FSRL Race Rules and Format

Foil Surfing Races-

About FSRL

Description– A high action foil surfing endurance race in which athletes start on the beach in a “Lemans” style start. Riders must then paddle into waves to cross an upstream boundary. They must then work their way down the beach by riding multiple waves on foil or pumping to a downstream maker point. They must then work their way back up beach to the upstream boundary area to complete one lap. First rider to complete designated number of laps and cross the start/finish line on the beach wins the heat.

How it works-

Definitions

Upstream– up-wind, up-current or up-swell. In case of mild neutral conditions this will be toward the south.

Downstream– down-wind, down-current, or down-swell. In case of mild neutral conditions this will be toward the north.

Action area– rectangular area made by: upstream buoy x upstream flag x downstream buoy x downsteam flag 

Staff

-Scoring

-Line judge upstream boundary

-Line judge downstream boundary

-Action area judge

Safety

Athletes can ride and catch the same wave as other competitors. Physical contact is not permitted between competitors. It is the responsibility of all riders to avoid collisions. (navigation rules: always turn to the right if head on). Leash must be worn at all times while in the water.

Penalties: DNF (Did Not Finish) if failure to comply with rules, or intentional unsafe act occurs. Pay attention to Flaggers!! They have ultimate say on whether you finished a lap or will receive a DNF.

Rules

• All non-foiling or surfing must be perpendicular to beach or upstream.
• No paddling or running/walking downstream.
• Athletes must be up on foil and connecting waves to move downstream. Competitors cannot paddle, swim, walk or run down the course toward the downstream marks. Only paddling toward shore and back out to catch waves is allowed.
• Riders must have their boards and foil with them at all times (SUP- must always have paddle with them)
• Leashes must be worn while in the water. If it is removed to work way on foot, it must be put back on when entering water.
• No straps allowed in the race
• Before starting your 2nd lap, you must come to a complete stop and come off foil on the upstream side of the boundary.
• No foil assists, efoil or any motors of any type are permitted during race.
• Helmets are highly encouraged.
• “Downwind” boards are permitted for SUP portion.
• You must clear the boundary lines completely and receive green flag for the lap to count! 

Start

-Lemans style, Board is set on beach behind start line,no contact with board/foil, leash is on.

-Paddle out perpendicular to beach, no entry to action area unless surfing/foiling

-No paddling, floating or drifting past the Upstream Boundary

-Beach starts are not permitted

Two ways to complete a lap:

Prone or SUP

1.)

-catch a wave to surf and/or pump your way through the upstream boundary and to the down stream boundary.

-look for the line judge’s green flag for a verified boundary cross.

-turn around and pump or surf back toward the upstream boundary.

– if you come off foil while heading upstream prior to crossing the upstream boundary, you can either go straight in perpendicular to beach and make way by foot to complete lap, or catch another wave to get past the upstream boundary. You may not float, paddle or drift back to upstream boundary boundary. 

-You must come off foil, come to a complete stop and paddle to catch another wave after passing the upstream boundary to begin your 2nd lap.

2.)

-catch a wave to surf and/or pump your way through the upstream boundary and to the down stream boundary.

-look for the line judge’s green flag for a verified boundary cross.

-make your way to the beach and run around the downstream boundary flag before running to upstream boundary flag.

Finish:

-First person to do two complete laps wins (subjective to conditions)

– Finish will take place ON BEACH at the same Starting Line.

-Placement is 1st, 2nd, 3rd, etc..

-If a rider moving toward the upstream boundary crosses the finish line, time stops when he crosses the starting/finishing line and verified by line judge as “green” flag.