Blue Banana is celebrating World Photography Day for the fourth consecutive year with the launch of “One Shot,” a project where the iconic adventure and fashion brand turns inspiring dreams into reality through breathtaking imagery.
For the 2024 edition, the brand received nearly 500 submissions from fans, realising that many shared similar dreams. This led them to name this year’s project the “Parallel Dreams Edition,” bringing together individuals who didn’t know each other but had the same vision.
Among them are Portuguese surfer Eurico Romaguera and Spanish photographer Jorge Abian, who both dreamed of capturing a wave in Greenland—not just any wave, but one created by the calving of an iceberg into the sea, a phenomenon that occurs during the summer melt. They embarked on a journey to Ilulissat to fulfill this dream. Their adventure, titled Greenland Dream, was documented by Spanish filmmakers Nico Pina and Ibai Mielgo.
“This feat has been accomplished in Alaska before, but never in Greenland. It was a completely new challenge for all of us. We didn’t know if we would be able to achieve it within a limited time and with no idea where to find the wave,” says Romaguera. “We connected with local fishermen, and even they found it extraordinary. They guided us to potential spots where calving events could create the waves we were seeking, places where ice or land formations could shape the waves caused by the glacier’s collapse,” Abian adds.
“We didn’t just explore the area by boat… we’ve kept a special surprise for those who watch the video,” Pina concludes.
Directed by Nico Pina Assitant Director: Ibai Mielgo Duran Starring: Jorge Abian Surfer: Eurico Romaguera
If long, left-hand riflling barrels are on your bucket list, then Desert Point is place for you. On its day one of the most insane, intense barreling waves around, just watch for the crowds…
“We did a quick day trip from Bali to desert point and scored some epic waves down at the grower with Italo Ferreira and Clay Marzo! The crowd was pretty intense up top at the main part of the wave.” – Koa Rothman
A coalition of the concerned including Surfers Against Sewage, River Action, Greenpeace, RSPB, Clean Water Sports Alliance and the WI and more are calling on everyone in the country angry at the state of water to join them on a march to demand that the government takes urgent action to address the UK’s alarming and dangerous water pollution crisis in Central London on Saturday 26th October!
They invite the public to join in one simple demand of Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer: ‘to take immediate and decisive action to end the poisoning of our rivers, lakes and seas by the lethal cocktail of raw sewage, agricultural waste and other chemical pollutants, that over recent years have been allowed to leave most of our waterways so filthy that they present major risks to human health and untold damage to nature.
This must include:
a plan to address the continuous illegal dumping of raw sewage by the water companies;
a full set of solutions to end all other major sources of water pollution; the reform of our failed regulatory system, including Ofwat and the Environment Agency, so the law can be effectively enforced against polluters
“We urge everyone who cares about clean water to unite and march through central London to Parliament Square on Saturday 26th October. The march is inclusive, accessible, step free and everyone is welcome to join. Marchers are encouraged to wear blue to symbolise clean water; to let their creativity run free and bring noise, placards, puppets, posters, banners, costumes, marching bands and musical instruments.
It’s going to be the biggest sewage protest in London since SAS went to the House of Commons in the 90’s.
The March for Clean Water is coordinated by River Action and Feargal Sharkey in close collaboration with Surfers Against Sewage and major charities and governing bodies including the Clean Water Sports Alliance, British Rowing, British Canoeing, Greenpeace, RSPB, The Women’s Institute, The Wildlife Trusts, Angling Trust, SOS Whitstable, Wildlife and Countryside Link, The Rivers Trust, Ilkley Clean River Group, Soil Association, Windrush Against Sewage Pollution and many local community groups from across the country.
River Campaigner Feargal Sharkey says:
“We call on the Government to end the environmental devastation being inflicted upon our rivers, lakes and seas. It stops here, it stops today, it stops now. End pollution, end polluting for profit. Government must order an urgent root and branch review of the failed oversight and regulation of the water industry. It is now time to hold to account those industries that for too long now have been allowed to knowingly and wantonly pollute our waters driven by nothing more than profit and greed. We call on everyone in the country who is concerned or angry at the state of our waters to join us and march.”
The Chair and Founder of River Action, Charles Watson:
“The initial noises coming out of our new government regarding cleaning up our filthy waterways, whilst encouraging, do not nearly go far enough to deal with the scale of the problem they have inherited. Nothing short of wholescale reform of our failed regulatory system and comprehensive strategies to address all major sources of pollution, including sewage discharges and agricultural run-off, will suffice. On the 26th of October the public will make this point very clear to Sir Keir Starmer in no uncertain terms.”
The March for Clean Water is on Saturday 26th October. It will be a legal, peaceful, family-friendly and inclusive demonstration to send a simple message to the newly elected Labour Government: it is your job to end the poisoning of our rivers, lakes and seas. The march is planned to assemble at a central London location and will end at Parliament Square. We will assemble from 1200 then begin to march from approximately 1245, with a rally with speakers in Parliament Square from approximately 1400. Note all timings are provisional and will be confirmed in the run up to the event.
River Action is an environmental charity on a mission to rescue Britain’s rivers from the deluge of pollution that has left the majority of our waterways in a severely degraded ecological condition. Our campaigns to date have focussed on tackling the severe environmental crises created by both sewage and agricultural pollution.
The long-awaited Rip Curl Cup Padang Padang 2024 officially kicked this week as the Indian Ocean finally delivered the perfect swell conditions to run. With a solid 4-6 foot swell out of the southwest, contest director Nick Chong gave the green light to start the event.
Spectators and participants were treated to some amazing performances in Men’s Round 1, featuring well-known names Mason Ho, Joel Parkinson, and Mikey February. The Icons heats added to the excitement, with surfing legend Jim Banks, Balaram Stack, and the father-son duo Joel and Tosh Tudor. The competition is indeed off to a stellar start, showcasing some amazing tube riding at Bali’s legendary Padang Padang.
The day kicked off with the Icons Heat, featuring surf legends such as Rizal Tandjung, Jim Banks, and other superstars, along with Hawaii’s Moana Jones Wong. Wong, a two-time Pipe Master, made a powerful statement during her first-ever surf at Padang Padang by expertly threading a set wave barrel, proving she is a force to be reckoned with. Jim Banks, who pioneered surfing in Bali back in 1975, stole the show with his stylish tube riding and classic trim line surfing. Reflecting on his performance, Jim shared, “I shaped a twin fin board for Padang ages ago, and Nick Chong finally gave me the chance to ride it. It turned out really well, and I had great fun in the heat.”
The main heat kicked off at 1 pm Bali time, with two-time Rip Curl Cup champion Made “Bol” Adi Putra setting the tone right from the start. On his very first wave, Adi Putra posted in an impressive 8.33 with a double barrel, proving he’s still a formidable contender and a threat to become the first-ever three-time champion. In the second heat of the day, Mason Ho and Noa Deane delivered a masterclass in technical tube riding, threading some long backside barrels that propelled them to the top of the leaderboard, taking first and second place, respectively.
Despite the slow swell buildup in the previous days, the official forecast from Swell Net nailed the call, delivering perfect 4-6 foot waves for Men’s Round 1, allowing the surfers to showcase their talents on Bali’s best wave. “This is the funnest contest ever!!” Hawaiian royalty Mason Ho exclaimed after his heat. “Flawless tubes into celebrations in the channel—how good!”
As the day progressed and the tide began to drop, the conditions at Padang Padang only improved, with hollow end sections starting to form. 2012 world champion Joel Parkinson took full advantage, donning his competition rash vest at Padang Padang for the first time since the 2008 Rip Curl Search Event. “One of the best heats I ever had on tour was out at Padang Padang,” Parkinson shared, “I’m amped to have the opportunity to surf here with a rashie on again.” Parkinson showcased his experience and skill by locking in the second-best single wave score of the day, a flawless double tube that earned him an impressive 8.83 (out of a possible 10 points).
The excitement continued into the second Icons Heat, where Balaram Stack delivered a stunning performance that highlighted the true beauty of Padang Padang. His on-point tube riding was so exceptional that it earned him a perfect 10 from the judges. Nathan White, one of the head judges, commented, “That was mental; that is what I call great tube riding. He deserved a 10. Even though it was a non-round heat, it’s still a 10.”
As the energy continues to build, anticipation is high for Round 2, where all competitors will have another chance to showcase their skills. This year, Rip Curl has introduced a new non-elimination format, allowing each surfer to take their two best rides from all their heats. At the end of Round 2, the format aims to give athletes the opportunity to truly demonstrate their abilities, with the top four surfers having the highest combined scores advancing to the final.
For detailed heat results, click this link and check the leaderboard to see who scored the highest points of the day.
Full highlights of Round 1 action coming soon, stay tuned to ripcurl.com for all event updates.
It’s clear that this contest is showcasing the best tube riding Bali—and perhaps even the world—has to offer. Stay tuned for the next call and updates.
New edit just dropped by Vissla, Googles by Darcy Ward featuring the aqua talents of Toby Mossop and Louie Hynd as they venture through Indo. Featuring Liam O’Brien, Matthew McGillivray and Voltaire Sora to the band of merry pranksters.
Music By: @leshiv9823 Zooid Brian Stewart The Ruminaters
Additional Footage: Tom Jennings Mallmic Dave Fox Jackson Jones
The 2024 Rip Curl Cup at Padang Padang has been called on for today, Monday, August 19th. The Indian Ocean is starting to light up with large, back-to-back swell generating storms. Official forecasters Swellnet have given the green light for the main event to get underway Monday afternoon with a large south-southwest ground swell arriving. Predicting conditions in the 4–6-foot range.
With the limited run window, contest director Nick Chong has decided to run Round 1 of the Men’s competition and a “Super Session” featuring women, local, and international icons. Sixteen of the best male barrel riders in the world are standing by, frothing to get round 1 of action underway and show the world their barrel riding skills at the legendary Padang Padang.
“We are excited to get the action underway. Unfortunately, due to the tides, we will only be able to run Round 1 of the Men’s competition,” says Nick Chong, Contest Director. “It’s going to be an afternoon to remember—pulsing Padang Padang and the best tube riders in the world. What more could you want?”
The action is planned to kick off at 12:00PM (local Bali time) with a “Super Session” giving the international women a chance to warm up for finals day. We will see the likes of 2-time Pipe Master Moana Jones Wong and Hawaiian royalty Coco Ho sharing the lineup with world champions Mark Occhilupo and Joel Parkinson, as well as local legends like Rizal Tandjung. The Rip Curl Cup is set to start with a bang!
Main event action begins at 1:30 PM with Round 1 of the Men and will continue until sunset. Surfers will have 1-hour long heats to have the best chance possible to put some scores on the leaderboard.
Round1
Heat 1 CLAY MARZO (HAW) MANIK RUDITA (IDN) HARRY BRYANT (AUS) MADE ‘BOL’ ADI PUTRA (IDN)
Heat 2 MEGA ARTANA (IDN) MASON HO (HAW) TOMMY SOBRY (IDN) NOA DEANE (AUS)
Heat 4 MEGA SEMADHI (IDN) NIC VON RUPP (POR) BRONSON MEYDI (IDN) DANE HENRY (AUS)
Day 1 of the action will not be webcasted. Stay tuned to @ripcurl_indo for updates throughout the day. A full highlights package and imagery will be available after the event. Finals day action will be webcasted live, and official forecaster Swellnet is tracking a progressing swell expected to arrive around August 26th or 27th.
Plenty of action on the way! Stay tuned to ripcurl.id for all the event updates.
