Amfibian Big Wave Photo Contest Rules and Regulations

1) Safety: The most important statement to be made in outlining the rules and regulations of this contest is that safety is our first priority. Any attempts that are dangerous or unsportsmanlike are strictly prohibited and will not be considered for this contest. All qualified contestants are expected to demonstrate the highest level of skill and safety that it requires to surf big waves. This contest is not intended to encourage unqualified surfers to take unnecessary risks for which that are not prepared. By entering this contest you are doing so under your own cognizance. Amfibian will not be responsible for any injury or death related to this contest. Good luck.

2) Contest Summary: The surfer who catches and successfully rides the single biggest wave of the winter will win The Amfibian Award. The wave must be paddled into under your own human power. The winning wave will be judged based on analysis of the available images.

Total Prizes = $2500.00

Prizes will be distributed as follows:
Prize Money for Surfers
Big wave - 18 and older = $1,000.00
Big wave - under 18 = $250.00
Best Photo* = $250.00
Total purse = 1,500.00

Prize Money for Photographers
Big wave - 18 and older = $500.00
Big wave - under 18 = $250.00
Best Photo* = $250.00
Total purse = 1,000.00

*Winner in best photo category can include ANY watercraft (or none), and includes surfboards, bodyboards, bodysurfers, kayak, canoe, raft, etc.

3) Event Period: The contest begins at first light November 1, 2006 and ends at dusk on December 31, 2007. All images must be received no later than December 31, 2007. When submitting your image you must document the swell date, time and approximate location.

4) Location: The New Jersey coastline. When submitting your image you must document the swell date, time and approximate location.

5) Competitors: All surfers must complete an official surfer entry form and release prior to any big wave attempts. If you are a minor and under the age of 18 you must have a parent fill out a parent consent form prior to any big wave attempts. These forms include a release of liability in case of harm to the surfer and a photo release allowing Amfibian LLC to use the image for future advertising. The Amfibian Big Wave Photo contest is open to all qualified surfers who live in the state of New Jersey. Proof of residence is required to be awarded the winning wave. What do we mean by qualified? The ability to surf large surf without unnecessarily endangering themselves or other watermen. Amfibian LLC reserves the right to disqualify any surfer who we feel is dangerous to himself or others. These forms can be either faxed to (732)295-4083 or mailed to Amfibian LLC, 2351 Harbor Dr., Point Pleasant, New Jersey, 08742.

6) Photograph Submission: (1) To enter an image(s) online, photographers should fill out an image release/entry form for each image at http://www.amfibianusa.com/contest_form.php, and then email image(s) to photo@amfibianusa.com. By filling out this form you are releasing the image(s) to Amfibian LLC, to be used for advertising and/or promotion for future Amfibian events and promotions. (2) To enter an image(s) via regular US mail, you can send the image(s) to Amfibian LLC, 2351 Harbor Dr., Point Pleasant, New Jersey, 08742. By sending your image(s) to Amfibian LLC you are releasing the image(s) to Amfibian LLC to be used for advertising and promotion for future Amfibian contests. Amfibian LLC is not responsible for damage to images while in transit. (3) All images that are in consideration for the top prize will be displayed on www.amfibianusa.com. (4) All images must be received within 10 days of the actual date the wave was riding. (5) There is no limit on the number of image(s) a photographer can enter to win the contest. (6) No image(s) will be returned. (7) Amfibian LLC reserves the right to cancel, extend, or otherwise adjust contest rules, regulations, and time period based on participation, availability of swell, and other unforseen circumstances.

7) Judging Format: The judging panel will consist of five judges, all of which have experience in photography, big wave surfing or both. Once the image selection is narrowed down to the top five finalists, we will contact each surfer and bring them in to be evaluated for body position. This will enable us to get an accurate measurement to determine the actual wave height. Once the actual wave height is determined, we will have a winner. The winning image will be announced at the awards presentation party. Both the surfer and the photographer must be present at the awards ceremony to receive their prizes.

8) Definition of a successful ride: The surfer must complete the drop and proceed forward under the power of the wave while maintaining control. Completion of the bottom turn, or in the case of a closeout, beating the lip or whitewater to the bottom of the wave, will be accepted as a successful ride. The ruling of the judging panel as to the success of the ride will be final.

9) Definition of wave height: The distance from the lip to the trough of the wave at its highest point during the ride as measured above and below the surfer. If a surfer catches a wave on the shoulder, only the height of the wave at the point of entry will be measured not at the peak. In case of a tie we will consider the thickness of the wave to make a final decision.

10) Multiple surfers: Only the surfer closest to pit will be considered for the award.

11) Cheating: Cheating will not be tolerated and you will be shamed.