Background
Competitors take part in a four-person heat, a maximum of ten waves being ridden by each surfer in twenty minutes.  The winner has the highest score from their best four waves.  Points are awarded for the difficulty of manoeuvre, wave choice and style.

History
Surfing was first reported by Captain Cook in Hawaii but modern surfing began in the early twentieth century.  The English Surfing Federation, which was established in the 1970s, sends a team to compete in the European Championships that are held bi-annually with senior and junior events alternating.  Selection is based on a surfer's performance in the English National Championships and other current competition placings.  The ESF team is currently ranked third at junior level and second at a senior level.

Facilities and Equipment Required
There are three distinct disciplines within surfing.  Longboards must be over 9'1" long; shortboards are typically around 6' long, whilst bodyboards are around 1 metre in length.  Body boarders need flippers to kick their way into waves and all English surfers need wetsuits.  You can compete in any Open event on any type of board but Longboard events are for Longboards only, as Bodyboard events are also exclusive.  In most contests the youngest age category is U12 and the oldest is over 35.  Membership of the ESF, as part of British Surfing Association membership, provides insurance and is required for entry into all ESF sanctioned contests.

Benefits of Participating
Competition surfing is the route by which most competent surfers improve their levels of performance.  Surfing is an individual sport that requires dedication and determination in conditions that are often less than ideal.  If you are looking for a multi-dimensional challenge, surfing may allow you to realise that goal.

Variations of the Sport
There are team events in which teams of 4 or 6 surfers compete.  Skins events are surfer against surfer event — the winner stays in the water to continue.  Tag team events are for teams of 4 or 6 to compete, each surfer having to get a set number of waves before leaving the water and tagging a team member.

Contact Details
English Surfing Federation
c/o Peachy Bottom
Wellfield House
Springfield Road
Woolacombe
Devon
EX34 6BX