The 2019-20 season has been among the most challenging in the movement's national history. It began with devastating bush fires before floods and storms followed and,the coronavirus pandemic forced it to end early.

All Hunter surf clubs have been closed since March and members advised to keep their distance.

This has resulted in a major financial downturn for Hunter clubs as they have been forced to cancel hire events such as weddings, engagements and birthday parties which generate vital revenue.

"None of that finance has come into them," Mr Scruton said. "That's largely what they use to pay their bills, not only electricity, but to buy new rubber boats and surf boards to keep the clubs ticking along.

"They have lost all that income, but we're confident they'll all be back."

Mr Scruton said no government financial assistance was available to recoup lost revenue from cancelled leases, but clubs have been advised to apply for a stimulus package to expedite work that had already received DA approval.

Hunter clubs were on stand-by to offer assistance in water rescues during the bushfires on the NSW south coast, but were not called into action. However, during the COVID-19 lockdown jet ski operators patrolled beaches to assist police.

"They're certainly not the police, who enforce the law, but they've been offering advice, by all means, to what the correct procedures are for each of the councils," Mr Scruton said.