Expression session (fun heats)
Expression session (fun heats) to be run before the WBBC and consist of two 10 minute heats – ladies first (naturally!), then men, on mass ! These first two fun heats will follow the press call/photo shoot. Judges will be looking for style, sportsmanship, length of ride and a certain ‘je ne sais quoi’. Back to top
The serious bit, the rules...
The emphasis is on fun, but when the world title is at stake, there needs to be a rule or two…
World Belly Board Championship Heats
These are the slightly more serious heats for the World Title incorporating the Arthur Traveller Memorial Trophy. Approximately 20-30 heats of up to 8 persons per heat. Length of heat to be 10 or 15 minutes depending on the number of entrants. Again ladies will go first.
Judges will be looking for the length of ride, wave selection, change of direction, style and the most radical manoeuvres in the most critical part of the wave. i.e the curl.
Competitors should read their name, heat number and bathing cap colour and should report to the beach marshal ready to surf 5 minutes before the start of their heat. A horn blast will mark the start of the heat and double horn blast for the end. Time will be allowed for competitors to reach the waves before the start of each heat.
As in previous years the heats will be subdivided into juniors and seniors. Junior heats for the under 60’s and Senior’s a more stately over 60’s category. Back to top
Grommet Competition Heats
All competitors must be under the age of 18 on the day of competition. Heats of up to 10 persons. Between 10 and 15 minutes duration. All girls heats will run followed by boys. The same format and judging criteria will apply as for WBBC heats (see above). The Grommet comp will follow WBBC heats. Back to top
Competitors
All competitors take part, at their own risk. The organisers accept no responsibility for accidents and injuries. Qualified RNLI lifeguards will be on duty. All competitors must read the safety policy and listen to a safety briefing prior to surfing. Back to top
Boards
WBBC competition boards should be less than 5ft in length, no wider than 2ft and no more than ¾” in thickness. They should be made of wood (fibreglass and composites acceptable in the expression sessions as are fins, flippers, small skegs, Alaia boards and Paipo’s. We expect a more traditional 1ft wide plywood board to be considered for the Arthur Traveller Memorial Trophy. Back to top
Swimwear
Bathing costumes only, no wetsuits allowed. Wetsuit/neoprene boots acceptable (if weever fish are present). Colour coded swim caps must be worn during Championship heats, Arthur Traveller Memorial Trophy heats and Junior comp heats to aid identification by the judges. These will be provided prior to the start of each heat, please check board for cap colour. For expression session wear what you like. Back to top
