Photo: © ASP / CESTARI
Dane Reynolds shows all why he is a vital force in
the evolution of the ASP Judging Criteria

Some big news and changes to report in regards to the 2010 ASP World Tour. For the good of the sport, the ASP Judging Criteria has been refined to reflect the progression of surfing.

"It's paramount that the ASP Judging Criteria evolve to reflect the ever-progressing envelope of high-performance surfing," ASP Head Judge, Perry Hatchett, said. "The revision of the criteria for 2010 is the result of discussions between our respected panel of judges as well as the world's best surfers."

2010 ASP rookie Dusty Payne earns frequent flier
miles

The new ASP Judging Criteria is as follows:

Judges analyze the following major concepts when scoring waves:
- Commitment and Degree of Difficulty
- Innovative and Progressive Maneuvers
- Combination of Major Maneuvers
- Variety of Maneuvers
- Speed, Power and Flow

It is important to note that the emphasis on certain concepts is contingent upon the location and the conditions on the day, as well as changes of conditions during the day.

Scale Utilized:
0.0 1.9 = Poor
2.0 2.9 = Fair
4.0 5.9 = Average
6.0 7.9 = Good
8.0 10.0 = Excellent

"The last part of the revised ASP Judging Criteria is crucial," Hatchett said. "Surfers and fans need to understand that certain aspects of surfing score higher depending on the location and the conditions at that location. For example, the same approach to surfing in classic Trestles conditions will not score the same when applied to classic Pipeline conditions classic Trestles conditions call for more innovative and progressive maneuvers whereas classic Pipeline conditions call for more commitment and degree of difficulty."

The aforementioned criteria will be applied across the board at ASP World Tour, ASP Women's World Tour, ASP World Qualifying Series (WQS) and ASP Pro Junior events. Be sure to watch the new 'CT guys compete in to the first Men's ASP contest of the year, the Quiksilver Pro, beginning February 27, 2010.