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Surfing as a competitive sport is continuing to progress.
A combination of factors contribute to the progression of surfing and to a the growing popularity of the sport.
After years of contests, the competition formats, rules, and criteria have been refined.
Larger sponsors have begun to migrate toward the sport of surfing, providing a stronger foundation. Professional surfers combined with solid ocean swells continue to appeal to youth culture.
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More about Professional Surfing |
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In these contests, numbers of
surfers come from around the globe to prove themselves. The judges are
looking to choose one winner. Winners have to impress the judges, have a unique style,
perform maneuvers in critical sections of the wave, and have the potential
to be consistent. There is an official Judging Criteria that can be viewed online. During
the World Qualifying Series (WQS), each
contender definitely
has only one thing on their mind: to make the top sixteen of the World
Qualifying Series. The top 16 gain a spot on the World Tour.
During World Tour events, competitors are aiming for the Number 1 spot
and to be crowned as the World's Best Surfer. |
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Competitive surfing has changed in format, performance goals, and in judging.
A significant format change was the adoption of a "Man on Man" vs. 4 competitors in final heats. Overall
the industry began to move this direction about 1976 and ASP integrated this
format back in the late 1980’s - early 1990’s (post Tom Curren days). 1-4 star-rated WQS events still utilize the older format. Judging Criteria
has changed the main goal from the “3 to the Beach” (3 maneuvers and ride the wave to the beach) to
a newer focus and value for flow/style and identifiable "Critical Point
Maneuvers". The factors used to decide "Wave Priority" have changed.
Originally, competitors had to swim around a buoy to decide wave
priority. A newer wave priority solution grants priority to the 1st person back into the line up (in
man on man heats). Currently there are no priority rules for 3-4 man heats.
The use of "Instant Replay" may be used to determine interference calls.
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Trestles Contest Results: 2007
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1st -Kelly Slater
2nd -Pancho Sullivan
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World Tour Lower Trestles, CA
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Photo by Don S. Trestles 2005 ASP Comp
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Kelly Slater Trestles 2007
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Without a doubt some organic factors have motivated change. Change
has been occurring through pro surfer input via the WPS. The WPS is a professional surfer’s union that represents the interests, suggestions, and contestants to the
ASP board of directors and other competitive forums. Currently The WPS Tour Reps are
Mike Todd and Phillip McDonald.
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More about Surfboards |
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Event Sponsorship has played a significant role in the progression of
competitive surfing. World Tour events have major sponsorships. In 2007, there are 10 Elite
World Tour Events. The amount of events in a given year could potentially be up to 13. The world tour competitors/WPS have strong input
in decisions concerning new sponsors. Prospective sponsors submit proposals to the ASP Board.
The 2007 ASP board includes corporate officers from ASP, as well as, representatives from
Billabong, Quiksilver, and Globe. Sponsorship financial commitments may be in the 1 million dollar range and cover costs associated with permits, advertising expenses, fees, prizes (approximately 300k), etc. Should a company gain permission to be an Elite
Event Sponsor, they would also gain a seat on the ASP board of directors.
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US Open 2007 Huntington Beach, California
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World Tour 2007 Trestles, California
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More about Competitions |
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Over the years surfboards have become smaller, weigh less, and maintain a fair amount of durability.
Within the professional surfing circuit, many surfers have begun to use Firewire Surfboards.
Firewire Surfboard technology is starting to get some attention.
Firewire surfboard innovations incorporate Parabolic Balsa Rails, Dual Density EPS
Core and Advanced Composites. Future Shapes Technology claims these new boards exhibit excellent performance and yet are lightweight and durable.
There is also a second generation of Quad fin surfboards gaining favor
in the local line ups. Other newer surfing variations, outside of
the ASP competitive circuit, include “Tow In”, Wenches, and various hydro
boards.
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The progression of surfing has become
apparent when nature produces an ideal swell and it meets up with a
newer breed of professional surfer. Today's surfers are combining
the strong drop ins, barrel riding techniques, and turning foundations
with a "skateboard" influenced aerials and 360's. World Tour event locations are picked based on
their historical reputations for producing some of nature's highest quality surfing waves. In addition, Competitions are set for a duration of time that will usually allow for a lack of swell.
Although wave size and conditions can greatly affect competitor
performances the level of professional expertise on the World Tour has
proven capable to work with adverse conditions. |
Dane Reynolds Trestles 2007
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Kelly Slater Going Right @ Trestles
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Trestles Welcome Sign
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Rob Machado Going Left @ Trestles
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A combination of factors have contributed
to the progression of professional surfing. Competition formats
and new judging criteria have added to the dynamics of the sport.
Surfers have united under the WPS to maintain excellent representation.
Major sponsors have combined with cutting edge surfers, ASP, and ideal
competition locations to produce exciting exhibitions for a growing fan
base. |
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Sources |
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1st Hand
Trade Federation Article: The U.S. Open Of Surfing
Trade Federation Article: Association Of Surfing Professionals
http://www.aspworldtour.com and media feed.
Dave Prodan, Regional Media Manager ASP North America 8/3/2007
Domaille Blogs: Pro Surf Blog
Photography:
Don Stenersen out of San Clemente/Dana Point for Trestles 2005 big air photo
Philip Dominguez (Trestles and Huntington Beach 2007 photos and article graphics)
ASP/Covered Images Trestles 2007 additional images/More Photos
section
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This article is sponsored by: |
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