Why do they cancel surf contests when it rains?

Question

I went to this three-day surf contest thing and it rained on the first two days so they canceled the event and moved it to the next day. It was just raining, no storm or anything. I don't get it. Why cancel the event?

Answer 1

because of "run off" i know its really g*y. i had 4 surf contest canceled this year it pisses me of

Answer 2

Lightning witch can kill you.

Answer 3

because in case of lightning as stated above  ( if some one is with in 20 meters from a bolt in the water they can die(big trouble for surf contest organizers))

Answer 4

just in case that the currents change or there is a sudden storm and lightening forms. Waters will become rough

Answer 5

Are you sure it was because it rained? Did the waves change? If the waves weren't good enough, then its common to postpone for better waves. It could be because of lightning as well, if there were reports of a thunderstorm. However, I've surfed in bad weather with thunder and lightning, and been okay.

Also, maybe because the rain would affect the crowd. A lot of people won't stand there in the rain to watch a surf contest, and a big reason for contests are to promote gear and brands, which won't happen if there aren't any spectators. Though thats probably not the reason. I'd say the risk of lightning would probably be it, but I've never heard of that or been in a contest where it rained.

Answer 6

Surfers don't like to get their hair wet.