stuart Titmus have been rowing for 10 years, collecting two gold, two silver and one bronze medal along the way.

But predicted fine weather could threaten their chances of more silverware.

"If the weather conditions are rough we may go all right because we're used to that," he said.

"It's supposed to be reasonably hot (today) but it could be raining on Sunday which would suit us."

The Warrnambool boat will contest three heats today, with the semi-finals and final scheduled for tomorrow.

If the crew looks a bit rusty, it is for good reason.

"We only decided six weeks ago that we were going to row," Thornton said.

"In the off season two of our crew members had children and it's a bit of a battle to find time.

"Our training has been pretty short and sharp. We're making a late run for the title."

Rumours circling the surf life saving community suggest Port Campbell, Jan Juc and Seaspray will be the boats to beat this weekend.

"Port Campbell are apparently the pace-setters," Thornton said.

About 30 WSLSC members have travelled to south-west Victoria for the championships.

Port Fairy is sending four nippers and one senior competitors.

Club captain Scott Hetherington said most members were attending the Port Fairy Folk Festival instead.