While Gisborne’s coastline has resembled a lake than an ocean of late there is a forecasted blip in swell from the south on Sunday, with light and variable winds.
“The conditions look like there will be surfable waves for all levels,” Timbs said.
Judging criteria has been altered to account for changes in the World Surf League criteria.
Judges will reward the performance with reference to style and flow, visual appeal, commitment, variety of manoeuvres and the use of the entire board, speed and power.
Nose-riding, trimming and footwork will be important elements in the judges’ decision-making.
This year’s event has also broken away from a formal scoring system.
Instead of each surfer being scored out of 10 for each ride and their best two rides combined determining the result, a panel of four judges will decide the order of the competitors through discussion and observation from first to fourth.
The head judge (a fifth member of the panel) will score the heat and bring the scores to the discussion if a consensus cannot be reached.
Essentially, the surfer who leaves the best impression with regards to the above judging criteria will win.
On offer are 24 trophies — four in each of the six categories — handpainted by Gisborne artist Marg Hanson, a custom longboard spot prize shaped by Daryn McBride and spot prizes.
McBride has also designed T-shirts, which can be bought at the event.
Competitors should show up at the Makorori carpark (Red Bus) at 7.30am on Sunday.
A call will be made then about the competition venue.
A sign will be placed on the toilet block for those who arrive later.
To register, go to www.enternowonline.com/4263.
