Competition Hints

Written by ISF

Thursday, 15 October 2009 07:35

Before the contest: If possible, surf the break a day or two before the contest to familiarize yourself with both the conditions and the surf spot, especially if you’re not familiar with the break. This will help you to get the most out of your surfing when it’s time for you to compete. Before the day of the contest, make sure you know where you are supposed to be and the times of your team’s heats. Keep in mind that heat times may sometimes change and you don’t want to be late. It is for this reason you are advised to get to the beach at least one hour before your scheduled heat time. At the contest: Arrive early the day of the contest so you can check the surf conditions for that day and also check out some of your future competition by watching heats before yours. This will also insure that you are on time in case of any necessary changes to the schedule. Check in with your coach and the Beach Marshall so everyone knows that you are ready to surf. Check your heat time. Your team coach will help you with this, however, you should get in the practice of doing it for yourself. About 10 minutes (15 minutes for water starts) before your heat is to go out, you will need to get your jersey. Locate your name on the board. Your colorwill appear next to your name. Jerseys will be found at the Beach Marshall’s area. If you have a problem, your coach or the Beach Marshall will help you. Most important, listen for the Beach Marshall to call your heat. The Beach Marshall will instruct you whether the heats are water or beach starts. He/she will also explain the specific rules and conditions of that day. Conditions may change, so listen each time the Beach Marshall gives you instructions. In advanced competition you will be required to participate in this pre heat talk. For beach starts, be at waters edge, no more than ankle deep, ready to go out, 3 to 5 minutes before your heat. For water starts, be at waters edge, no more than ankle deep, ready to paddle out 3 to 5 minutes before the 5 minute warning horn. After your heat: Keep your jersey on until you are back on the beach at the Beach Marshall’s area. Results will be posted approximately 10 minutes after the end of each heat. Check the score sheets to see how the judges scored you and to double-check the tabulation in case of errors. This will give you some idea of what the judges look for and how they are scoring. Do not free surf in the contest area. You will be disqualified and your team will be penalized. You wouldn’t appreciate it if someone else were in the area

Last Updated on Friday, 23 October 2009 23:00