What to Expect
AS A FIRST TIME COMPETITOR
3 Days Before the Event
Three days before the event, we’ll post the heat schedule. You’ll be able to view it on Liveheats to see what time you’ll be competing as well as what color jersey you’ll pick up for your heat.
Event Check-In
When you arrive, you should go to the check-in counter. You’ll need to bring your signed event and media releases. (We’ll send these to you via email a week out from the contest.) You’ll pick up your swag bag.
We are currently planning to have early check-in on Friday afternoon for those who want to get their swag bag early. Time and location will be shared the week before the event. Be sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram to find out when and where.
Heat Check-In
15 minutes before your heat is scheduled to start you should go to the judges table to get your jersey and check in. You can check your jersey color on Liveheats in advance — it will be indicated by a colored ring around your athlete photo (or initials if you didn’t upload a photo). Jersey colors are pink, purple, aqua, lime green, yellow or red. Be sure to get the correct jersey color or you will not be scored. Volunteers will be on hand to check you in and ensure you get the correct jersey color. (Don’t forget to return your jersey immediately after your heat ends!)
The Competition Zone
We will be running two competition banks — a main bank, and a secondary bank. Zones will be indicated by feather flags on the beach. Be sure to enter the correct zone for your heat. If you’re unsure, ask at heat check-in when you get your jersey.
Horns
Horns will sound at the start and finish of each heat. One blast signals the start of your heat. Two blasts signals the end of your heat.
IMPORTANT: YOU MAY NOT SURF IN AFTER THE HORN SOUNDS THE END OF YOUR HEAT. Paddle in or ride a wave in a prone position. (If you are up and riding a wave when the horn sounds you may complete your wave.)
Timing Disc
The timing disc will be at the judges tent. A green dot indicates the heat is on. The dot flips yellow to indicate that you have two minutes left in the heat.
Quarter Finals, Semi Finals and Finals
Divisions with 6 or fewer entrants will go straight to Finals.
Divisions with 2-3 heats will have Semi Final heats. If there are 2 heats for your division, the top 3 finishers of each Semi will advance to the Final. If there are 3 heats for your division, the top 2 finishers of each Semi will advance to the Final.
Divisions with 4 heats will have Quarter Finals. The top 3 finishers of each Quarter Final will advance to the Semi Finals. And then, the top 3 finishers of each Semi Final will advance to the Final.
Scoring
Competitors will be scored for each wave they take, up to 10 waves for a semi-final, and up to 12 waves for a final heat. Scoring begins when competitors’ hands leave their board (adaptive scoring rules may be different). Competitor’s scores for their best two waves are combined to determine their final score, which in turn will determine their heat finish.
Competitors will be scored on board control, length of ride, difficulty, style, and maneuvers.
Awards
Awards will be given for first through sixth place finishes. Awards will be handed out at our awards ceremony directly after competition ends. If you cannot stay for the awards ceremony, please have a friend pick up your award for you.
Raffle
Our raffle will be held directly after the awards ceremony. Every competitor will receive one raffle ticket at check-in. You may purchase additional raffle tickets at the check-in desk. Purchase with cash or Venmo only. We will have lots of goodies, so be sure to stay to the end! You must be present (or have a friend with your ticket present) to win.
After Party
Keep celebrating! After Party will start directly after the raffle at Longboards Tiki Beach Grille at the Hilton! This is a no host party and everyone is welcome.