SLSA Round 1 Format First Impressions

The changes to the SLSA competition format (editors note: see SW 3-12-09 SLSA New Competition Format) made an impression on the surfers competing at the event. SurfWatch caught up with some of the competitors, seasoned and new, to get their impressions.

Bobbi Laval currently ranked 3rd in the SLSA rankings after Season 2, 2008, and advancing to the next round of competition:

I had a great day yesterday. The qualifier and new formula worked great. It was all over in less than 3 hours. People actually hung out after the comp and danced and chatted. At the end of a 7, 8, 9 hour day, that just wasn't happening. It was almost like in the old days where there was always a big after-party following the comp. The new formula, the seeding, seemed to work great. A little element of luck, but mostly the top scores are moving on to next Saturday. I feel bad for Pova. He surfed well and is not moving on, but I think only one or two out of the top 10 scores did not move on. Running in the last heat, I was expecting more lag than there was. I think the restarts helped, especially the restart right before the comp.

Locksley Blitzstein currently ranked 44th in the SLSA rankings after Season 2, 2008, and not advancing to the next round of competition:

I think the new format gives more people a chance to compete and that is good. However, a bit more notice would have been nice! Also, many people may have a hard time coming up with two Saturdays every month to devote to competition.

Pova Rustamova, Season 1 2008 Grand Champion and currently ranked 4th after Season 2, 2008, and not advancing to the next round of competition:

I'm very happy with the new layout. It shortens the time required for the day to compete. Yeah, it requires a two weekend commitment, but you can work it out because the time constraints are easier. I also like it cause it will allow more people to participate for this reason. The only thing I think the SLSA can improve on is letting the riders know how they score during the competition. The judges' scores are tallied at the end of each ride. That gives you an idea of how they are scoring. It also gives you an idea of where you stand - a go-for-broke ride or a conservative ride.

Kimmy Jigsaw, co-founder of the SLSA, currently ranked 44th after Season 2, 2008, and not advancing to the next round of competition:

I am very happy with the amount of surfers per heat. And if we can rip out that many surfers in such a minimal amount of time (compared to other comps), I say, open the comps to 60 people and no more prelims. It went very good as far as time.

Robbin Ember, currently a Director with the SLSA and ranked 21st after Season 2, 2008, and not advancing to the next round of competition:

It was great the way that it worked, and I really hope everyone agrees, less time and a great line up. I just hope that everyone still comes out next week to support and cheer for their teammates and favorites and, more importantly, have a good time. I know I will be there, and it will be a great time, a Big and Rich, good time (giggles).

Useful links

SurfWatch: INTERVIEW -- Pova Rustamova (24 Jun 2008)

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