Ironic. I guess that is just the way life works sometimes. I’ve sat here posting for years whinging about the WSL, and now here I go about defending them. Satiric.
In my defense it is not so much the WSL I’m backing, but the judges. Those are my people. And from the outside, it’s understandably very easy to judge the judges – to argue their scores and to think your opinion is more right than theirs. Well, guess what? You are correct – your opinion is right. So is mine, so is theirs. It is subjective; that’s the name of the game when it comes to judging surf contests. If you don’t understand this at the outset of watching an event, that is your fault. No need to throw the judges into Hot Water, yet again.
I also think the comments need to stop about the nationality of the Judges. I truly don’t think anyone gives a shit about where someone is from when they are scoring. Sure, they might prefer power surfing over progressive surfing. Or a pocket snap on the backhand over a wrap on the forehand – so be it. Again, subjective, meaning up for interpretation. Whatever you like, it’s cool. But I personally refuse to believe that judges are throwing scores based on what flag is represented on the surfers jersey.
In my opinion, I don’t think you want a uniform, “yes man” type of panel. Do you want one type of surfing on Tour? If so, take it to the wave pool. That’s where your argument holds court. A repeatable wave, with repeatable sections; a completely even playing field with apples to apples comparisons. As long as they are doing apple to apples turns on said sections. A planned run. Not unlike skateboarding or snowboarding where you can try the same line or trick over and over and over. From my understanding, this is how a Figure Skating event is run. For the early rounds, each skater has to complete the same routine, and whichever skaters perform that routine the best, or with the least mistakes, moves on. Only in the later rounds, or maybe even the Finals, do skaters have a freestyle run and perform however they like.
If you’d like to get into it, the most recent controversy was at the last Challenger Series event in Newcastle. It drew extra attention because there was so much drama with it being the end of the season, and qualification for the CT was on the line. Round of 32 Heat 3 – Mateus Herdy vs. Finn McGill vs. Alister Reginato vs. Ian Gentil. Have a look.
I understand why people are frustrated that McGill got a higher score than Mateus. Backside Air Reverse into the flats versus a Big Giant Power Gouge. Air versus Turn. Most surfers can not do an air reverse, which is why most surfers believe it’s the more difficult maneuver to complete. But you need to compare the quality of that turn to every other turn that’s been scored. Same goes for the air. Of course in ethics those waves are being scored against each other, and that brings about the difference of opinion. But that’s also where judges refer to the criteria – speed, power, flow, commitment and degree of difficulty, innovative and progressive maneuvers, combination of major maneuvers, and variety of maneuvers.
Both single maneuver waves. Both committed and difficult. One may argue that the air is more innovative and progressive – I beg to differ. Guys have been doing air reverses now for over 30 years now. Not very innovative. Progressive? Maybe in your opinion.
Now in my personal opinion, sure, McGills monster hack may have been overcooked a tiny bit. But how do you like your steak – medium rare? Medium? Like I said, different strokes for different folks. It’s all a part of the game. For what it is worth, look at the scorelines.
McGill’s hack –
9.2
8.3
8.2
8.3
8.3
Mateus’ air revo –
8.2
7.8
8.8
8.2
7.8
All 5 judges gave Finn McGill an excellent score (8 or above).
3 of 5 gave Mateus an excellent score.
These are 5 professionals that the WSL has deemed fit for judging at the highest level of competition. Without knowing exactly who is on that panel, I can attest to the people that I have worked with and for who come from the WSL – they are very experienced, knowledgeable, and passionate. People I’ve learned a lot from that I consider friends and mentors. I know they are not judging with any intent other than to reward the best surfing and get the correct result.
The whole ordeal was big news because Mateus was battling for a spot on the CT. His score was initially enough to put him into advancing position, only until Alister Reginato got a number he needed to take 2nd place, thus eliminating Mateus. Luckily, as fate would have it, Mateus would end up with a slot on the CT this coming year, and for what it’s worth, Reginato would go on to win the event.
Something I have been thinking about recently is the idea brought forth by, I believe, one Mr. Kelly Slater. The proposal that a mic be live inside the judging booth; I think judges should be able to explain their scores. Whenever I am judging a contest, I will always step out and speak with competitors if need be to give an explanation on any situation. I don’t think scores should be argued, but if a clarification is necessary then I am always keen and ready to talk. Of course you think you should have been scored higher, you want to win – you’re biased. But here is why that guy’s score came in higher than yours.
I don’t mind when a head judge has influence, but I don’t think they should be the captain of the ship. Throughout a standard day, you’re scoring hundreds, maybe thousands of waves, depending on the event. It’s easy to forget waves and maneuvers and scores and heats. A good head judge will keep that all relative and use their recall. It’s not good when a head judge is just throwing scores, ie) this should be better than that. The judges are there to give their opinion, within reason. And they should be able to word that reason.
One last thing – it really bothers me when judges are given the keys. What I mean by that is when the fate of the heat is in their hands, and in knowing that, the wave is scored differently. For example Surfer A is winning the heat, Surfer B needs a score. Dying minutes of the heat and Surfer B gets a wave at the buzzer. Surfs it all the way through. Seconds after the surfer kicks out, before all judges get their score down, the head judge says, “he needs an 8.63. Do you think he got it?”
I don’t think this should happen. I think the judges should score the wave based off of every other wave in the heat. Score it like it was ridden in the middle of the heat. Don’t factor in the end of the heat and the buzzer. Don’t factor in the number that he needs. Just score the wave. I don’t like when head judges do this. In fact I have previously asked not to be told when I am working events. I don’t think my job is to decide the winner of the heat. If this was the case, why would I score every wave? Just let them paddle out and surf, and I’ll tell you who won at the end. It’s about the waves scores. Hate it or Love it, that is how it’s set up.
Anyways. I’m sure I’ll double back on this topic later. I’m always talking about, thinking about contests and scores and heats and events. All the time. Speaking of which, Bells Beach is right around the corner. One of my favorites.
If you’re into this sort of stuff, a little subscription box will pop up on your screen from time to time. Drop your email. We chat about this stuff a lot.
Cheers,
hwilsin
Drew Stanfield