Now Port Stephens is set to get a better look at the sport of stand-up paddleboarding when One Mile Beach hosts the first NSW Championships on July 17.

Run by Surfing NSW in conjunction with the council, the event will attract around 40 male competitors - including 52-year-old Boat Harbour short board convert Bill Talbot - with an equal number expected for the women's competition.

"I've had to travel to Sydney to compete up until now, so it'll be great to have an event here," Talbot said.

Often seen sweeping the still water beyond the crowds of seated malibu and short board riders, Talbot said stand-up paddleboarders enjoy the pick of the swell.

"I'd have to say that on one of those things you can get more waves than anyone in the water.

"It doesn't matter how flat it is…you can pretty much ride anything."

As they began to take their place at Aussie breaks more than two years ago, Talbot said stand-up paddleboarders have acknowledged their place in surfing's unwritten law.

"I make a conscious effort not to compete with short boards, I can paddle way down the beach and get a wave all to myself…there really isn't any need for us to hassle short boards."

In the state championships riders scored on regular surfing moves and effective use of the paddle.