Section 6: Scoring
6.1 Wave Scoring
Each wave ridden is scored individually by the 5-judge panel on a scale of 0.0 to 10.0 in increments of 0.1. For each wave, the highest and lowest judge scores are dropped, and the remaining 3 scores are averaged to produce the wave score. This trimmed-mean system reduces the impact of outlier scores.
6.2 Scoring Criteria
Judges evaluate each wave ride based on five key criteria, weighted holistically:
- Commitment and degree of difficulty: The risk taken relative to wave size, section difficulty, and the critical nature of the maneuvers. Surfing in the most critical part of the wave (closest to the curl/pocket) scores higher.
- Innovative and progressive maneuvers: New or technically advanced maneuvers (aerials, full-rotation maneuvers, tube rides with variations) score higher than conventional turns.
- Combination of major maneuvers: Linking multiple high-quality maneuvers in a single wave ride. A wave with 3–4 strong turns scores higher than one with a single maneuver, assuming execution quality is maintained.
- Variety of maneuvers: Demonstrating a diverse repertoire — carving turns, aerials, tube rides, floaters, cutbacks — rather than repeating the same maneuver.
- Speed, power, and flow: The overall aesthetic and functional quality of the ride. Speed through turns, power in rail engagement, and smooth flow between maneuvers without stalling or loss of momentum.
6.3 Scoring Scale
| Score Range | Rating | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 0.0 – 1.9 | Poor | Minimal maneuvers, lack of commitment, low-quality wave selection |
| 2.0 – 3.9 | Fair | Basic maneuvers with limited difficulty or combination |
| 4.0 – 5.9 | Average | Competent surfing with moderate difficulty and some combination |
| 6.0 – 7.9 | Good | Strong performance with notable maneuvers and good wave usage |
| 8.0 – 10.0 | Excellent | Exceptional commitment, progressive maneuvers, masterful execution in the critical section of the wave |
6.4 Heat Total
A surfer's heat total is the sum of their best 2 wave scores. The maximum possible heat total is 20.00 (two perfect 10.0 waves). The surfer with the highest heat total wins the heat and advances. In the event of a tie, the surfer with the single highest individual wave score wins. If still tied, the third-best wave score is compared, and so on.
6.5 Score Examples
- Tube ride with exit: A deep barrel ride with a clean exit on a critical section typically scores 8.0–10.0, depending on duration, depth, and difficulty of the wave.
- Progressive aerial: A full-rotation aerial (360 or higher) with a clean landing on the wave face scores 7.0–9.5 depending on height, rotation, and landing quality.
- Single carving turn: A single powerful turn on an average wave typically scores 3.0–5.0 unless executed with extraordinary power and commitment.