Is this your first contest? You're probably wondering how it works. Well here's a brief rundown. We divide you into age and equipment divisions and then into six woman heats. The number of girls entering each division determines the number of preliminary heats, semi-finals, and a final. Preliminary, and semi-final heats last for 15 minutes, while final heats last 20 minutes.

Check the schedule and pay attention to what is going on! You must keep track of when you surf and check to see if the schedule has changed. Yes that can happen! It is your responsibility to be aware of these changes. They will be announced often and posted on the board.

Contestants will report to the Beach Marshal 10 to 15 minutes before their heat. Report to the Beach Marshal and receive a jersey. The heat begins with a horn blast and the raising of the green flag starts the heat. When there are only 5 minutes left in the heat, a horn will sound and the yellow flag will go up. At this time all contestants for the next heat should be checked in and ready for their heat. (** BE SURE to let the beach marshal know if you have a scheduling conflict such as being in two consecutive heats. In this event we will go to a brief red flag. A red flag signifies that competition is temporarily stopped. )

Your top three waves are scored in the preliminaries. Catch no more than 10! In the Finals you are scored on your top four waves. Catch no more than 12! If you go over your wave count or don?t obey proper surfing etiquette (don?t cut people off), you may be disqualified. It is a good idea to have a family member or friend on the beach count your waves so they can help you remember. (Briefly, good surfing etiquette means that the surfer closest to the peak has the right of way. Do not try and take off in front of a surfer already riding the wave and coming toward you. This can lead to injury and severe penalties to your score. Please try not to interfere with another surfers ride!)

Judges score points for the best maneuver in the most critical or most hollow part of the wave. Once your hands leave the board, it is considered a ride. If you can't perform maneuvers just ride that wave as long as you can, it will score more points!

And remember relax, this is fun friendly competition. There is plenty of time and plenty of waves. Good luck girls!!!