Need to know the best surf competitions? Then you've come to the right place. Surfing is one of the most popular water sports in the world and over the years, competitions have been held to find out who is the best surfer. These contests attract some of the world’s top surfers as they look to showcase their skills and compete for prestige and prizes.

12 best surf competitions

1. The Pro Santa Cruz: This competition is held annually in Santa Cruz, California, and has been running since 1974. It’s one of the most popular events on the World Surf League calendar and features some of the best professional surfers from around the world. Each year, hundreds of competitors gather in Santa Cruz to compete for a variety of prizes and awards, including cash prizes and sponsorship deals. Competitors are judged on their performance over three rounds of heats with various criteria taken into consideration such as wave selection, technique and maneuvers. Past winners include Kelly Slater, Mark Healey and Keala Kennelly.

2. The Peahi Challenge: Held at Jaws (Peahi) in Maui every year, this big-wave competition is considered one of the most dangerous events in the world. It features some of the best big-wave riders and competitors must be invited to take part in order to compete. This event takes place just once a year when conditions are at their peak and only experienced surfers are able to participate due to the hazardous waves. The event has been running since 2001 and past winners include Greg Long, Shane Dorian and Ian Walsh.

3. The Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach: Held annually during March/April at Bells Beach in Victoria, Australia, this iconic tournament has been running since 1961. It’s widely regarded as one of the longest-running pro surfing events in the world and features some of the best surfers from around the globe. The event is held over a two-week period with certain winners being crowned in each category depending on performance. Past winners include Kelly Slater, Mick Fanning and Stephanie Gilmore.

4. The Hawaiian Triple Crown Series: This competition takes place throughout Hawaii’s winter season (November-December) and is made up of three events that are held at different locations across the islands. It includes the Oahu Pro at Haleiwa, Maui Pro at Honolua Bay and Vans World Cup at Sunset Beach. Each event features hundreds of competitors and offers a range of prizes for those who perform well. Past winners include John John Florence, Joel Parkinson and Carissa Moore.

5. The Quiksilver Pro Gold Coast: Held in Australia, this competition is part of the World Surf League tour and features some of the best surfers from around the world. It takes place at Snapper Rocks on the Gold Coast and has been running since 1963. Each year, over 200 professional surfers take part in the event with prizes being awarded to those who perform well in each round. Past winners include Mick Fanning, Andy Irons and Joel Parkinson.

6. The O'Neill Cold Water Classic Canada: This event has been taking place since 2009 and is renowned for its big waves and breathtaking views. It is the second longest-running stop on the World Surf League’s Men’s Qualifying Series (QS), with competitors coming from all around the world to take part in this iconic competition. Over the years, we have seen some of the best surfers display their skills at this event, with winners walking away with over $40,000 USD worth of prize money.

7. Pipe Masters: Held in Hawaii every December, Pipe Masters draws in large crowds from far and wide thanks to its stunning location at Pipeline Beach on the North Shore of Oahu. The event is part of the Triple Crown of Surfing and, as such, it has become one of the most prestigious events in the surfing world. This competition brings some of the best surfers from around the globe to battle it out for a piece of the $100,000 USD prize purse.

8. MEO Rip Curl Pro Portugal: This event was established in 2011 and is part of the World Surf League’s Men’s Championship Tour (CT). Hosted on the stunning beaches of Peniche, Portugal, this competition often has some of the biggest swells of the year, making for thrilling performances from some of the best surfers in the world.

9. The URBNSURF Wave Park Pro: This relatively new event first took place in 2020 and is already proving to be an exciting addition to the surfing calendar. With a $50,000 USD prize purse up for grabs, competitors battle it out at Melbourne’s URBNSURF Wave Park to showcase their skills on the world’s first commercial surf wave.

10. Boost Mobile Pro Gold Coast: Held in Duranbah Beach on Australia’s Gold Coast, this event is one of the most anticipated stops on the World Surf League’s Men’s Championship Tour (CT). It consistently attracts some of the top names from around the globe and is renowned for its spectacular waves. With over $300,000 USD up for grabs, it's no wonder why so many pros flock to this event every year.

11. Vans Triple Crown of Surfing: This iconic surfing competition takes place on Hawaii’s North Shore and features three separate events - The Hawaiian Pro, The Haleiwa Pro, and The Pipe Masters. As one of the longest-running competitions in surfing, this event has become a magnet for some of the world’s best surfers and spectators alike who come to experience its thrilling waves and electrifying atmosphere.

12. Quiksilver Pro & Roxy Pro: This competition is held annually on Australia's Gold Coast and is part of the World Surf League's Championship Tour (CT). With almost $2 million USD up for grabs, both pros and amateurs vie for their chance to win a share of this generous prize money. Over the years, we have seen some stunning performances from some of the biggest names in surfing here at this extraordinary event.

What is a surf competition?

Surf competitions allow surfers to test their skills in different conditions and showcase exceptional talent. Every competition differs based on its location, participant’s skill levels, type of waves, and judging criteria. Generally, most surf contests are judged based on technique, control, power and flow of the individual’s ride.

Judges will assign each surfer a score out of 10 for each wave they have ridden. The higher the score they achieve from their rides determines who will become the overall winner of the surf competition. Additionally, some competitions may also use a variety of other factors such as speed and maneuverability to decide on a total performance score for each competitor. In order for competitors to be successful in these types of events, it is important to possess a good understanding of the wave conditions, as well as strong technique.

Competition surfing can be an extremely rewarding experience for both participants and spectators alike. It is also a great way for surfers to challenge themselves in different environments and become better athletes. Ultimately, surf competitions are incredible showcases of talent and skill that should be appreciated by everyone.

What is the biggest surf competition?

The largest professional surfing competition in the world is the World Surf League (WSL), which hosts a series of events around the world each year. The WSL Championship Tour, which is composed of 11 elite events, culminates with an annual World Title race where the best surfers from around the globe battle it out to become the champion. Each event consists of several rounds including Round 3 and 4 eliminations, Quarterfinals, Semifinals and Finals. The action-packed finals draw large crowds of spectators and offer up some of the most thrilling moments in professional surfing today.

In addition to the Championship Tour, WSL also holds other premier competitions such as Big Wave Events across multiple locations throughout the year for those who prefer larger swells, specialty events like the Big Air Invitational and special bonuses for series leaders during the Championship Tour.

Combining all of these competitions together gives WSL the biggest surf competition in the world today. With its combination of different levels of surfing, international locations, and entertainment value, it is no wonder that WSL has become one of the most popular surfing leagues in existence. Through their professional events and media coverage, they are helping to push the sport even further into mainstream culture each year. Whether you're a die-hard fan or just a weekend warrior looking to catch some waves, participating or watching a WSL competition is guaranteed to be an unforgettable experience.

What are surf competitions called?

Surf competitions are typically referred to as 'surfing events'. Surfing events usually fall into one of two categories - professional or amateur. Professional surfing events include the World Surf League (WSL) and ASP World Tour – these are generally considered the highest standard of competitive surfing and feature the top tier surfers from around the world.

Amateur surf competitions, on the other hand, vary in size, format and level of difficulty. These types of contests often take place at local beaches or resorts, where participants compete for prizes such as plaques or trophies. Regardless of whether it is a professional or an amateur event, all surf competitions follow very similar formats that involve four stages: Qualifying rounds, Repechage Rounds (if needed), Semifinals and Finals. Each stage is designed to narrow down the field of competitors and identify the most skilled surfers. Ultimately, at the end of each contest, one surfer is crowned champion.

No matter how big or small, all surf competitions are a great way for passionate surfers to test their skills against other like-minded individuals in an exciting and competitive atmosphere. The camaraderie built through these events can be just as rewarding as the trophies and accolades that come with winning them. With this in mind, it's no wonder why surfing events continue to draw in large crowds year after year. Whether you're a professional or an amateur, competing in a surfing event is truly an unforgettable experience.

How do you compete in surfing?

Competing in surfing requires a combination of skill, knowledge, and strategy. It is important to develop the right technique for each type of wave and be able to read the conditions of the water. Being aware of your surroundings is key in order to stay safe while competing.

When it comes to executing maneuvers while competing, timing is everything. Practicing maneuvers repeatedly on different waves will help you become familiar with them so you can perform them at the right time in competition. Knowing when it's best to take off or drop into a wave helps improve accuracy and speed during competition.

Aside from physical technique, having an understanding of surf etiquette can play a huge role in how successful you are when competing. Following rules such as being mindful of other surfers in the lineup, respecting wave priority and not zooming others out of waves can help you make friends with your fellow competitors.

Competing in surfing requires a combination of physical ability, knowledge of the sport and understanding etiquette. With practice and dedication, anyone can become a successful competitor.

Where is the hardest place to surf in the world?

The Indo-Pacific region is renowned for its difficult and challenging waves, with some of the most dangerous surf breaks in the world. Fiji, for example, boasts a number of waves that require advanced skills and confidence. Cloudbreak is one of these spots; a long left-breaking wave which can reach over 6 metres in height during peak season – making it one of the biggest and most powerful waves on the planet. Other notable spots include Restaurants and Namotu Lefts – two high-performance breaks requiring quick reflexes to navigate.

New Zealand's North Island is also home to some hotly contested surf spots such as Raglan Point, Waimea Bay (the birthplace of big wave surfing) and Teahupoo in Tahiti. Teahupoo, in particular, is renowned as one of the most dangerous waves on Earth due to its shallow reef break and incredibly powerful waves – some of which can reach upwards of 25 feet!

Surfing in these locations requires an immense amount of skill and experience, and it's a testament to the hard work and dedication put in by many surfers when they come out unscathed. Ultimately, these regions are considered some of the hardest places to surf in the world due to their unpredictable elements and extreme conditions. But for those with enough courage, passion and fortitude – there's no greater reward than conquering one of these legendary breaks.

It should be noted that although surfing in these regions is considered extremely difficult, due to the dangers associated with them, it's always important to take proper safety precautions. This includes getting professional instruction prior to attempting any of these breaks, and following all local laws when in the water. With enough preparation and respect for the ocean, surfing these challenging waves can be an incredibly rewarding experience.

The Indo-Pacific region is without a doubt one of the most difficult places to surf in the world – making it an ideal location for experienced surfers who are looking to test their skills and push their limits. While these spots may seem daunting at first, they can offer some of the most rewarding experiences available if approached with care and caution. Those brave enough to take on these incredible waves will find themselves rewarded with one of life’s most thrilling adventures.