Be Aware of your Board

Lastly, a contest surfer must consider his/her equipment. So another good contest strategy is to be sure to ride a board you trust. A brand new board might not be a good choice since it may hold some performance suprises. Also, some experimenting with fin size and configuration can offer some enhancements in maneuverability. So depending on the surf conditions and size, you might want to pop in a smaller or larger fin, or even pop out the fin completely. In addition, be sure to freshly wax your board and wear a leash during your heat.

Being Spontaneous may be the essence of free-surfing, but competition surfing takes a different approach. Think ahead and be proactive in your surf contest competition strategies.