What is priority?
Prority is mandatory in all one-on-one heats. The surfer with priority has unconditional right of way for both directions on the wave selected. The surfer without priority cannot take off on the same wave as the priority surfer, regardless of direction of distance between them, unless the surfer without priority does not hinder the scoring potential of the surfer with priority, in which case the surfer without priority will score a zero. At the start of the heat once the first wave has been ridden, the remaining surfer in the lineup gets automatic priority. A surfer will lose priority once they catch a wave and their hands leave the rails as they attempt to stand up. In the event that both surfers catch waves to the inside, the first surfer to reach the lineup will be awarded priority. Priority is indicated by colored discs at the event site. The priority rule serves several purposes. First and foremost, the prioirty rule attempts to eliminate hassling for waves. Without priority, surf
