Guide for Competitors

Some useful information if you are new to competition:

1. Arrive on time at the designated meeting spot (see Forum for details); find the competition organiser and register.
   Remember – this is just the meeting spot and the competition may move to a more suitable location.
   
   
2. Waiting for others to arrive is a good time to have a look at some surf boats, ask questions and generally find out what’s going on. Keep an ear out for any announcements e.g. change of location or Competitors Briefing
   
   
3. Attend the Competitors briefing. This is where a brief outline of the competition format, judging and safety procedures are explained. If you have any questions ask them at the end of the briefing.
   
   
4. The notice board should go up soon after the Competitors briefing. Check to see that your name is listed in one or more heats. Remember or write down which heat you are in and what colour bib to wear. If heat times are not posted take a few minutes to work out when your heat should start (heats last 20 minutes).
   
   
5. Check the board as the day goes on to make sure the heats are running on schedule - nobody will come and tell you when your heat is about to start.
   
   
6. When the competition starts, watch some heats to see what the waves and the other competitors are doing. Do not worry if you can’t pull off all the manoeuvres you see – you should get a chance to compete against paddlers of a similar ability. Try and imagine yourself surfing on the competition break and mentally run through some of the moves you can do. Be positive.
   
   
7. Observe some judging and after a heat or two offer to scribe. This is a great way to see what scores well and to get a better understanding of the rules. If you have any questions save them for between heats or ask someone who isn’t judging.
   
   
8. A few heats before yours is a good time to get changed and if possible catch a few waves – well away from the competition zone. Remember to get your boat checked out by the Competition Marshal in time to make any necessary arrangements i.e. borrow some air bags etc.
   
   
9. When the heat before yours starts, get your coloured bib, bring your boat to the beach and check in with the Competition Marshal (make sure you are in the right heat). Now you can take a few minutes to relax, stretch and prepare yourself mentally.
   
   
10. When the 'five minutes remaining’ hooter sounds (two blasts, yellow flag), you can paddle out and wait outside the competition zone. Find the other competitors in your heat and stick together. Do not surf in the competition zone before or after your heat.
    
    
11. When the ‘end of heat’ hooter goes (three blasts, red flag), you can paddle into the surf zone and start positioning yourself for a wave. Watch out for the green flag (one horn blast) that indicates the start of your heat.
    
    When your heat starts:
    
    
    • Try and catch three waves in the first few minutes – you are scored on your best three waves out of ten (paddle in after catching your tenth wave).
    
    
    • Now you can wait for the sets and pick the best waves possible.
    
    
    • When you catch a wave – go for it and do everything you can to demonstrate your skills. Remember, to score well on a wave you need a good take-off (up to four points), a long run with as many manoeuvres as possible (up to 12 points) and a good exit or end manoeuvre (up to four points, 20 points total).
    
    
    • Keep clear of other competitors and don’t risk breaking the interference rules. If you suffer a penalty it will be very hard to win.
    
    
    • Don’t waste time worrying about the other competitors – just surf the best you can and have some fun.
    
    
    
12. When the ‘end of heat’ hooter (red flag) sounds paddle straight in, check in with the Competition Marshal, hand in your bib and wait for your results to be posted. GOOD LUCK.
    
    
13. A black flag and repeated horn blasts indicates danger – paddle in or, if capable, give assistance.