Some of the country's top surf life savers have been competing at the New Zealand inflatable rescue boat championships at Waihi Beach.
While they're battling for medals this weekend, several of those on the water have already had their skills put to the test in a very different environment.
A demanding combination of big waves and big winds make this the ultimate challenge.
"Obviously, some pretty testing conditions out there, but crews are making the most of it," said organiser Luke Smith.
All 122 of them representing 30 clubs were vying to be the best in the land.
"It's been a struggling past few months, so it's good to see everyone getting back together and getting into a bit of racing," said Taylor Dick.
Some races are team relays, while others are fake rescue scenarios, but for many of these crews, their skills were truly put to the test only a few months ago.
"I can't even describe how Esk Valley especially was," said Rhys Harman. "It was next level, so to be part of that and witness that is something I'll never forget."
Harman was among the IRB crews called upon to help out in Hawke's Bay during Cyclone Gabrielle, hitting a very different type of water.
"We haven't done anything of that scale before and floodingwise, it was pretty tricky, but our skills are transferable, so we adapted pretty quick," said Dick.
Once again, those who patrol our beaches proved their worth.
"When things go south, we've got the skills and capabilities to help out," said Harman. "To be part of a community that just drops everything and heads out is really cool."
With the quality of racing on display at Waihi, Kiwis should feel safe in the knowledge they'll do it again, if duty calls.
