ho'oma'a wa'a INVITATIONAL contest rules

Welcome to the Ho’oma’a Wa’a Invitational, a celebration of Hawaiian canoe surfing and ocean culture. To ensure a safe, fair, and fun event, all participants must follow these rules:

1. Eligibility – All canoe teams must be officially registered, have signed the Waiver of Liability, and checked in prior to their heat.
2. Wrist Bands – ALL team members must wear a wrist band provided by Ho’oma’a Foundation showing waiver compliance. Any team member without a wrist band will cause the whole team to be disqualified.
3. Competitor Shirts – Only 1 competitor shirt per team member. Jerseys must be returned immediately after each heat to receive your shirt.
4. Check-In – Teams must check in with the Beach Marshal 20 minutes prior to their heat.
5. Paddle Out – Teams must paddle out to the furthest buoy in the channel and wait; no entering the lineup until the heat begins.
6. Team Conduct – Team captains are responsible for their members’ conduct and substitutions.
7. Final Authority – Contest Director and Beach Marshals have final say on all rulings, safety decisions, and disputes.
8. Complaints – Complaints will not be accepted.

• Heats – 17 minutes per heat, with 3 minutes for changeover.
• Wave Priority – Only one team per wave.
• Primary Scoring – Wave surfing maneuvering, style, and execution.
• Secondary Scoring – Buffalo tricks held for 3 seconds may add bonus points.
• Buoy-to-Buoy Scoring – Each team’s performance is scored from starting to ending buoy.
• Alternates – May be used if they are not on another team and must be approved by the Beach Marshal.
• Safety – Jet ski assist allowed only if conditions warrant.
• All team members must be in the canoe for waves to be scored.

• Follow all instructions from lifeguards, Beach Marshals, and safety personnel.
• Reckless or dangerous behavior, interference with other teams, or unsportsmanlike conduct will result in disqualification.
• Alcohol and drugs are strictly prohibited during the contest.