Foil Surf Race League

FSRL Expression Session Rules and Format

Expression Session powered by Armstrong Foils

The Expression Session will consist of three categories, straps, strapless and foil assist. Heat duration will be decided once registration is complete. We will have Jetskis to whip competitors into waves. Each rider will get unlimited whips within the time frame and can paddle into waves anytime during the heat. Heats will be judged by a 3 judge panel that will be looking to award progressive and innovative foil maneuvers.

Strapped Riders will be judged on “Best Trick”.

Strapless Riders will be judge on “Best Wave”.

Foil Assist Riders will be judge on “Best Wave”.

Rules

Leashes must be worn while in the water. If it is removed to make way on foot, it must be put back on when entering water.

No foil assists, efoil or any motors of any type are permitted on the board or mast during the Expression Session except for the Foil Assist Heats.

Only the authorized tows by event staff are permitted.

Only one Rider can be towed up at one time on each ski. No Doubles.

Tricks/Waves must be in line of site of the judges and inside Action Box to be scored. There is no compensation for something missed my judges. 

Riders must keep a 6′ distance from other riders at all times while riding on board or foil.

First rider on a wave first has priority.

Helmets are highly encouraged.

Typical Structure

20 minute heats of 6 Riders (time and heat size will vary depending of number of entrants)
Competitors make their way to “Pick-up Zones” near Buoys to line up for jetski chip-ups. Riders will be picked up in the order they arrive near the buoys. Jetski drivers will not circle for waves. Rider will get a chip up and then is responsible for pumping or gliding to waves.

Top Two Riders from each Heat will move to the Semi-Final. The Top Three Riders from each Semi-Final Heat will move to the Final Heat. 

Strapped Riding

Scoring is based on the Best Single Maneuver from each rider of each heat. 

Top 3 podium cash prizes

Strapless Riding

Scoring based on Best Single Wave from each rider of each heat. 

Top 3 podium cash prizes

Foil Assist Riding

Scoring based on Best Single Wave from each rider of each heat. 

Top 3 podium cash prizes

Judging Criteria

Wave Selection

Consideration of wave size, shape, and quality.

Maneuverability

Execution of turns, carves, and aerial maneuvers with precision.
Creativity and style in navigating the wave.

Flow

Seamless transitions between maneuvers.
Maintaining fluidity during the ride.

Control and Stability

Recovery from challenging situations or unexpected changes in wave conditions.
Aerial Tricks:

Quality and height of aerial maneuvers.
Innovation and difficulty of tricks performed in the air.

Variety

Display of a diverse range of maneuvers and skills.
Avoidance of repetition to showcase versatility.

Speed and Power

Utilization of speed for dynamic and powerful maneuvers.
Ability to generate speed using the foil and adapt to different wave conditions.

Wave Choice

Ability to maximize the potential of the wave.

Judges’ Overall Impression

Subjective evaluation of the surfer’s overall performance.
Consideration of style, commitment, and the “wow” factor.

Risk-Taking

Willingness to take calculated risks in executing maneuvers.
Pushing the boundaries of skill and technique.

Technical Difficulty

Evaluation of the complexity and technical difficulty of maneuvers.