It was an absolute fireworks show for Indonesia’s longest running surf event, The Rip Curl Cup Padang Padang. In some of the best conditions we’ve seen in a very long time for any contest, it was two 16-year-old surfers that made history at the prestigious contest. Australia’s Lucy Darragh and Lakey Peak local Rajo ‘Barrel’ Saputra put on near-flawless performances to claim their esteemed titles in pumping conditions.
Photo: Nate Lawrence/Rip Curl
After a potential start earlier this month was put on hold in hopes for better waves, Bali’s Bukit Peninsula came roaring to life on August 20. Twenty-four elite international invitees and local talents battled their way through the leaderboard format to earn a spot in the Finals.
The men’s Final was stacked, with Makana Pang, Rajo Saputra, defending Event Champion Westen Hirst, and Tosh Tudor in the water. But it was Saputra that put on an absolute clinic throughout the heat. After dropping a perfect 10 in Round 2, he shifted into another gear for the Final. Saputra locked in a second 10-point ride and backed it up with a 9.73, edging out Hirst. The emotional win brought the title home for Saputra, whose father finished runner-up in the same event 20 years ago.
Photo: Nate Lawrence/Rip Curl
“I can’t even talk right now, I’m so happy,” said Saputra. “I had a dream last night that I was going to win the comp. It’s crazy.”
Photo: Nate Lawrence/Rip Curl
In the women’s division, Darragh certainly had her work cut out for her, going up against defending Champion Jasmine Studer, fellow Australian Ruby Berry and Hawaii’s Vaihitimahana Inso.
Darragh set the pace early with an 8.13 and a near-perfect 9.93 in her opening heats. In the Final, despite a strong early challenge from Berry—who notched the women’s only 10-point ride—Darragh further sealed her championship win with a clutch 9-pointer in proper fashion.
Photo: Nate Lawrence/Rip Curl
“This is such a sick comp. I’ve been watching it for years, since I was a grom. I just can’t
believe I’ve won it,” Darragh said.
Photo: Nate Lawrence/Rip Curl
Event Director Harry Mann called the historic day “one for the ages,” celebrating an unforgettable chapter in the event’s storied history as both teenage champs stood atop the podium.
In case you missed it, you can watch the Full Event Replay Here: