photo: dafna wu
These rules are
primarily based on the Coalition of Surfing Clubs Contest
Rules (www.surfclubs.org)
and are intended to put the focus on a surfer’s wave
judgment, skill, control, and style while riding a wave.
1. CHECK-IN – All contestants must check-in a half-hour
before their heat to sign waiver(s).
2. HEATS are 15 minutes. Final heats are
15 minutes.
3. Each heat will begin and end with one horn blast and display
of a green flag. A five-minute warning will be given with TWO
horn blasts and display of a yellow flag. At the conclusion
of the heat, competitors will immediately return to the beach
as the next heat begins. If a competitor stands up before the
beginning of the heat, he/she will receive a “0” score
for his/her highest scoring wave in that heat. Exiting competitors
must not stand up after the conclusion of their heat. Violation
of this will result in a deduction of the lowest scoring wave
of the competitor's heat total.
4. In all water starts, competitors may enter the water at
the five-minute warning (two horn blasts and a yellow flag).
Competitors waiting for their heat to start must stay clear
of the heat in progress. Failure to do so will result in a
paddling interference, with a loss of the lowest scoring wave
in that competitor's wave total.
5. EQUIPMENT – Longboards are at least 9’0 or 3
ft over a kid contestant’s head. Shortboards are 2 ft
or less over contestant’s head. Funboards are 7’0
-8’0 hybrids. No paddling gloves are permitted. Contestants
assume responsibility if not using a leash.
6. WAVE COUNT – Maximum wave count and number of scoring
waves will be based on contest surf conditions. Contestants
will be advised of the maximum total of waves they may catch
prior to the commencement of the heat. Upon reaching the maximum
wave totals, competitors must exit the water. Wave count is
YOUR responsibility.
7. INTERFERENCE & WAVE POSSESSION
a) The first rider up, closest to the curl, has wave possession.
In the event that two riders stand up at the same time, the
rider closest to the curl has possession. (a standard point
break rule).
b) In the event that two riders stand up on an unbroken wave,
the first competitor up has possession. (a standard reef and
beach break rule). The other rider may take off in the opposite
direction. To have possession of a wave, the rider must be
on his/her feet in front of or in the curl after the first
turn. Any action which impedes a contestant riding or taking
off on a wave by dropping in, taking off, or paddling in front
of the rider in possession will result in a SURFING INTERFERENCE
and the infringer will lose his/her highest scoring wave in
that heat. In cases where a rider is in front of another unknowingly
or so appears to judges and if the rider exits with no impedance,
no interference shall be called. (No harm, no foul).
8. SNAKE RULE – Paddling in front, around, or behind
a competitor to impede and take wave possession is known as
snaking. This interference results in a loss of the highest
scoring wave in the competitor's heat.
9. JUDGING will be on a 10-point system with half points.
Competitors will be judged on style, wave selection, length
of ride and controlled functional maneuvers. Shuffling, hopping
back and forth and flapping on the surfboard will be considered
poor style and will not be scored as high as walking or stylish
radical maneuvers.
10. PROTESTS must be filed in writing and placed in a protest
box or tin within 30 minutes of the conclusion of the heat
in question. You must speak with a contest director or the
head judge (Kris Schuman) only.
11. SPORTSMANSHIP – All contestants must demonstrate
to good sportsmanship. Any contestant who argues with a judge’s
decision, uses profanity, fights, is overly aggressive to the
point where judges think that it is not in the best interest
of the conflict, that individual will be disqualified.
12. GROM DIVISION WITH PARENTS – Parents are permitted
to push the young contestants into the waves.
13. NOVICE ELIGIBILITY – Novice surfers must be able
to catch a wave, stand up and ride the wave for some distance.
Novices may be able to turn a bit and typically falls off during
or at the end of the wave. If you can do multiple cutbacks,
walk the nose, drop-knee turns, or floaters, you are NOT a
novice. If the judges deem that you do not belong in the Novice
Division, you will not receive a score.
14. SF STYLE SESSION – Costumes required for men. Show
us your creative style! MEN must surf in female costume. Prizes
for best costumes, flair and surf skills!
15. QUESTIONS – Email Fest@wildcardgroup.com or call
415-285-4542.
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