Interference Meaning in Surfing

An interference is a penalty called when a surfer hinders another rider. This usually occurs when someone catches a wave without having the right of way today. In a competition, the judges determine if the scoring potential of a rider was ruined. The penalty often involves losing one of the two best wave scores. Interferences can also be called for paddling in the way of a surfer on a wave. A surfer accidentally drops in on an opponent and receives an interference call. Most athletes follow strict priority rules to avoid these costly scoring penalties. One rider watches the flags to ensure they do not commit a paddling interference. This rule maintains fairness and safety during every professional surfing heat.