Rip Curl Cup 2017 - Padang Padang

The countdown to the world-class surf competition is ON! Here’s everything you need to know so far…

The Event

The Rip Curl Cup Invitational at Padang Padang is Indonesia’s longest-running and most prestigious surfing competition, and it’s the only World Surf League invitational contest that features the world’s greatest tuberiders alongside Indonesia’s best. With the most exclusive line up of only 16 sufers – who must be invited to compete – the event pulls the attention of the surf world. Thanks to its small number of invitees, the event becomes a ‘one day, one swell’ competition and promises incredible performances and spectacular conditions.

The Trials

A one-day competition to claim the final spot in the main event, the trials will be held at Padang or Uluwatu on the best day of surf conditions between July 1 – 7.

The Surfers

Entry is not based on qualification points or current WSL rankings. Ability, reputation, and track record at the heaviest, most hollow waves around the globe are the sole criteria for an invitation and going by the numbers, there’s no question 2017’s line-up is one of the most potent ever assembled! Rip Curl has officially announced the 16 surfers who’ve been invited to compete in the 2017 event — among these are three times World Champion Tom Curren (USA) North Shore charger Mason Ho (HAW) and former WCT superstar and style icon Bruce Irons (HAW). Defending Rip Curl Cup Champion Mega Semadhi will be there, as well as Indonesian surfing ambassador Rizal Tandjung and two-time Indonesian Champion Lee Wilson. In addition Damien Hobgood (USA) and Clay Marzo (HAW) will also be making their return, hoping to better their finals appearances from last year and claim The Cup.

The Waves

Depending on the best waves, the event will be held at Padang Padang between July 10 and August 10. “Padang Padang is one of the best waves in Indonesia,” Mega Semadhi said. “It’s the perfect spot to share with some of the best tube riders in the world. When you get that combination of wave quality and talent for one special day, everyone is always going to leave stoked no matter where they end up finishing.” With a non-stop barrage of swell lighting up Indonesia’s world-class reefs this May and early June, it appears the Indian Ocean is kicking things into high gear just in time for the year’s most anticipated barrel-riding showdown.

Local Bali surfer and 2014 Rip Curl Cup Champion, Garut Widiarta, said “We’ve had more big swells in the first two months of this season than we had all last year! It feels like Padang has been breaking non-stop. Hopefully this means we’re in for a special swell at Padang for the Rip Curl Cup this year.”

The Coverage

For the second year in a row the Rip Curl Cup Padang Padang will be a WSL sanctioned event, bringing all the drama and unsurpassed action of the “Ultimate Tuberiding Contest” to a massive global audience. The event will be webcast live to the world at ripcurl.asia. Fans can also visit the site to check the latest Padang swell forecast from official event forecaster Surfline, real-time contest status, and video updates from Bali.

The Schedule

Event Waiting Period: July 10 – Aug 10
Local Trials: July 1 – 7
Rip Curl Planet Beach Clean up: Friday, July 7 at 8 AM, Padang Padang Beach, Bali.
Opening Ceremony: Sunday, July 9 at 3 PM, Padang Padang Beach, Bali.
Official Rip Curl Cup Party: Friday, Aug 4 at 8 PM
Evening extravaganza: Secret location TBA, somewhere in Bali.

The Brand

Rip Curl is one of the world’s most recognised and respected brands in the surf world – and one we are delighted to stock! Get your hands on some of their gear at fantastic discounts right here: rip-curl-m-37.html

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