Surf SUP comps need a lot of work.
I had read the SUP Forum with the title “Whats Gone Wrong” on SEABREEZE
Written 19/10/14 by Adapt. Well done great that you put that out there.
I have been to a few Surf SUP comps and have seen first hand experience how they are run. Surf sup comps are relatively new events and in my opinion there is room for improvement. This thinking lead me to contact some of Australia’s top surf sup competitors and with the help of these competitors, I have compiled a list of issues in the evolving shortboard sup scene. It could be time that SUP surfing forms its own body and steps away from Surfing Australia. Some are happy with Surfing Australia, others are not…Do we work with Surfing Australia in bringing these points forward? I ask for your comments.
My plan is to take this letter and your feedback to Surfing Australia. So please if you have something to say that can improve or support SUP surf comps, comment away! Or if you want to have a fair whinge, that’s welcome too. Without your feedback, this article is going to struggle to take off and SUP surf format today stays for now.
Item 1 Priority Rule - I recently wrote to a SUP surf/Mal event in far northern NSW and asked if they would consider, like pro surfing, introducing a priority rule. If a priority rule were introduced, it would make a much fairer result giving everyone more of a chance to get their fair share of waves.
Item 2 Heat Formalities - Length of heat. Why not have the same as the World Surf League Format? For example, Round 1 and 3 non-elimination.
Item 3 Judging - Ideally, the judges should be short board/SUP surf judges. This helps because of the progression towards shortboard SUPS. Sticking to colours, no bias in judging area commentary, style and difficulty of manoeuvre valued above quantity of waves and length of rides, in most cases.
Item 4 Cost – The combined cost of joining surfing Australia and paying comp fees is daunting. In my opinion, competitors should feel that they receive value for money. Giving more back to the competitors creates incentive for more people wanting to compete, which then generates more spectators/sponsors etc.
Item 5 Support - Funding should be accessible to the elite to help progress to overseas pro events.
Item 6 Location - Why do we consistently hold Australian Surf Sup titles in places at the wrong time of year. This always seems to result in waves smaller than my knee, with onshore winds on an open beachbreak. This is not good for the sport. The competitors want to be able to claim their title in reasonable conditions. Where’s next years aussie SUP surf titles going to be? Currumbin Creek…Alice Springs…
Item 7 Format - Separate the racing and Surf SUP. Therefore, during the event window, carefully choose the ideal conditions that suit surf sup. Not how it has been, which is designate a date and run it regardless of rain, hail, shine or onshore 1ft. That’s NOT a winning format for the sport, spectators or competitors.
I am sure there will be some offended by this email, I don’t intend to offend but I certainly felt it worth publishing these valid points. After chatting with some surf SUP competitors they all agree about the points raised being; better judging, better location, different format and most importantly they feel ripped off as their sport is not taken seriously. I seek as much feedback and chat as you wish. If you would rather privately message me, that’s also fine it will remain confidential and I will put your points out there. I look fwd to your feedback.
Thanks For Reading
Matthew Ruthven
Cabarita Beach
NSW
hi Matt
I think putting your ideas out there is great.
item 1. This is an issue I'm big on as sups are the perfect weapon if you want to make an ass of yourself .
item 2. Time constraints is always an issue, as long as your garranteed 2 surfs i think is fine.
item 3. this is tough I don't think there are enough experienced judges in the market yet. if surfing Australia is running the event they will obviously supply there own
judges. I'v completed a sup judging course but never once been asked to judge , its all done inhouse.
item 4. unfortunately if we want a govening body we have to pay for it. Sup entry fees are inline with surfing entry fees.
item 5. Yes in a perfect world this should happen. but i doubt at this stage we would generate enough money.
item 6 &7. This is tough as I believe Australian titles should be combined as myself and a lot of friends compete in all fields. Having two trips in different states for each
catagory would lead to less participation. so alot of logistics come into play for locations. last years waves in Qld werent great but I still really enjoyed the
whole event and thought it was well run.
If you remenber back a few years ago a second body tried to take over and was not sucessful.
my opinion is we stay with surfing australia as they are already established and like your doing now lobby for improvement where you feel its necessary.
regards glenn
Hi Glenn,
This question maybe better for a new topic, but as you have done a sup judging course I was wondering what the difference is between prone short board and sup judging.
It seems to me as a spectator its the same except one carries a paddle.
Hi Bazell
The criteria is exactly the same. With the exception that a turn made without the use of the paddle isn't/shouldn't be scored.
Select to expand quoteglennc said..
Hi Bazell
The criteria is exactly the same. With the exception that a turn made without the use of the paddle isn't/shouldn't be scored.
And paddling for priority on wave using the extra buyoncy of the board more than the surfing skilled would be a penalty.
I explain , i'm not doing competition but i hate those SUPs paddling for priority position to own the wave more than ripping it. It is unfair and making all SUP community looking as kooks.
So would be 2 SUP competitions, longboard SUP division and short SUP division. This short one rule would be liter equals kilo.
In practice, feet should flush or sink in water board completely emerged while standing up.
This is my 2 cents idea on SUP comp.
Good thread Matt
The various Surfing bodies like Surfing NSW do a great job of running a SUP only event, catering for both racers and surfers. It does appear there are existing surfing events where SUP surfing is now being included as an afterthought or add on, and a cynic may say its for the additional entry monies - however time will tell. A recent event where SUP surfing was included had 15 minute heats and finals for SUP's and 20 minute heats for the other established divisions.
I do think this will change as the general consensus from the event organisers is the standard of SUP surfing is incredible - and some may say a better spectator sport for the general punters & sponsors watching on the beach than some other divisions.
I reckon the acceptance of SUP surfing in more main stream surfing contests will continue to grow the more the sport progresses and the standard keeps improving. It maybe events like Noosa Festival Surfing may change the SUP category to over 9ft to link in with the long boarders - but the entry cost for that event is $145.00 which is definitely an obstacle.
I reckon you have a point with the "Priority" - as most SUP surfing events become a paddle / hassle comp rather than allowing the guys to take turns and concentrate on their surfing and choice of waves.
And a valid point regarding the holding of events and the cost, however Surfing NSW entry fee is $70.00 which is reasonable as they provide a complete package of racing and surfing over the 3 days with qualified, experienced judges.
I know how much everyone on here truly appreciates my opinions, so I thought I would set the record straight,
Item 1 Priority Rule - I recently wrote to a SUP surf/Mal event in far northern NSW and asked if they would consider, like pro surfing, introducing a priority rule. If a priority rule were introduced, it would make a much fairer result giving everyone more of a chance to get their fair share of waves.
No way man. this would take away too much of the intimidation and violence. We need the public to see SUP for what it is! Certain individuals using their paddle to catch every wave is just how it goes.
Item 4 Cost – The combined cost of joining surfing Australia and paying comp fees is daunting.
Yes, totally out of my range. I dig it when they advertise accommadation for these events that is like a couple of hundred a night. So makes me want to reminisce by robbing a 7-11 with one rusty needles that are always washing up on the beach.
Item 3 Judging - Ideally, the judges should be short board/SUP surf judges. This helps because of the progression towards shortboard SUPS.
Yeah man; Shortboard, Shortboard, Shortboard, Shortboard, Shortboard, Shortboard, Shortboard!!!!!!! This is going to be so much fun. The average punter can have a good laugh at the idiots holding paddles carrying on like they are trying to bust the WQS on the fattest and ugliest boards ever shaped.
[b]
Sticking to colours, no bias in judging area commentary, style and difficulty of manoeuvre valued above quantity of waves and length of rides, in most cases.
[/b]
But this would be in violation of the Surfing NSW one man in the water rule? Yellow would not cut it as an alternate to Richard Finstay Gnome Point? (Refer last Aussie Titles.) Despite his new look Terry McMerrewether (Once a shortboard pro!) would not be able to find alternate employment as a Columbian coke dealer.
My alternate is to ditch comps and go back to when I started surfing at the wrong end of town. We sent Merrewether Brats, and for that matter any idiot who had sponsored stickers and wanted to surf like a pro robot, back to where they came from. It was so much fun when Nick Woods hulk of a father came looking for me, mistook me for some poor harmless kid who would not have hurt a flea, and proceeded to attack him in utter old school first grade football player adult on vunerable adolescent form!
Item 5 Support - Funding should be accessible to the elite to help progress to overseas pro events.
Please refer back to the Surfing NSW 'one man in the water' rule (Typically the son of one of the judges or a close relative thereoff?).
Thankyou all for your valuble time.
Select to expand quotesurfershaneA said..
I know how much everyone on here truly appreciates my opinions, so I thought I would set the record straight,
Item 1 Priority Rule - I recently wrote to a SUP surf/Mal event in far northern NSW and asked if they would consider, like pro surfing, introducing a priority rule. If a priority rule were introduced, it would make a much fairer result giving everyone more of a chance to get their fair share of waves.
No way man. this would take away too much of the intimidation and violence. We need the public to see SUP for what it is! Certain individuals using their paddle to catch every wave is just how it goes.
Item 4 Cost – The combined cost of joining surfing Australia and paying comp fees is daunting.
Yes, totally out of my range. I dig it when they advertise accommadation for these events that is like a couple of hundred a night. So makes me want to reminisce by robbing a 7-11 with one rusty needles that are always washing up on the beach.
Item 3 Judging - Ideally, the judges should be short board/SUP surf judges. This helps because of the progression towards shortboard SUPS.
Yeah man; Shortboard, Shortboard, Shortboard, Shortboard, Shortboard, Shortboard, Shortboard!!!!!!! This is going to be so much fun. The average punter can have a good laugh at the idiots holding paddles carrying on like they are trying to bust the WQS on the fattest and ugliest boards ever shaped.
[b]
Sticking to colours, no bias in judging area commentary, style and difficulty of manoeuvre valued above quantity of waves and length of rides, in most cases.
[/b]
But this would be in violation of the Surfing NSW one man in the water rule? Yellow would not cut it as an alternate to Richard Finstay Gnome Point? (Refer last Aussie Titles.) Despite his new look Terry McMerrewether (Once a shortboard pro!) would not be able to find alternate employment as a Columbian coke dealer.
My alternate is to ditch comps and go back to when I started surfing at the wrong end of town. We sent Merrewether Brats, and for that matter any idiot who had sponsored stickers and wanted to surf like a pro robot, back to where they came from. It was so much fun when Nick Woods hulk of a father came looking for me, mistook me for some poor harmless kid who would not have hurt a flea, and proceeded to attack him in utter old school first grade football player adult on vunerable adolescent form!
Item 5 Support - Funding should be accessible to the elite to help progress to overseas pro events.
Please refer back to the Surfing NSW 'one man in the water' rule (Typically the son of one of the judges or a close relative thereoff?).
Thankyou all for your valuble time. 
refreshing point of view.
Select to expand quote
glennc said..
hi Matt
I think putting your ideas out there is great.
item 1. This is an issue I'm big on as sups are the perfect weapon if you want to make an ass of yourself .
item 2. Time constraints is always an issue, as long as your garranteed 2 surfs i think is fine.
item 3. this is tough I don't think there are enough experienced judges in the market yet. if surfing Australia is running the event they will obviously supply there own
judges. I'v completed a sup judging course but never once been asked to judge , its all done inhouse.
item 4. unfortunately if we want a govening body we have to pay for it. Sup entry fees are inline with surfing entry fees.
item 5. Yes in a perfect world this should happen. but i doubt at this stage we would generate enough money.
item 6 &7. This is tough as I believe Australian titles should be combined as myself and a lot of friends compete in all fields. Having two trips in different states for each
catagory would lead to less participation. so alot of logistics come into play for locations. last years waves in Qld werent great but I still really enjoyed the
whole event and thought it was well run.
If you remenber back a few years ago a second body tried to take over and was not sucessful.
my opinion is we stay with surfing australia as they are already established and like your doing now lobby for improvement where you feel its necessary.
regards glenn
Hi Glen
I hope your Judging at this years Scott's Head event mate, you and your crew did a great job last year .
I thought Id post our flyer to give some of the guys an option that want to compete
just come along and have some fun
I cant predict the surf size but can say you'll get value for money and don't have to be a member of any organization
maybe try some of the ideas at the comp
hi Jason
yep we'll be there, looking forward to a weekend away at Scotts.
Anyone that's interested in a more laid back style of event should try and make this one.
The club puts on a great feed and is a perfect spot for an arvo beer.
Will give you a ring as it gets closer.
P.S can you find another promo shot where I'm not dropping in on Coxie
Select to expand quote
P.S can you find another promo shot where I'm not dropping in on Coxie
Head judge caught on film !!!
