[an error occurred while processing this directive] [an error occurred while processing this directive]



S U R F   C O N T E S T   R U L E S  &  R E G U L A T I O N S

These rules are based on the Coalition of Surfing Clubs' Contest Rules (www.surfclubs.org) and are intended to put the focus on a surfer's skill, control and style while riding a wave. The rules are also designed to encourage wave judgment.

1. CHECK-IN - All contestants must check-in a half-hour before their heat to sign two waivers.

2. HEATS are 15 minutes. Final heats are 20 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 at least 3 ft over contestant's head for menehunes. Shortboards are 2 ft or less over contestant's head. No paddling gloves are permitted. Cords are optional. Contestants assume responsibility for not using a leash.

6. WAVE COUNT - Maximum wave count and number of scoring waves will be set 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 will 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 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. MENEHUNE DIVISION WITH PARENT - A parent is permitted to push the young contestant 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, or do drop-knee turns, 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 - Where Bay-To-Breakers Meets Surf Contest! Costumes required for men & women. Show us your creative style! Men must surf in a skirt, dress or female costume. Prizes for best costumes & surfing prowess/style!

15. QUESTIONS - Email Fest@wildcardgroup.com

Have Fun, Smile…and Get Surf- Stoked!






Send Us E-mail













[an error occurred while processing this directive]