(a) The start shall be effected by having each competitor standing on or behind the start line with their boards.
(b) The distance between boards at the start should be approximately 1.5 metres.
(c) On the starting signal from the Starter, the competitors shall enter the water with their boards and paddle around all buoys and return to the beach.
(d) Competitors may lose contact and control of their board without disqualification.
(e) If a competitor deliberately impedes the progress of another competitor they may be disqualified.
(f) To complete the race, a competitor must have (or have regained) their board and cross the finish line from the seaward side whilst maintaining contact with the whole of their board.
(g) The finish is judged on the chest of the competitor crossing the finish line on their feet while being in control of the board.
(h) To assist with the safe conduct of competition it is permitted for any member to assist in the removal of any damaged or abandoned equipment from the competition course.
Note: If an alternate finish is prescribed where competitors run to a line without their board, or for Board Relay events, competitors may also be assisted by a handler. A handler shall not be considered to be a competitor but shall be required to:
(i) Be a financial SLSA member.
(ii) Wear a hi viz top if entering the water beyond knee depth water or, if required by the event organiser, the provided handler’s vest and/or other provided garments.
(iii) A handler, if directed by the event organiser, must also wear a competition cap.
(iv) Comply with all instructions from Officials and comply with all SLSA rules and policies.
(v) Make every effort to ensure that they, or the equipment that they are handling, does not impede another competitor, otherwise the competitor may be subject to disqualification.