Rules before and after your heat – paddling out and in

PADDLE OUT RULES

Typically, surfers are given 5 minutes to paddle out to the lineup for their heat, so when the timing disk turns orange, you can paddle out while the current heat is in its final 5 minutes. This is subject to change dependent on conditions, so always check with the beach marshal for changes to paddle out timings.

Surfers may paddle towards the line-up ONLY when the previous heat has ended. Any surfer entering the take-off area during the preceding heat may be fined, and/or penalised with an interference or starting the heat with last priority especially if there is confusion with the current heat in the water or an unfair advantage is gained.

PADDLING IN AT THE COMPLETION OF YOUR HEAT

Once the timing disk is spun to the side in a neutral position – i.e. not clearly showing green or orange, your heat is over.

At the end of the heat, surfers must return to the beach in a prone position – on your stomach. Any surfer standing up after their heat and riding during the next heat may be fined, disqualified (or both) depending on the severity of the interference.