Buffalo Big Board Surfing Classic – Contest Rules

Welcome to the Buffalo Big Board Surfing Classic, a celebration of Hawaiian culture, family, and ocean traditions. To ensure a safe, fair, and fun event for all, participants are asked to follow these rules and guidelines:

GENERAL RULES

1. Eligibility – All contestants must be officially registered, have signed the Waiver of Liability, and checked in prior to their heat.
2. No Jet Ski Assist – Unless specified for certain divisions (SUPSQUATCH only, if conditions warrant).
3. Wrist Bands – ALL CONTESTANTS must wear a wrist band provided by Ho’oma’a Foundation showing you signed your waiver. Contestants without a wrist band will be disqualified along with their team (if applicable).
4. Competitor Shirts – Only 1 competitor shirt will be issued per contestant, regardless of the number of divisions entered. Jerseys/caps must be returned immediately after each heat to receive your competitor shirt.
5. Check-In – Contestants must check in with the Beach Marshal at least 15–30 minutes before their scheduled heat (depending on division).
6. Sportsmanship – This is a family event. Respect, sportsmanship, and aloha spirit are required at all times.
7. Final Authority – The Contest Director and Beach Marshals have final say on all rulings, safety decisions, and disputes.
8. Complaints – Complaints will not be accepted.

SURFING DIVISIONS

(Men’s, Women’s, Legends, Foreign, Alaia, Paipo, Team SUP)

• Minimum 10-foot board required (except Alaia and Paipo). Additional points awarded for each foot over 10’ (e.g., 11’ = +5 points, 12’ = +10 points).
• Surfboards must be brought to the Beach Marshal for size verification. One foot from the nose will be marked with tape.
• Contestants in the 250# & Over division must weigh in prior to their first heat and be confirmed by the Beach Marshal/Official.
• All contestants must wear a wrist band; failure to do so results in disqualification.
• Check-in 15 minutes prior to the heat.
• Paddle out to the furthest buoy in the channel and wait; no entering the lineup until heat begins.
• Triangles enforced – point deductions for violations.
• Primary Scoring:  Buffalo Tricks held for 3 seconds (see Maneuvers)
• Buoy-to-Buoy scoring.
• Contestants who won the previous year may still place but will not qualify to win a board.
• Contestants weighing 250 lbs. and over must weigh in to receive their jersey.

TANDEM

(Tandem including BullyBoard Tandem)

• Tandem Surfers must use a board no less than 10’ long. Points for 11 feet and 12 feet will also apply.
• Partner must be half the body weight of the primary partner to qualify for prizes.
• Same-sex teams allowed, but body weight rule applies.
• No alternates or partner switching.
• Check-in 15 minutes prior to the heat.
• Paddle out to the furthest buoy and wait until heat begins.
• Leashes (TBD) by Beach Marshal.
• Triangles enforced – point deductions for violations.
• Contestants who won the previous year may still place but will not qualify to win a board.
• Buoy-to-Buoy scoring.

CANOE & SUPSQUATCH

• Check-in 20 minutes prior to the heat.
• 17-minute heats with 3 minutes for changeover.
• All team members must wear a wrist band; if any member is not wearing one, the team is disqualified.
• Paddle out to the furthest buoy and wait until heat begins.
• One team per wave.
• Team captains are responsible for team conduct and substitutions.
• Triangles enforced – point deductions for violations.
• Primary Scoring: Wave surfing maneuvering, style, and execution.
• Secondary Scoring: Buffalo Tricks held for 3 seconds may add bonus points.
• SUPSQUATCH ONLY: Jet ski assist allowed if conditions warrant.
• Buoy-to-Buoy scoring.
• All team members must be in the canoe or on the SUPSQUATCH for waves to score.
• Alternates must not be on other teams and must be approved by the Beach Marshal.

250 LBS. & OVER DIVISIONS

(Bully Board & Surfing)

• Contestants must weigh in to receive their jersey.
• Check-in 15 minutes prior to the heat.
• Paddle out to the furthest buoy and wait until heat begins.
• Triangles enforced – point deductions for violations.
• Contestants who won the previous year may still place but will not qualify to win a board.
• Buoy-to-Buoy scoring.

BODY SURFING

• Check-in 15 minutes prior to the heat.
• Paddle out to the furthest buoy and wait until heat begins.
• Triangles enforced – point deductions for violations.
• Contestants who won the previous year may still place but will not qualify to win a board.
• Buoy-to-Buoy scoring.

SAFETY & CONDUCT

• All contestants must follow the instructions of lifeguards, safety crews, and Beach Marshals.
• Reckless or dangerous surfing, interference, or disrespectful behavior will result in immediate disqualification.
• Alcohol, drugs, and impaired surfing are strictly prohibited.