Before the season kicks off, Choppy Water, the agency behind the organisation of the California Windsurf Cup, has summarised how the DWC is scored and how the rankings are calculated for all regatta newcomers and spectators. In addition to the "big" DWC events, there are the smaller ProAm Cups, as well as three individual disciplines and an overall ranking - so it's easy to lose track.
The ranking factor of each regatta is particularly important with regard to the annual ranking, as it determines the possible points yield. A California Windsurf Cup brings a factor of 1.20, the International German Championship (IDM) reaches the maximum value of 1.40 and the season finale in Pelzerhaken is 1.25. International IFCA championships abroad are included in the ranking with a factor of 1.10, while ProAm Windsurf Cups reach a maximum of 1.00. The final result of each event is multiplied by the corresponding ranking factor. The final result of each event is multiplied by the corresponding ranking factor and is included in the annual ranking list.
The number of scores received is fixed per discipline and limits the maximum number of points. Foiling and Fin Slalom allow four scores, Wave only two scores and Overall six scores. Each rider can only score points with this maximum number. Further starts automatically become scratch results. Participating in additional regattas does not necessarily improve your ranking, but it does allow you to replace weaker scores with better ones. Drivers with completely filled slots almost always collect more ranking points than competitors with missing scores. The basic prerequisite for a solid ranking is therefore also participation in enough regattas. If a valid result in a discipline is missing, the tour stop remains unranked and without points.
Safety regattas as a risk buffer
The risk of an invalid result varies considerably depending on the discipline. Broken equipment or bad luck in individual races can ruin the hoped-for points haul. One or two safety regattas in the season planning create a buffer against such cancellations. The tour calendar helps here: the early events allow the scoring slots to be filled and create a solid basis. Later on, higher-quality regattas with better factors can replace these initial rankings. The ProAm Windsurf Cup on Lake Garda on 11 and 12 April and the IFCA World Championship in Leucate are a good way to kick off the season. According to the organisers, this strategy secures ranking points and gets riders into competition mode.
Specialisation versus versatility
Riders can choose between focussing on a single discipline or a multi-discipline approach with overall ambitions. Single-discipline riders automatically appear in the overall ranking and can theoretically win it. However, the opportunities for scoring remain limited, which reduces the chances of high ranking points. Multi-discipline regattas offer the advantage of several rankings at one event. The tour stops on Sylt allow scoring in foiling, fin slalom and wave riding if the conditions are right. A single event can therefore secure three classifications for the overall ranking. Some regattas are organised exclusively for one discipline and limit the scoring options accordingly.
Big points at top events
Sufficient scores form the basis of every ranking. However, the battle for top places is decided at the big points of the most important events. Windsurf Cups and especially the IDM on Sylt offer significantly more ranking points than ProAm Windsurf Cups. The competition at these top events is tougher and identical placings are more difficult to achieve. Weaker riders benefit from lower-factorised events with less competition. For top places, there is no way around the highly endowed regattas. The IDM at the Surf Cup on Sylt is therefore a must for any serious title contender.
More information and all rankings at windsurfcup.com
