I very seldom get involved in contest surfing these days as i find it all way to political, and very seldom does the best surfer win on the day. The major culprit is poor judges and or hidden agenders of said judges. Take for instance the selection of judges on the bench who selects them? what if any are their qualifications? can they or have they ever surfed? what is their affilation to their employer. ie commection to company or association puting them on the bench.Are you currently a surfer ?Can you still surf? Do you understand the new surfing moves? Do you even know the names of the new surf moves or tricks? Example, if you are given one of the nicest little power jobs in the surfing comunity who is pulling your strings? As a parent or an emploie of connected surf products should you be on a judging panel? If You are either of these i suggest you take a good look at yourself and dig deep , is there a conflict of intrest? OK , i have been told from time to time by head judges when such an occasion arises the judge in question will give up their seat for that heat. example parent will not judge their own child or sponcer will not judge their own team rider for that heat. This looks like it could be a solution to the problem , however it is not as a potentially dangerious opponent can be removed from the arena way before he can do any damage to their little star or flavior of the month, early on in the events first rounds when no one is looking. So I urge all you Judges to do some soul searching . Start judging what you see at the time on the day. If you are doing the wrong thing ,start doing the right thing you just might be able to sleep a bit better at night. Bad or indiffrent Judging is bad karma and creates hostility. Russell Garrett

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