MANGUPURA, balitourismnow.com – Local wisdom shone through today when Westen Hirst of Lakey Peak and Jasmine Studer of Kuta won Indonesia’s most prestigious and longest-running surfing event, the Rip Curl Cup Padang Padang, in incredibly challenging conditions, both just 16 years old.
The perfectly groomed 190cm surf throbbed all day, providing the opportunity for incredible performances from Indonesia’s best surfers and some of the world’s best freeboarders.
The event only takes place when the swell is big, and today, that’s exactly what happened. With flights from all over the world, competitors were given just a few days to reach Bali’s Bukit Peninsula after receiving word that the event was on high alert for Sunday.
Names like Mason Ho, Ivan Florence, Tosh Tudor, Balaram Stack, and many more were part of the prestigious invitee list, along with some of Indonesia’s true surfing legends.
Jasmine Studer completely dominated the women’s final, earning a perfect 10 and completing it with an 8.17. Willow Hardy fought hard to keep her distance, scoring a 9 and then another 8.33, but fell short of the trophy.
The wave conditions were perfect all afternoon, producing wave after wave. It was one of the best women’s tubing experiences the world has ever witnessed. “I’m so happy, I’m speechless. This is the most surreal moment of my life,” said Jasmine on Wednesday, August 6, 2025.
Ziggy Mackenzie scored what should have been a 10-point surf a minute after the final bell rang, as Jasmine celebrated her successful entry into the channel.
“I loved surfing Padang with five other women, it was incredible. I didn’t expect to win after that 10-point surf. The spit hit me, and I didn’t expect to win. It felt surreal, so much fun,” Jasmine said innocently.
In the men’s division, 16-year-old Westen Hirst opened the final with a double barrel for a 9.9. Ivan Florence landed some delightful shots as Tosh and Westen were caught in the final 10 seconds, and local surfer Ketut Agus missed several golden opportunities.
Then, the final 10 minutes heated up as Ketut navigated some smooth and technical tubing to get back into contention, before Westen posted a 7.33 to secure the win. A teenage victory reminiscent of young phenomenon Erin Brooks’ Rip Curl Cup win a few years ago.
Other highlights included Ivan Florence’s prowess on a tire wave, which seemed to have been stuck in the drain all day, then catapulted into the foamy section and splashed into the canal.
Made ‘Bol’ Adi Putra delivered an epic stand-up tube. Ketut Agus earned a thrilling 9.8 on his way to the final. Wesen Hirst not only won the final but also earned the highest combined qualifying score of the day. A well-deserved win.
“I’ve been surfing here [Padang] for a long time. Since I was 10 or maybe even younger. I caught my first barrel here, and then I finally competed in the Rip Curl Cup and won, and it felt… amazing,” said Weston.
Overall, it was a historic day filled with unforgettable moments that will be cherished for years to come. One thing is for sure: the future of Indonesian surfing looks very bright. [rls/buda]
Event Results
Men’s Final:
1. Westen Hirst (INA) 18.57
2. Tosh Tudor (USA) 14.97
3. Ketut Agus (INA) 13.70
4. Ivan Florence (HAW) 5.33
Women’s Final:
1. Pelajar Melati (INA) 18.17
2. Willow Hardy (AUS) 17.33
3. Kya Heuer (INA) 13.27
4. Ziggy McKenzie (AUS) 10.00
5. Kya Heuer (INA) 5.64