As the 2025 Rip Curl Cup season kicks into gear, Padang Cup royalty is stepping aside to let the next generation shine. Two-time champion and local legend Mega Semadhi has made the bold and selfless decision to give up his spot in this year’s trials, all to open the door for rising stars.
Mega, who won the Rip Curl Cup in 2013 and again in 2016 (where he famously dropped two perfect 10s in the final and led the crowd in a heartfelt rendition of the Indonesian national anthem with his mum), says it’s time for the youth to have their moment. And with his gesture, 2025 is shaping up to have the youngest field the Padang Cup has seen in years.
“I feel it’s time to step aside and give the younger generation their chance. They’re more than capable of winning the Cup, and their surfing is world class,” said Mega.
While stepping back from competition, Mega isn’t stepping away from the event entirely.
“I still want to be part of the Padang Cup. I just want to watch my friends compete and enjoy the event, but most importantly, I want to spend time in the water with my daughter and focus on taking care of my family.”
With grace, humility, and a deep love for both surfing and his community, Mega Semadhi continues to leave an unforgettable mark on the Rip Curl Cup—this time, from the shoreline.
2024 Trials Recap
Last year’s 2024 Trials set the bar sky-high, delivering one of the most unforgettable days in trials history. Perfect 6-foot waves rolled into the reef, setting the stage for best Indonesian surfers to showcase a masterclass in barrel riding.
Veterans like Made “Bol” Adi Putra and Garut Widiarta reminded everyone why they’re still kings of Padang Padang. But it was the new guard Bronson Meydi, Tommy Sobry, and Westen Hirst who turned heads with crazy late drops, deep barrels, and technical tuberiding. Bronson’s technical backside tube and Tommy’s buzzer-beater double barrel rewarded them spots in the main event alongside legends Bol & Garut
The women also showed up in a big way, turning the lineup into a battlefield of friendship and fierce competition. Taina Izquierdo came out on top, while Ziggy Mackenzie secured her place in the main event with some seriously gutsy surfing. The women’s side isn’t just catching up, it’s charging forward.
The 2025 Rip Curl Cup Padang Padang will be webcast LIVE to the world at ripcurl.co.id. Fans can also visit the Rip Curl website to check the official event swell forecast, real-time contest status, and video updates from Bali.
Rip Curl Cup Padang Padang 2025 Event Schedule:
Local Trials Waiting Period
July 1st – 31st 2025
Main Event Waiting Period
August 4th – September 4th 2025
Opening Ceremony
Sunday, August 3rd at 4 PM, Padang Padang Beach, Bali
Meet the invited athletes
Press conference
Traditional Balinese Kecak Dance performance
Rip Curl Cup Padang Padang 2025 sponsored by:
Island Brewing, Dragon, BGS, Indo Amazon, Red Bull, Biznet
