The event Format

Judging Criteria & Rules

General event Judging Criteria

(note this is altered slightly for the Tricks and Length of Ride events)

The bodysurfer must:

  • Choose the biggest and/or best waves;

  • Ride for the longest functional distance in the most critical section of the wave;

  •  Ride with the maximum speed, glide and flow;

  • Perform manoeuvres with control and power.

The bodysurfer who performs this to the highest degree of difficulty with the most style, flow and grace will receive the highest score for a ride.

Further to the above, the following are key elements for judges to consider:

  • Length of the ride in the critical section of wave

  • Variety

  • Speed and power

  • Commitment

  • Control

 NOTE : It is important to note that the emphasis of certain elements is contingent upon the location and the conditions on the day, as well as changes in conditions during the day.

Equipment Rules

Handplanes

Handplanes are optional throughout the entire event. We all know what a handplane is so let’s just go with that.

Swim Fins

Bodysurfing fins may be worn throughout the entire event.

The Events

The Individual heats

Each individual heat will involve one bodysurfer from each squad battling it out against the other bodysurfers from within their pool.
There will be 7 competitors in the water for each heat.

Heat duration:

 20 mins

Wave count:

Max 10 waves - Top 2 score

Judging

General judging criteria apply (see above)

Points on offer (for each pool)

1st place: 0.3 added to overall team average out of 10

2nd place: 0.2 added to overall team average out of 10

3rd Place: 0.1 added to overall team average out of 10

The Tricks Event: Tag team

During the tricks event every single member of each team is required to score at least one wave.

Once an active bodysurfer has completed his/her final wave they will signal their completion and make their way into shore. Once the signal has been made or an obvious movement towards returning to shore the next team member may enter the water through the designated flagged zone to commence their turn.

Heat duration

60 mins 

Wave Count

Each bodysurfer can score up to 4 waves but only their best wave will score

Judging

Judges will be using the general judging criteria but will be focusing on the execution, difficulty, combination and flow of bodysurfing tricks within the critical sections of the wave.

Points on offer

At the end of the heat, the best wave from each individual will be added up and then divided by 10 (the number of team members) to give an overall average team score out of 10.



The Length of ride Event: Tag team

During the length of ride event every single member of each team is required to score at least one wave.

Once an active bodysurfer has completed his/her final wave they will signal their completion and make their way into shore. Once the signal has been made or an obvious movement towards returning to shore the next team member may enter the water through the designated flagged zone to commence their turn.

Heat duration

60 mins 

Wave Count

Each bodysurfer can score up to 4 waves but only their best wave will score

Judging

Judges will be using the general judging criteria but will be focusing on the length of ride within the critical sections of the wave. Tricks will not earn extra points unless they purposefully extend the ride.

Points on offer

At the end of the heat, the best wave from each individual will be added up and then divided by 10 (the number of team members) to give an overall average team score out of 10.



The Fin Sprint

4 members from each team will run in a 4 x 50m relay race on the sand, wearing the fins they have used to compete in the water.

A false start will result in automatic disqualification

A handplane must be used as the teams baton.

Points on offer

1st place: 0.3 added to overall team average out of 10

2nd place: 0.2 added to overall team average out of 10

3rd Place: 0.1 added to overall team average out of 10


Bonus points

Female squad members : 0.1 added to overall team average for each female member

Under 16 squad members : 0.1 added to overall team average for each under 16 member

Run sheet

Registration / Introduction

0630 – 0700

Individual Heat 1 Pool A 

0730-0750

Individual Heat 1 Pool B 

0755-0815

Tricks Event Pool A 

0830-0930

Tricks Event Pool B

0935-1035

Individual Heat 2 Pool A

1045-1105

Individual Heat 2 Pool B 

1110-1130

Length Of Ride Pool A

1140-1240

Length Of Ride Pool B

1245-1345

Fin Sprint

1345-1400