FAQS
First timers
I’ve never surfed in a comp before and I’m freaking out a little, what if I’m not good enough?
How long are the heats, how many surfers are in each, and is there a second chance if I don’t perform well as I'd like?
Each heat lasts 20 minutes, with 4–5 surfers from your division – probably the most peaceful surf at First Point you’ll ever have, woohoo! And no stress – if nerves or Huey aren’t on your side, you’ll get a second chance to hit the waves, no matter your placement.
What happens during a heat, how do I know how much time is left?
We use coloured flags and a siren to signal heat times.
- Green flag and one siren mean go
- Yellow flag means 5 minutes left
- Red flag with two sirens means time’s up.
The next heat starts with the green flag and one siren. You can paddle out when the yellow flag goes up, but steer clear of the current heat surfers.
How does the judging and point scoring work?
Each wave you catch will scored out of 10 by the judges (three other surfers from two heats after yours, and 1-2 professional head judges). Scores are averaged and any major discrepancies are discussed amongst the group. Only your top two wave scores will be counted, but you can keep catching waves until you’ve reached 10 – the maximum amount allowed per surfer for each heat.
Points are awarded out of 10. There are slightly different judging criteria for the Novice division than to the other divisions.
If you’re in the novice category, you’ll accumulate points for:
- Taking off with control,
- Staying close to the pocket of the wave (the part of the wave with most power, close to the peak and not out on the shoulder),
- Riding along with control,
- Finishing the wave without falling off or losing your board
- Bonus points will be awarded for any “novice critical maneuvers” such as turning or stepping.
If you’re in an age category, Open or Teams divisions, you’ll accumulate points for:
- Controlled maneuvers in the critical part of the wave,
- Turns executed with control,
- Utilizing the entire board - Nose riding and rail surfing,
- Stepping executed with control,
- Wave choice and commitment – maneuvers on bigger, more critical waves will score more highly than the same maneuver on a small wave,
- Bonus points will be awarded for any critical maneuvers such as hang fives, hang tens, drop knee turns or barrel rides – provided they are completed (for example, stepping back from a hang five and continuing/finishing with control, exiting a barrel, etc).
Do I have to judge and will I be shown how to do it?
When will I find out my heat time and location, and how early should I arrive?
The final heats schedule will be published on our website and on LiveHeats in the days leading up to the 1 – 2 February. We will announce the location, which is condition dependent, by 5am each day on the Sunny Sets Instagram. You’ll need to arrive in time to judge the heat that happens two before yours – so, at least 40 minutes before your scheduled heat. Keep in mind that Noosa parking is notoriously packed on weekends, so you need to allow (lots of!!) extra time to find a parking spot - or better yet carpool, scooter or bike down!
General
How do I get the member discount?
Noosa Malibu Club members receive discounted tickets. To join the club and get your unique code, email the Noosa Malibu Club.
Where is the competition held?
The location is dependent on the conditions. We have three options: First Point, Noosa Woods or Castaways Beach, in Noosa (Queensland, Australia).
Where's the best place to park?
Great question - parking in Noosa can be tricky! Please give yourself at least 20 minutes to find a park. The location will be announced on our socials, but these are your options:
First Point
Noosa Main Beach car park (if you're feeling lucky)
Noosa Woods
Head along Claude Batten Drive and keep your eyes peeled, or any of the above car parks if you're up for a walk.
Castaways Beach
There is one car park at the beach or have a look through the neighbourhood for a spot.
When do registrations close?
If I can no longer join, can I get a refund?
Refunds are available up to 14 days prior to the event, please contact us if you won't be able to make it.
What are the Terms & Conditions?
1. Sunny Sets Competitors' Code of Conduct
Sunny Sets Women’s Surf Comp is sanctioned by Surfing Queensland. By entering Sunny Sets Women's Surf Comp, you agree to the terms and conditions and to abide by Surfing Queensland’s code of conduct. See Sport Integrity | Surfing Australia. Sunny Sets Women's Surf Comp and Noosa Malibu Club reserves the right to refuse entry to any person who is deemed to have breached any of Surfing Australia`s Code of Conduct prior to the event
2. Release and Indemnity
In entering this event,
(a) I hereby waive and release, indemnify and hold harmless the Event Organiser from any claims that I may have arising from or in connection with my participation in the Event; and
(b) to hold harmless and indemnify and will keep indemnified the Event Organiser to the extent permitted by law in respect of any Claim by any person arising as a result of or in connection with my participation in the Event.
3. Photography and Filming
I understand while participating in this activity, I may be photographed. I agree to allow my photo, video, or film likeness to be used for any legitimate purpose by the activity holders, producers, sponsors, organisers, and assignees.
Surf Comp
Who can compete?
Sunny Sets is open to women of all ages and surfing levels, including beginners and novice longboarders! There are categories for each skill level, so everyone is encouraged to join.
Where is the competition held?
The location is dependent on the conditions. We have three options: First Point, Noosa Woods or Castaways Beach, in Noosa (Queensland, Australia).
What size or type of surfboards are allowed for the competition?
When will I find out my heat time and location, and how early should I arrive?
The final heats schedule will be published on our website and on LiveHeats in the days leading up to the 1 – 2 February. We will announce the location, which is condition dependent, by 5am each day on the Sunny Sets Instagram. You’ll need to arrive in time to judge the heat that happens two before yours – so, at least 60 minutes before your scheduled heat. Keep in mind that Noosa parking is notoriously packed on weekends, so you need to allow (lots of!!) extra time to find a parking spot - or better yet carpool, scooter or bike down!
How are the heats structured?
Heats will be 20 minutes long with 4 to 5 people per heat.
Do I need to judge?
Yes, everyone is required to judge two heats before their own. Learning to judge is the easiest way to learn how to surf in a comp, so it’s a great way to prepare for your upcoming heat. Our professional judges will guide you through the process and discuss any discrepancies. We use the app LiveHeats, and you’ll be using one of our iPads to enter scores into the app, so it’s all super transparent and easy to follow along with.
What is the "Novice" category?
If you’re just starting out, catching waves and gliding along but not turning or cross-stepping, then the novice category is perfect for you!
Can parents join in the water?
What if there's no surf?
Where there's a will, there's a wave!
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