Jan 23, 2025 2 min read Surfer Spotlight

AI-Assisted Judging: The Future of Competitive Surfing?

This week, X Games Aspen 2025 makes waves with a game-changing innovation: AI-assisted judging in the Men’s Snowboard Superpipe event. Powered by Google’s Vertex AI, the system enhances human decision-making by analysing every twist, grab, and landing with pinpoint accuracy. The goal? A seamless blend of human intuition and machine precision to ensure fairer, more consistent scoring.

A New Era in Judged Sports

Vertex AI evaluates runs frame by frame, breaking down motion, execution, and technical precision. It eliminates subtle scoring errors that even seasoned judges can miss. This isn’t about replacing humans - it’s about empowering them with AI “superpowers.” By crunching hours of past competition footage, the system provides deeper insights and more accurate assessments.

What Could This Mean for Surfing?

Competitive surfing, much like snowboarding, hinges on fluidity, power, and execution. Yet scoring debates are as common as perfect barrels. Could AI revolutionise the surf world, too? Imagine technology that evaluates wave selection, speed, power, and flow, capturing details invisible to the naked eye. Judges would have instant, data-backed insights into every carve and air, creating transparency and trust in scoring.

AI could also enhance real-time fan experiences, offering immediate predictions and analysis during heats. The possibility of a more objective, drama-free scoring system could change how surfers, judges, and fans approach competition.

Balancing Precision and Passion

Surfing is more than technical performance - it’s art, culture, and connection. While AI can ensure consistency and fairness, it can’t replace the emotional nuance and cultural understanding human judges bring. However, as a tool, it could eliminate bias and errors while preserving surfing’s soul.

Could AI Shape Surfing’s Future?

As AI-assisted judging gains momentum, the surf community may soon face its own crossroads. Will AI become a vital part of competitions, or will the human touch remain irreplaceable? For now, the possibilities are as endless as the ocean itself.

See more at The Inertia