Basic Rule - RIGHT OF WAY

Wave possession or right of way in these situations will vary slightly under the following categories as determined by the nature of the contest venue. It is the responsibility of the judge to determine which surfer has the inside position based on whether the wave is a superior right or left, but never on which surfer is first to their feet. If at the initial point of take-off neither the right nor left can be deemed superior, then the right of way will go to the first surfer who makes a definite turn in their chosen direction.

Anyone who stands up in front of a surfer with right of way in non-one on one heats has the chance to ride or kick out of the wave without being called interference, unless they hinder the scoring potential of the surfer with right of way by any means. These include excessive hassling, leg rope pulling or breaking down a section.

If a majority of judges call interference, then that wave will count in the final tally as a zero score. This applies to a riding interference or a paddling interference, where the surfer catches that particular wave. A loss of one scoring ride applies for a straight paddling interference where the surfer or surfers do not catch the wave. If a surfer has less than the required minimum scoring rides and receives interference then they will be scored on one less wave, (i.e. if they have caught only three waves and the best four count, then only their best two will be scored). In the case of a tie where one surfer has an interference marked against them any count back will result in them winning as they have already had one wave deducted.

Under 2 best waves the interfering surfer will be penalized with a loss of 50% of his second best scoring ride in non-priority situations only. The wave that the interference was called on by the majority of the judges will count in the final tally as a zero.

Any interfering surfer must be penalized and a drop-in decision once made is irrevocable. The judges and/or Tour Manager/Rep will not enter into any discussion over the interference call. All discussion must be directly with the Head Judge, if he wishes to discuss the situation.

The rider who is interfered with will be allowed an additional wave beyond their wave maximum, within the prescribed time limit. Exception to this is a double interference where neither surfer gets an extra wave.

Where any surfer incurs two or more interference penalties they must immediately leave the competition area. Failure to do so will result in a fine.