Timing Disk

In a surf competition, you might notice a coloured disk on the beach or near the judging area—that’s the timing disk, and it helps surfers keep track of how much time is left in their heat. It’s a simple visual cue that keeps everyone in sync without needing to hear announcements.

It has two sides: green and orange.

When the green side is facing the water, it means the heat has begun and there’s plenty of time remaining in your heat.

Once the disk flips to orange, it signals that the heat has 5 minutes remaining, so surfers know they need to catch their last waves and make them count.

Neutral position – If the disk is not clearly showing either colour, i.e. in a neutral position, this means no heat is currently running – signalling your heat has not begun, or that your heat is over.