How do the judges score the waves at the Olympic surfing championships?

The Summer Olympics, famous for its sporting diversity, recently introduced surfing as one of its disciplines. This inclusion has aroused growing curiosity about the way in which this sport is assessed by the judges. For those unfamiliar with how competitive surfing works, understanding the scoring system can seem complex. This article explores in detail the process and criteria used by judges to score waves at the Olympics.

The general framework of the judgment

Basic criteria

Surfers are judged on a scale of 0 to 10 points per wave, with scores awarded to two decimal places to finely reflect differences in performance. The main criteria often used include risk-taking, variety of maneuvers,innovation and fluidity of execution.

• Risk-taking: A surfer's ability to enter critical sections of the wave and execute demanding maneuvers determines his score.
• Variety of maneuvers: Surfers must demonstrate a diverse range of maneuvers, from carving to airs.
• Innovation: The introduction of new techniques or approaches enhances the value of original, creative performance.
• Fluidity: A smooth, natural transition between each movement is essential for a good score.

The importance of the wave

The quality of the wave itself also plays a crucial role in scoring. A bigger, better-formed wave offers more opportunities for difficult, spectacular moves. As a result, surfers are always looking to catch the best possible waves during their series.

Judges and their expertise

Training and experience

Judges at Olympic surfing competitions are not amateurs; they are highly qualified and generally accredited by international bodies such as the Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP). They must possess not only a wealth of theoretical knowledge, but also extensive practical experience in assessing surfing performance.

The judging team

Typically, a panel of five judges is used to score each wave. Each score is then adjusted to eliminate any bias: the highest and lowest scores are removed, and the three remaining scores are averaged to give the final wave score.

Series sequence

Competition format

Surfing competitions at the Olympics follow a structured format comprising several rounds. The first rounds are designed to reduce the number of competitors, allowing the best surfers to emerge for the finals. Each round consists of "heats" in which a select group of surfers compete directly against each other.

Priority system

To ensure fairness, a priority system is in place so that all surfers have an equal chance of catching a good wave without interference. The surfer who waits longest is given priority to catch the next wave. There are also penalties for those who break these rules, which influence their overall score.

The impact of weather conditions

Diversity of spots

Unlike other sports, weather conditions play a dramatic role in surfing performance. Factors such as wave size, wind direction and tides can vary considerably even on the same day. Competition sites are selected to offer the best possible conditions, but there is still an element of unpredictability.

Adapting judges

Judges must constantly adapt their assessment to changing conditions. For example, a maneuver performed under difficult conditions might receive a higher score than a similar maneuver performed under ideal conditions. This calls for vigilant observation and flexibility in the application of scoring criteria.

Technology and innovation

Using video

Video technology is a valuable tool for judges. Replays enable critical maneuvers to be reviewed from different angles, helping to ensure that the right scoring decisions are made. The use of video also helps to rectify any potential errors due to difficult viewing angles or very fast actions.

Real-time recordings

Scores are recorded and displayed in real time, adding an exciting dimension for spectators and allowing surfers to know immediately how they stack up against their competitors. However, it also puts extra pressure on the judges to deliver accurate scores quickly.