What is the WQS?
The WQS is the World Qualifying Series (also affectionately known as “The Grind”). It is the second (or open-entry) tier in the ASP’s two-tier system. The WQS has both Men’s and Women’s Divisions, and the series of events determines which surfers qualify for the WCT. On average, there are approximately 45 WQS events per season (there were 49 in 2005). The events are rated on a star system with ratings from 1 to 6 stars. The Star rating coincides with the prize money offered and also determines the amount of ratings points offered to surfers. So more prize money will get you a higher star rating which will give the competitors more ratings points. Surfers compete for both prize money and valuable ratings points in an attempt to qualify for the WCT.
