How Surf Competitions Work: From Local Surf Contests to Boardmasters
With Boardmasters just around the corner, thousands of fans will be heading to Fistral Beach to watch some of the world's best surfers compete.
This year, Boardmasters returns as a QS 4000 event, making it one of Europe's biggest stops on the World Surf League (WSL) Qualifying Series. We're especially excited as Rad Wax ambassador Emily Currie will be competing, and you'll also find the Rad Wax team at Rising Tide throughout the festival.
So, how do surfers go from local beach competitions to surfing against the world's best?
It All Starts at Grassroots Level
Every professional surfer starts somewhere.
Local surf competitions are where surfers learn to perform under pressure, meet the surf community and gain valuable experience. Across the world, clubs, junior events and university competitions give surfers their first taste of competitive surfing.
It's less about winning and more about progressing.
Climbing the Ladder
As surfers improve, they move into regional and national championships, representing their clubs, regions or even their country.
The next step is the World Surf League Qualifying Series (QS), where surfers earn ranking points throughout the season.
You'll often hear events described as QS 1000, QS 2000, QS 3000 or QS 4000.
The higher the number, the more ranking points are available and the stronger the competition.
Why Boardmasters Matters
This year's Boardmasters QS 4000 attracts elite surfers from around the world, all chasing valuable points that could help them move closer to surfing's highest level.
For spectators, it's an incredible opportunity to watch world-class surfing right here in Cornwall.
The Ultimate Goal: The Championship Tour
The best surfers eventually qualify for the World Surf League Championship Tour (CT).
This is surfing's biggest stage, where the world's top athletes compete at iconic waves including Pipeline, Bells Beach, Jeffreys Bay and Teahupo'o, all aiming to become World Champion.
Good Luck Emily!
We'll be cheering on Emily Currie as she takes on this year's Boardmasters field.
If you're heading to the festival, come and say hello to the Rad Wax team at Rising Tide. We'd love to chat all things surfing, surf wax and ocean conservation.
Whether you're entering your first local contest or chasing points on the world stage, every great surfing career starts with that first heat.
Surf Strong. Ride Clean.