Amid Judging Scandal, WSL Releases Criteria Update Before Brazil CT

Can you feel it? Sense the tension looming in the air?

Following the Surf Ranch showdown, there’s been vocal discord amongst the World Surf League’s fans and athletes regarding questionable judging. First, Gabriel Medina called out the judging panel; then, his Brazilian comrades followed; then, WSL CEO Erik Logan penned a response; then, Griffin Colapinto, who was inadvertently on the other side of the debate, offered an olive branch; then there was more controversy following the recent event in El Salvador.

But now…now things are about to get really interesting as the CT heads to Brazil – home of the surfers at the center of the controversy, and home to the most outspoken and critical fans in the judging debate – for the VIVO Rio Pro.

And ahead of the event, the WSL has released the video above – assumedly an attempt to clear the air (and prevent anything crazy from going down at Saquarema).

The video caption reads:

“To help add clarity and perspective to the scoring and priority, former Head Judge Richie Porta shares his decades of experience and breaks down what may be happening in the judges' tower.”

From last year’s event, the video shows Carissa Moore copping a near-perfect 9.50 in the final for two turns – something Richie Porta applauds for the combination of maneuvers. Then we see Italo Ferreira with an 8.67 for a tail-high backside full rotation. One single move. Next up, Filipe Toledo with a floater to turn combo in the final for another 8.67. Then, Filipe’s perfect 10 from a monstrous backside full rotation.

So, it sounds like big airs and smooth combinations of maneuvers are what Richie is getting at. That’s what the judges wanna see.

But will the controversy continue? Will there be riots on the sand if someone is seemingly underscored? How will the judges react to the increased scrutiny?

Stay tuned to find out. The VIVO Rio Pro runs June 23rd - July 1st.

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