The 23rd edition of the prestigious, invitation-only Rip Curl Cup Padang Padang is on. With a powerful southwest swell expected to deliver the kind of solid, barreling surf that has made Padang Padang one of the most celebrated waves in Indo, official event forecaster Swellnet is calling for waves in the 6– to 8-foot zone, with favorable wind, swell direction and tide conditions lining up for a proper day at the legendary Bukit Peninsula barrel. Heats get underway at 7:00am Bali time (WITA).
“Thursday is shaping up to deliver a proper Padang Padang day, with a solid S/SW swell and favourable wind, swell direction, and tide conditions all lining up,” said Swellnet forecaster Ben Matson. “The swell is looking strong, the forecast is coming together nicely, and we’re expecting a pumping day at Padang Padang.”
The event was initially placed on high alert earlier this month, but an August 11 run day never materialized after the surf failed to produce the necessary size and consistency. This time, however, organizers have pulled the trigger, with all 24 invitees ready to put their tube-riding skills to the ultimate test. Defending champion Westen Hirst is among those looking to make another run at the title after getting a taste of the lineup during last week’s official warm-up session.
“I think we’re on for sure,” Hirst said. “The swell is looking super West and like a proper Padang Padang day. We had a super fun warm-up session last Tuesday, and it was epic to share the lineup with all the invitees. I’m feeling excited and ready to go.”
The Rip Curl Cup features an equal split of internationally acclaimed tube riders and Indonesia’s top local talent. The competition will use a leaderboard format, with each surfer competing in two non-elimination, four-person heats. Their two best scores will count toward their overall total, with the top four men and women advancing to four-person finals.
Related: Invite Only: The World’s Best Invitational Surf Contests
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