As this video of a illustrates, surfing isn't always about competition. Still, it would be nice for high school surfers to be able to compete in front of crowds in the same way basketball, football, or track athletes do. At least, that's the thinking behind a new high school surf event in San Diego sponsored by and .
While it's true that there are differences between surfing and other high school sports—for example, you need the help of the ocean to make waves and judges to determine a winner—it will be interesting to see what kind of response the in San Diego, California, gets.
The competition is based on a trademarked format called “The Game.” Surf teams from eight San Diego schools will enter. Each team will have 12 athletes, with four starters, two reserves, and six non-active reserves. Teams will square off and advance based on point totals. Athletes will compete in three 12-minute heats, to be judged by pro surfers. There will be coaches, subs, and referees. The winning teams—there are two divisions—each win $1,000.
The competition will begin at 7 a.m. on June 2.
For more information, check out this detailed description on .
—Joe Spring