Frequently
Asked Questions.

WPST stands for Wave Pool Surf Tour. It is a global surf competition platform built specifically for wave pools. Surfers compete at participating wave pools, submit their best waves online, and are ranked on WPST leaderboards.

Traditional surf contests usually require surfers to travel to one beach or one venue on one specific day. WPST allows surfers to compete over a longer event window from an official wave pool location. The format is designed for scale, fairness, repeat attempts, digital judging, and global ranking.

Both. The foundation is online-first competition, where surfers submit verified wave pool footage during an event window. The top performers can then progress toward live finals at selected wave pool venues.

Wave pools create repeatable conditions, clear performance comparison, strong video capture, and a more accessible pathway for surfers who cannot travel constantly for ocean contests.

No. WPST is designed to be competitive, but accessible. The main requirement is that the surfer can ride the official wave setting safely and with enough control to submit a left and a right.

No. WPST is technology-neutral. The goal is to work across different wave pool systems and video providers, as long as the event requirements can be met.

To create the global competition layer for wave pool surfing: a fair, scalable pathway where surfers can compete locally, rank globally, and qualify for major finals.

You get a low-barrier way to compete globally from your home wave pool, track your ranking, improve your score over time, and potentially qualify for finals and prizes.

You do not need to travel around the world to test yourself against surfers from other locations. You can compete from your local official WPST venue.

It is built to be both accessible and serious. Anyone eligible can enter, but judging, submissions, leaderboards, and progression are designed to be credible and competitive.

Yes. Strong performances can be highlighted through WPST content, leaderboards, social media, event recaps, and finalist coverage. Exposure is not guaranteed, but the platform is designed to showcase performance.

Yes. It gives you another pathway to compete, improve, and show performance in controlled wave pool conditions.

Create an account on the WPST platform, select the event, choose your division, accept the event rules, and pay the entry fee.

Enter the event, book your surf sessions at an official WPST wave pool, purchase your session footage from the pool video provider, upload your best left and right waves, then follow your score and ranking on the leaderboard.

No. Online events run across a defined event window, usually around three months. You can surf and submit during that period.

Yes, as long as entries are still open and there is enough time to submit before the deadline.

You submit one left and one right wave. Your final ranking is based on the combined score from those two waves.

Yes. You can replace your submitted waves before the deadline if you capture better rides.

Any eligible surfer with access to a participating WPST wave pool and the ability to surf the official wave setting can enter, subject to age, division, safety, and event requirements.

No. If you can surf both directions with control and safely ride the official wave setting, you can compete.

No. WPST is built so surfers can enter without previous contest experience.

The platform is open, but the competitive format is better suited to surfers who can link turns and ride the official wave setting safely. Beginner-specific divisions may be introduced if appropriate.

Divisions may include Open, Women, Juniors, age categories, Masters, and other categories depending on the event. Each event page will confirm the divisions available.

This depends on the event rules. If multiple entries are allowed, the platform will show the available options and any additional fees.

Some divisions will have age criteria. Junior competitors may require parent or guardian approval.

Yes, provided they can access an official participating WPST wave pool and comply with the event rules.

No. Entries must be submitted from official participating WPST wave pools for that event.

WPST needs to verify wave settings, video sources, timestamps, and event conditions. This protects fairness and reduces disputes.

Each event page will list participating venues and any venue-specific instructions.

You can register interest with WPST or encourage the pool to contact WPST. Only confirmed venues can be used for official submissions.

No. WPST is built to work across different wave technologies where event requirements can be met.

Each event uses a defined wave setting at each participating venue. WPST aims to align settings as closely as possible across locations to create fair comparison.

Some variation may exist between technologies, but WPST will only approve settings that meet the event standard. The objective is fair and credible comparison, not perfect mechanical sameness across every machine.

The participating venue operates its own wave system. WPST defines the competition requirement and the venue provides the approved setting.

As many as you want during the event window, subject to venue availability and normal booking terms.

No. Your left and right waves can come from different sessions, as long as both are captured during the official event window and on the approved setting.

You can replace your wave submissions before the deadline. Your final score is based on your best submitted left and best submitted right.

No. A left and a right submission must be two valid, separate rides.

No. Once the official deadline passes, submissions close and rankings are locked, unless WPST announces a specific technical extension.

Each event page will state the closing date, time, and timezone. Competitors are responsible for submitting before the stated deadline.

Withdrawal rules may vary by event. Entry fees are generally not refundable after entry unless stated otherwise in the event rules.

Only official session footage from approved pool video providers or approved venue systems can be used.

Not for official judging unless WPST specifically approves it for that event. Official video is required for verification and fairness.

No. Videos must not be manipulated. Basic trimming to identify the wave may be allowed only if permitted by the upload rules, but performance footage must not be altered.

Usually, you upload the selected left and right waves. The event page or upload form will confirm exact requirements.

The platform will specify accepted formats at upload. Common video formats are expected, but competitors should follow the platform instructions.

Retry first. If the problem continues, contact WPST support before the deadline and include details such as event, division, venue, filename, and issue.

You may replace it before the deadline. After the deadline, changes are not guaranteed.

No. Waves must be captured during the official event period.

No. Waves must be from the approved event wave setting.

WPST aims to keep entry fees low to encourage participation. Example pricing may be around GBP 20 or CHF 20–25, but each event page will confirm the official fee.

No. Surf sessions are booked and paid directly with the wave pool, unless a specific event package states otherwise.

No. Video is normally purchased directly from the venue or its video provider.

Video systems are operated by venues or third-party providers. WPST uses the footage for competition submission, but does not usually sell the session footage directly.

Refund terms will be stated in the event rules. In general, once a competitor has entered and the event has started, refunds may be limited.

Venue booking rules apply to the session. WPST will review event-level issues if a venue problem affects the competition process.

Waves are judged by a panel, typically five judges, using the core criteria of Creativity, Control, and Commitment.

Creativity rewards variety, innovation, use of the wave, combination of maneuvers, and surfing that stands out from basic repetition.

Control rewards clean execution, balance, rail work, completion of maneuvers, flow, and technical accuracy.

Commitment rewards critical sections, power, risk, speed, and how decisively the surfer attacks the wave.

Yes. Each submitted wave is scored individually. The best left and best right are combined for the total.

The scoring scale will be confirmed in the event rules and applied consistently within that event.

The event judging protocol will define how judge scores are used. WPST may use standard methods such as averaging or adjusted scoring to reduce outlier impact.

Judges are appointed by WPST based on experience and suitability for wave pool performance judging.

This depends on the platform workflow and event format. WPST will aim to reduce bias where practical.

Leaderboards will show rankings and scores. Detailed breakdown visibility may vary by event.

The first tie-breaker is usually the highest single wave score. Further tie-breakers may include adjusted judge scoring or review, depending on the event rules.

A limited review process may be available for administrative or technical errors. Judging opinions are generally final unless the event rules state otherwise.

Yes. WPST is designed around live or regularly updated leaderboards.

Your ranking is based on the combined score of your best left and best right wave.

Yes. Rankings can change as other surfers submit better waves or as you improve your own submissions.

Results become final after the event closes, submissions are verified, and any review period is complete.

Yes. Leaderboards are intended to be public unless a specific event states otherwise.

Yes. Competitors are encouraged to share their ranking and WPST content.

WPST uses official venues, approved wave settings, verified video sources, timestamps, submission checks, and independent judging.

No. Submissions are subject to verification against competitor, session, video, and event data.

Edited or manipulated footage is not allowed. Suspicious files may be rejected or investigated.

WPST may reject the submission, remove the competitor from the leaderboard, cancel the entry, or take further action depending on the seriousness.

WPST reserves the right to review any submission where there is a technical, identity, timing, or integrity concern.

No system is perfect, but WPST is being built with verification and fairness as core principles. Processes will improve as the platform grows.

Submit early to get on the board, then improve later if you capture better waves.

Completion matters. Big moves help, but incomplete or uncontrolled surfing will lose value.

If you want to improve your chances, yes. More sessions give you more opportunities to capture stronger waves.

Yes. Your total score depends on both. A weak wave in one direction can hold back your final ranking.

No. You need the official event setting. Surfing the wrong setting will not count.

Top-ranked surfers qualify according to the event rules, division structure, and available finalist spots.

Yes. Finals are planned as live competitions at selected wave pool venues.

Only if the event rules state that your ranking qualifies you. WPST will confirm qualification criteria for each event.

Travel support, if available, will be stated in the event terms. Unless confirmed, competitors should assume travel is their own responsibility.

WPST may offer the place to the next eligible surfer or apply an alternate qualification process.

Regional or continental progression may be introduced as the tour grows. The event page will confirm the pathway for each event.

Prizes may include cash, product prizes, trophies, ranking points, qualification opportunities, and WPST exposure.

Prize money varies by event. An example event purse may be around EUR 5,000, but the official event page will confirm the amount.

Yes, prize allocation will be stated for each event and may vary by division.

After results are final, verification is complete, and any required information has been provided by the winner.

WPST will aim to avoid changes, but final prize details are subject to the published event terms.

Yes, where junior divisions are offered and age requirements are met.

Yes. Junior competitors will usually require parent or guardian approval to enter.

The parent, guardian, competitor, and venue all have responsibilities. WPST does not replace venue safety rules or supervision requirements.

This depends on the event format and privacy settings. WPST will apply appropriate safeguards where needed.

The venue is responsible for operating its facility and enforcing its safety rules. Competitors must follow venue instructions at all times.

Surfing carries risk and requires fitness. Competitors should only enter if they can safely surf the relevant wave setting.

Venue rules and local procedures apply. WPST is not responsible for injuries caused during normal surf session participation.

Yes. WPST or the venue may refuse or remove participation where safety, eligibility, conduct, or rule concerns exist.

The platform handles registration, event entry, competitor profiles, video submission, judging workflows, scoring, and leaderboards.

Yes. Phase 1 includes key elements such as competitor registration, judging, and leaderboards. Phase 2 work continues to expand and refine the experience.

Use the platform password reset process. If that fails, contact support.

Contact WPST support as early as possible. Changes may not be possible after judging or deadlines begin.

The platform should be designed for modern devices, but video upload may work best on a stable connection and suitable device.

Use the official support channel listed on the event page or WPST platform.

Yes. Fans can follow leaderboards, updates, highlights, and WPST content.

WPST plans to use submitted and event-approved content for highlights, recaps, and promotional coverage.

Yes. Media enquiries should go through the official WPST contact channel.

No. WPST is a new competitive platform built for wave pools. It sits alongside traditional surfing rather than replacing it.

WPST makes competition more frequent, accessible, and trackable, with clear leaderboards and performances from different pools around the world.

Yes. Pools interested in hosting online events, live finals, or becoming official venues should contact WPST directly.

WPST can drive bookings, video sales, customer engagement, content, and international visibility with minimal disruption to normal operations.

The commercial model may vary, but the online format is designed to be low-friction for venues.

Yes. Sponsors can support events, prize money, divisions, content, athlete stories, or the wider tour.

No. This Q&A is mainly for competitors and general enquiries. Sponsors, partners, and wave pools should contact WPST for direct discussions and tailored information.

By entering, competitors may grant WPST permission to use submitted content for judging, leaderboards, event coverage, promotion, and related communications. Exact terms will be set out in the entry terms.

Ownership depends on the terms of the venue or video provider. WPST use rights will be defined in the event entry terms.

WPST will handle personal data according to its privacy policy and applicable laws.

Yes, subject to legal, competition integrity, and record-keeping requirements.

Respect the venue, other surfers, judges, WPST staff, and the wider community.

Yes. Abuse, harassment, threats, discrimination, or attempts to manipulate the competition may lead to removal.

Competitors can have opinions, but personal attacks on judges, staff, venues, or other surfers may breach conduct rules.

Yes, where there are rule breaches, safety concerns, false information, abusive conduct, or integrity issues.

Each event will have official rules and terms. This Q&A explains the format but does not replace the official event rules.

The official event rules and entry terms take priority over this general Q&A.

Yes. WPST may update rules to protect fairness, safety, platform operation, or event integrity. Material changes will be communicated where required.

Read the event page, division rules, submission requirements, deadline, prize details, and terms before paying the entry fee.