CURRUMBIN started the Australian Surf Rowers League season in fine form, by winning the opening round of the Navy Series at Surfers Paradise on Saturday.

The Barbarians have a point to prove this season and took the win over Kurrawa Gold in thrilling fashion.

Currumbin had looked to have the race sown up at the turning cans, but a lack of waves in their alley allowed Kurrawa and Mooloolaba Badgers to catch up to the Barbarians on the return to the beach.

All three boat crews caught the same wave to the finish line, with Badgers losing control to finish third.

The Barbarians managed to snatch the win over Kurrawa right on the line.

One wave behind was Mooloolaba's other crew, the Sawnoffs, in fourth.

The thumping three-quarter metre surf provided some thrilling action for the large crowd assembled on the beach.

It also resulted in some injuries, including a horrific knee dislocation suffered by Maroochydore's Brett McCullagh, which will end his season.

The first aid staff kept busy treating a range of injuries from cuts and bruises to McCullagh's painful dislocation.

Kurrawa went one better in the women's final with the Disco team taking the honours from Tugun, while Mooloolaba showed their depth winning both the Under-19s and the Masters.

The surf rowers league includes 23 events over five months, with the next event to be held at Broadbeach this weekend.