Dunstan Arms Rowing Club captain Simon Smith said the rough swells meant that only a few heats were able to be completed before the competitive heats had to be stopped around mid-morning.
"It’s the part of rowing everyone hates," he said.
Competitors from around Otago and Southland kept themselves busy swimming and socialising while waiting for the swell to calm.
Eventually some friendly heats were able to be run using coastal rowing boats with their wider hulls better suited to the rougher swell.
Those who were not rowing cheered on from the shore, and in one heat spectators frantically yelled at an Otago Rowing Club crew that nearly ran aground.
Once the crew dodged the rocks, the yelling quickly changed to laughter and encouragement.
They said the conditions were nothing new to them, with rough swells happening twice a fortnight.
Breen said the event was one she looked forward to as it meant her family could watch.
Being able to compete at home and against fellow club members brought extra challenge to the event, she said.
Both hoped to give it their all and have fun when they had the opportunity to race, and to see where they sat compared with other crews competing.
They had both signed up to compete in singles, doubles, quad and eights heats.
