» What is priority?
Prority is mandatory in all one-on-one heats. The surfer with priority has unconditional right of way for both directions on the wave selected. The surfer without priority cannot take off on the same wave as the priority surfer, regardless of direction of distance between them, unless the surfer without priority does not hinder the scoring potential of the surfer with priority, in which case the surfer without priority will score a zero. At the start of the heat once the first wave has been ridden, the remaining surfer in the lineup gets automatic priority. A surfer will lose priority once they catch a wave and their hands leave the rails as they attempt to stand up. In the event that both surfers catch waves to the inside, the first surfer to reach the lineup will be awarded priority. Priority is indicated by colored discs at the event site.
The priority rule serves several purposes. First and foremost, the prioirty rule attempts to eliminate hassling for waves. Without priority, surfers would have nothing to keep them from fighting for waves with their fellow competitors. The priority rule allows surfers to focus more on their surfing performance instead of hassling their opponents. Secondly, the priority rule makes judging easier by detering surfers from taking off on the same wave. With the encouragement of one surfer per wave, the judges can focus better on each individual ride. Finally, the priority rule allows for a tactical element to exist in competitive surfing. Surfers tend to become much more selective of their wave choice in order to retain priority for the optimal amount of scoring. The priority rule doesn't exist in Round 1 of the WCT competititions because Round 1 heats have three surfers. The priority rule was made for head-to-head surfing which doesn't take place until the second round. The priority rule was instituted in the mid 1980's and has been modifued over the years to keep abreast of competitive surfing.
» What is a waiting period?
The waiting period is the allotted time in which event organizers can run their event. Having a waiting period that is longer than the time needed to finish competition allows organizers to be selective when running their heats. This gives both the surfers and spectators the benefit of having the event ran in the best possible conditions.
» What does it mean when an event is mobile?
If an event is "mobile", it has the ability to run at a variety of locations in order give the surfers optimal conditions (ie. wave size and shape, tide, wind, etc.) for competing. A mobile event will actually go "mobile" when conditions at the intended site have been assessed by a joint committee of surfers and event organizers, and a decision is made to move the competition site.
» Are all events mobile?
No. Not all events have the capacity for going mobile. The non-mobile events are most often at prime or exotic locations and will offer the most desired surf in the area. As far as the men's WCT goes, the mobile events are: the Gold Coast (AUS), Bells Beach (AUS), Tavarua (FIJ), South West Coast (FRA), Mundaka (ESP), and Florianopolis (BRA). Leaving the non-mobile events as: Teahupoo (TAH), Trestles (USA), and Pipeline (HAW).
» What is an event wildcard?
An event wildcard is a non-ASP World Tour surfer allowed to compete in the ASP World Tour event. The wildcard is typically awarded by the event sponsor. Awarding of the wildcard can take place through a trials event or through automatic entry at the discretion of the event organizer. Typical candidates for the ASP World Tour Event Wildcard will typically come from the event sponsor's team, the local area, or both. Not only do these surfers complete the seed list and/or fill in for injured surfers, but they also bring exciting new faces and challenges to the ASP World Tour elite.
» How long does it take to run a contest?
Contest length varies depending on the amount of surfers entered into the contest. The amount of surfers in a competition will determine how many heats, which will determine how many rounds will be needed to crown a champion. The approximate amount of time needed to complete a men's ASP World Tour event is four full days of competition. The minimum waiting period for any men's ASP World Tour event is eight days, and the waiting period for any women's ASP World Tour event is five days. Depending on the star rating of the ASP World Qualifying Series (WQS) events, a minimum of three to seven days of running time must be allotted.
» What is the judging criteria?
The new ASP judging criteria was rolled out at all events in 2005. Read the complete Judging Criteria.
» How are waves scored?
Waves are scored on a 1 to 10 scale with 1 being the lowest and 10 being a perfect ride. With the changeover to the two-wave from the three-wave format, surfers are now typically requiring scores in the 8 plus range to advance through their heats making for some fantastic displays of surfing.
» How many waves are scored?
All surfers' scores are the total of their two highest-scored waves. This does not change regardless of which ASP tour they are competing on. By scoring surfers on only two waves (formerly it was three), the level of performance is pushed as surfers attempt for bigger scores. In all ASP World Qualifying Series (WQS) heats and finals and ASP World Tour heats, the maximum number of waves scored is 15.
» Does wave scoring differ between the ASP World Tour and ASP World Qualifying Series (WQS)?
No. Wave scoring does not differ between the ASP World Tour and the ASP World Qualifying Series (WQS).
