How do I become a surf judge?
If you are passionate about surfing and want to make a difference in the sport you love, judging could be a great opportunity for you to get involved. To get started it’s simple enrol and complete the online Foundation Judging Course (this is currently FREE for women until 30 June 2022).
Judging starts at a grassroots level and has a pathway through each level of competition. By starting as a judge at your local club you could work your way up to one day judging the world’s best surfers on an international stage and be paid to travel the world and help progress the sport.
What is the pathway for a judge? Starting at monthly local boardrider club events, then moving through to regional, state and national events then the World Surf League (WSL), International Surfing Association (ISA) and the Olympics on an international level.
What does it involve? Complete the Foundation Judging Course and then start putting your skills into practice at your local club. Each time you become more comfortable and competent but there are opportunities to push yourself and judge all different events around NSW.
Being rostered as a judge involves being available for the full competition period of a surf event and spending the day on the beach with the judging team no matter the conditions.
Judges have the prime spot on the beach to watch the waves and always work as a team to ensure the surfers are judged fairly and consistently.
Foundation Judging Course
If you are passionate about surfing and want to make a difference in the sport you love, judging is a great opportunity to get involved.
Foundation Surf Judges will develop the technical knowledge required to judge entry level competitions such as boardrider club rounds and events.
At the completion of this course, you will have a sound understanding of the role of a judge and can become an ambassador for competitive surfing.
Progression Judging Course
A competition is only as good as the people who are charged with the responsibility of determining the outcome.
As a Progression Surf Judge, you will demonstrate a high level of competency and judging experience across multiple disciplines of surfing including shortboard, longboard and stand-up paddle.
Important note: you must obtain the Foundation Surf Judge qualification before you can enrol in the Progression Surf Judge course.