Score Meaning in Surfing

A score is a numerical value given to a wave ride by a panel of judges. Most professional surfing waves are scored on a scale from one to ten today. Judges look for difficulty, variety, and the combination of major maneuvers performed. They also reward speed, power, and flow throughout the entire surfing ride. The highest and lowest scores from the panel are usually discarded for fairness. A surfer receives an eight-point score for a series of powerful vertical turns. Total heat scores are calculated by adding the two best wave rides together. One athlete checks the live score on the beach to see their current ranking. High scores are the key to advancing through the rounds of a surf contest.