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How is the ranking system determined in big wave surfing competitions?

Hakim Shier

Well, as far as I know, there are a few factors that go into determining the ranking system in big wave surfing competitions. First and foremost, judges evaluate the surfer's ride based on their overall performance. This includes things like the difficulty of the wave, the degree of risk taken, the surfer's execution of maneuvers, and their ability to control the board.

It's worth noting that big wave contests tend to involve a lot of subjective judging. One judge might give a surfer a score of 8 out of 10, while another might give them a 6. This is because there is a lot of nuance to big wave surfing, and no two rides are exactly the same. That being said, judges do try to be as objective as possible, and they use a scoring system to keep things consistent across different heats and competitors.

Typically, the scoring system in big wave contests goes like this: judges evaluate each wave on a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 being a perfect ride. They take into account the factors I mentioned earlier (difficulty, risk, execution, control), as well as the length of the ride, the size of the wave, and the surfer's positioning on the board. Judges can also deduct points for things like wipeouts or falls.

Once all the waves have been scored, the surfer with the highest combined score is declared the winner. If there is a tie, judges may use a tie-breaker system (such as the surfer with the single highest-scoring wave), or they may call for a surf-off between the tied competitors.

It's worth noting that big wave surfers also have the option to compete in "tow-in" events, where they are towed into the waves by a jet ski instead of paddling into them themselves. In these events, the scoring system is mostly the same, but judges may also take into account the skill and judgment of the tow-in driver.

Overall, the ranking system in big wave surfing competitions is designed to reward the surfers who take the biggest risks, execute the most difficult maneuvers, and show the most control on the wave. It's a highly subjective system, but it's also part of what makes big wave surfing so exciting to watch.