Which rules apply at Surfing South Africa contests?

• The Surfing South Africa (SSA) Rulebook 2025 must be applied by all affiliated districts and disciplines when running or competing in SSA-sanctioned events. Districts and disciplines may use their own contest formats.
• Waves are judged on the ISA (International Surfing Association) judging criteria.
• Where SSA membership is a condition of entry, you must hold valid SSA membership, and members at sanctioned events are bound by SSA rules, codes of conduct and discipline (SSA Event Sanctioning Policy, effective 1 August 2026).
• Anyone competing, coaching or officiating at a surfing event in South Africa is subject to the SA Institute for Drug-Free Sport (SAIDS) anti-doping code and can be tested without warning.
• At national team events, indemnity forms must be signed for every team member and kept by the team manager.

Divisions (2025 rulebook): Open men and women (any age); juniors U8, U10, U12, U14, U16 and U18 (for example U16 means you may not turn 17 during the year); masters O35 to O65 in five-year steps (your age on 1 January).

This guide is based on the 2025 rulebook, the latest SSA has published.