A trip to the beach usually includes swimmers, towels and thongs – not a Donald Trump mask and inflatable pineapples.
But that is exactly what flooded Shelly Beach for the 14th annual Manly Inflatable Boat Race.
Revellers sported rainbow-coloured wigs, a mask of US President Donald Trump and flamingoes, with one team even having a unicorn.
Beachwear doesn’t normally consist of wearing a US President Donald Trump mask but anything goes at the Manly Inflatable Beach Race
Last year 800 people got dressed up for a good cause, braving the ocean and taking on the one kilometre paddle at Shelly Beach
On your mark, get set – go! The weather was a little cooler but that didn’t stop people from diving right in
The cooler weather didn’t put people off despite the cooler temperatures, dark clouds and 25 degree ocean temperatures.
Organisers posted to the event’s Facebook page before the race, saying: ‘The Race is ON floaters, Rain Hail or Shine! So grab your Rubber Duckie, the water’s like a bath! Let’s not let Mother Nature rain on our parade.’
Event founder and organiser Denver Beven said the event was such a highlight on the Sydney calendar because it was so much fun.
‘Race-goers have a blast battling through the waves all dressed up on their crazy, colourful inflatables and spectators love the excitement, vibrancy and mayhem…It really is a great, fun day at the beach for young and old.’
The race begins at Shelly Beach and participants race a one-kilometre course from the beach, around the Manly Life Savers and buoys then back to the shore.
Sofia Sundberg, 31, participated in the race for the first time this year after a friend convinced her to do it.
Rainbow tutus, gold leggings and and a inflatable unicorn to match
Bright turquoise, blue and different pink wig cuts and matching swimming tops were how these women chose to get into the spirit
While they might not be the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, these three men turned heads with their dedication to their costume
She said: ‘The weather did put me off but as soon as you saw all the people and the excitement of the race it was awesome!
‘I will for sure do it next year.’
Some of the more outrageous costumes included Viking helmets, men painting their entire body to look like their inflatable turtle and women dressed up as peacocks to match their inflatables.
Happy smiles all around: fluorescent green leis, eye masks and a sparkly blue peacock costume worn by this team caught attention
What day at the beach would be complete without a Viking helmet and an Australia version of a Santa outfit
A pirate’s life for me: These women didn’t hold back, matching their inflatable with their outfits
In the thirteen years that the Manly Inflatable Boat Race has won it has raised over $200,000 for charity.
While the final numbers aren’t calculated, organisers of the event estimate they raised about $30,000 this year.
This year’s proceeds will go towards the Tour de Cure charity who ‘raise vital funds to support the doctors and scientists who have dedicated their lives to uncovering a cure’.