Out of respect for the local surf culture, The Rip Curl Cup Padang Padang 2024 Trials gives local Indonesian surfers the opportunity to qualify for the main event. For these local surfers, it is the most anticipated competition of the year.
August 1st, the morning of the trials, dawned as most do at Padang Padang, with troubling looking conditions. But the more experienced surfers, reading the day, knew that the seasonal offshore winds were going to be grooming perfect 6 foot surf in no time. Giving this select group of locals perhaps the best waves for any trials competition in the world.
“This has to be the best of surfing in a contest I have ever been involved in,” Says Harrison Mann, Rip Curl Marketing Manager, “These trialists, both men and women, really showed up in absolute pumping waves at of the best waves in the world”.
Veterans dominated the day with former Cup Champion Garut Widiarta putting on a barrel-riding clinic with excellent scores every time he took off. And two-time former champion Made ‘Bol” Adi Putra proved he’s still a serious contender for a third title by scoring a 9.17 and a 9.33 to win the event. He positioned himself deeper than anyone and emerged clean from some of the biggest, hollowest waves of the day with style.
Next-generation challengers: Bronson Meydi, Westen Hirst, Varun Tandjung, and Made Joi all stepped up, challenging the old guard by posting excellent scores and proving that the future of Indonesian surfing is in good hands. Bronson qualified for the main event by scoring a 9.0 for the longest tube ride of the day with a very technical backside stalling technique all his own. And Bingin Beach local Tommy Sobry fired off heroics in the last moments of his heat with a double barrel on one of the biggest waves of the day. The wave came in at an 8.67 and qualified him into the main event. Keep an eye on all these locals in the main event as the live coverage will be looking directly into the barrel from the channel.
The women were fearless, of course. All childhood friends, they took on the 6-foot Padang Padang sets with verve, pulling into the dry end section time after time despite the tremendous punishment they were absorbing.
“As beautiful as Padang Padang looks, it’s still a very serious wave,” Mann continues, “and these women trialist’s really took it on. Today they announced a whole new era of gutsy female Indonesian performance”.
It was Taina Izquierdo who stood out in the end, surviving through the end-section time and again to take the win. And ISA world champion Ziggy Mackenzie knifed some very late take offs and pulled into some wild tubes to qualify for the main event as well.
“All in all an epic day of surfing in pumpung waves” Says Mann, “highlighting not only superb local performances, but also providing a preview for all the excitement to come when the main event gets underway”.
The Rip Curl Cup Padang Padang 2024 waiting period is the entire month of August, ensuring that this one day tournament will feature the best waves and the best surfing Indonesia has to offer.
And welcome to our journey through a wave and rock structure named ‘God’s Crack’ located in northern Japan. I was over in Japan shooting something else entirely when my friend I was cruising with, Keito Matsuoka, mentioned he had a weird wave for me… and low and behold, there was this wave breaking between a very narrow crack in between two rocks. From the beach it didn’t really look doable, so we decided to paddle out and have a look, but we all know what that means once you get out the back. Arigato – Dylan Graves
Join us for the free premiere at Portrush Playhouse: Get your tickets here.
On August 8th the premiere of “Backroads, the Right Wrong Turn” will screen at The Playhouse at Kiwi’s in Portrush, Northern Ireland.
This unique short documentary by José González celebrates the rugged landscapes and majestic waves of the North-West of Ireland, alongside the deep bonds formed through a shared love of surfing.
“Backroads, the Right Wrong Turn” is not just another surf film. It chronicles the adventures of everyday surfers Hanno from Germany, Robin from Switzerland, and Sander from the Netherlands, who have discovered a second home in Ireland’s welcoming communities and breathtaking landscapes. Despite harsh weather and challenging terrains, their quest for the perfect waves leads them through peat bogs and scarcely passable backroads, highlighting the raw allure of Ireland’s wild Atlantic coast.
This evocative film captures the adventures of a close-knit group of friends united by their love for surfing and the natural beauty of Ireland and Northern Ireland.
“Backroads, the Right Wrong Turn” explores the raw allure of Ireland’s wild Atlantic coast, showcasing the quest for perfect waves amidst harsh weather and challenging terrains. The film chronicles the journey of Hanno from Germany, Robin from Switzerland, and Sander from the Netherlands as they navigate the backroads, driving through peat bogs and tracks that barely resemble roads. These friends, though not native to Ireland, have found a second home in its welcoming communities and breathtaking landscapes.
Audiences will witness the group’s daring winter adventures, from shaping surfboards on a rustic Irish farm to training in stormy waters and freediving into the depths of the Atlantic. Despite the cold weather, gale-force winds, and thunderous waves, their dedication to the surf lifestyle shines through. “Backroads” is a testament to the spirit of exploration and the close bond formed through shared experiences in the pursuit of fleeting moments of perfect swell.
“Backroads” sets itself apart from films focused solely on ‘pro surfing’; it chronicles the journey, the friendships, and the stories that unfold along the way. The film aims to inspire others to follow their passions and embrace the adventures that come with them – regardless of their experience level. Supported by like-minded sponsors, Koto and Nomadic, this passion project has fostered an inclusive community of surfers and dreamers.
“We are proud to support “Backroads,” a film that beautifully captures the essence of adventure and community amidst Ireland’s stunning landscapes. “Backroads” encourages viewers to embrace the beauty of the outdoors and pursue their passions wholeheartedly.” – Theo Dales, Co-Founder, Koto.
“We are thrilled to be a key sponsor on the project. Sander is not only a Nomadic Watches ambassador but a valued and explanatory ambassador for the surfing community in the UK and Ireland. Our support in the project was an easy decision for us, sharing the belief that people are happier when connected to their natural surroundings. We fully support the mission to inspire more people to engage in activities that deepen their connection to nature.” – Alex Marchant, Marketing Manager, Nomadic.
The premiere of “Backroads, the Right Wrong Turn” will be screened at The Playhouse at Kiwi’s in Northern Ireland’s Portrush on the 8th of August. It marks the beginning of a new chapter as the group continues to capture and share their surfing adventures each winter.
Join us for the free premiere at Portrush Playhouse: Get your tickets here.
Blind Summit was filmed over the winter of 23/24 across five breaks at home in Bude Cornwall. It showcases Stanley Norman’s committed approach to surfing and training at home through winter.
“I took a chance, I left the tour. I came here and spent months out of the year just trying to do my very best. And when you come up short of a dream, it sucks. But at the same time, how fun was it? I wouldn’t have had it any other way. I would’ve been so bummed if I looked back and had done this halfheartedly. I went all in. And I just hope that at the end of the day, I can encourage whoever’s watching — win or lose.
“Don’t be afraid to go into it fearlessly and don’t be afraid to fail. The process has been so much fun. I feel like there’s been a lot of personal growth in and out of the water, and I’m really proud of my backside barrel riding. I caught some waves I never thought I would’ve ever caught in my whole life in this process. Obviously I’m really sad to not be a part of Finals Day and get to represent my home and my family one more time, but I’m really grateful. I couldn’t have imagined a better place to finish off my career.
“I’m going to give myself some time. I announced my departure from the tour earlier on this year and it’s still been full on. It’s been full on for my whole life and I am really proud of that. I’m proud of how I’ve given everything. I think the last thing I just want to say is I want to express my gratitude to everybody who’s been there for me and supported me, not only in this event but my whole life. It’s just nice to have a community. Thank you
“These 3 Straddie boys doing their stuff at the Olympics.”
Australian judge Benjamin Lowe poses for a photo with Ethan Ewing and Australian team coach Bede Durbidge.
It’s a pretty big deal for there lads from a small Queensland island to make surfings elite, never mind the Olympics, so why not have photo?
But no. Those who know best decided not to celebrate, or regonsie the stoke in surf culture, but choose to look at the dark side..
Ben Lowe, a 44-year-old Australian surf judge, has been removed from the surfing Olympics after a photo of him standing on a dock with Australian Olympic surfer Ethan Ewing and coach Bede Durbidge surfaced on Instagram.
ISA Statement
Teahupo’o, French Polynesia – August 1, 2024
The ISA is aware of a photo circulating on social media in which one of the Olympic surfing judges from Australia is seen socially interacting with an Australian athlete and the team manager.
It is inappropriate for a judge to be interacting in this manner with an athlete and their team.
To protect the integrity and fairness of the ongoing competition, and in accordance with the ISA Code of Conduct and IOC Code of Ethics, the ISA Executive Committee has decided to remove the judge from the judging panel for the remainder of the competition.
This decision is not related to this judge’s performance here at the Olympic Games.
The ISA has communicated with all judges and teams to remind them of their responsibilities regarding appropriate behavior.’
A photo does not infer partiality or impropriety in judging. Lads got there on their own merit.
