MANGUPURA, balitourismnow.com – This is great news for surfers. The Rip Curl Cup Padang Padang Local Trials returns this July, with participants celebrating the future and legacy of tunnel wave surfing in Indonesia.
The Trials will run from July 1–31, 2026, and Indonesia’s best local surfers will be waiting for one thing: the right wave.
As usual, the Trials will take place for just one day during the waiting period, when Padang Padang is at its best.
With only a handful of participants in the lineup, this offers a rare opportunity to surf this world-famous wave without the usual crowds and with a spot in the Rip Curl Cup Main Event at stake.
“This year’s field reflects an exciting change for the event,” said Harrison Mann, Event Director, on Tuesday, July 7, 2026.
Defending champions Westen Hirst and Jasmine Studer, the youngest surfers ever to win the men’s and women’s divisions, have demonstrated the capabilities of the next generation.
Their success has strengthened the pipeline for young Indonesian surfers, and that was reflected in this year’s Local Qualifier, where eight of the 24 men’s invitations were awarded to young surfers and Junior Pros.
That means a third of the total field is reserved for the next generation.
At the same time, the event remains true to what has made the Rip Curl Cup so revered for more than two decades.
Former champions, past finalists, and Padang Padang specialists return to defend their spots, creating an arena where youth and experience meet on equal terms.
“One of the things we’re most proud of is seeing the Local Qualifiers continue to grow. It’s important for the Rip Curl Cup to remain a platform where Indonesia’s best young surfers can challenge themselves alongside the athletes who have built this event’s legacy,” said Harrison Mann.
Men’s Invitational
Garut Widiarta, Bronson Meydi, Made Adi Putra, Alik Rudiarta, Kalani Ryan, Mega Artana, Manik Rudita, Raditya Rondi, Koki Hendrawan, Koldo Illumbe, Putu Arya Gunata, Agus Setiawan, Ryuki Waida, Tonjo Darmaputra, Made Satriawan, Aditya Somiya, Varun Tandjung, Philip Duke, Dhany Widianto, Nathan Johannes, Darmayasa Bleronk, Rajo Saputra, Usman Trioko, Dwi Putrawan.
Women’s Invitational
Kailani Johnson, Aura Zeflin, Taina Angel Izquierdo, Liliana Bowrey.
This field is shaping up to be one of the most exciting Local Trials in recent years. A new generation, inspired by the success of Westen and Jasmine, will face off against former champions and surfers who know Padang Padang every corner. When the green light is given, reputations will matter little. Only the show on the day.
Local Selection Format
The Men’s Division consists of 24 invited local surfers competing in a round-robin format with no eliminations, in two 30-minute heats of four competitors using a four-part priority system.
Each surfer’s two best wave scores from both heats will be combined to determine the overall standings, with the top four surfers earning direct qualification to the 2026 Rip Curl Cup Padang Padang Main Event.
The Women’s Division will feature four invited local surfers competing in a single 30-minute Grand Final using a priority system, with the top two securing their spot in the 2026 Main Event.
Competition officials will monitor the wave forecast throughout July and will only announce the Selection when Padang Padang is at its best. All participants will receive notification at least 48 hours before the event is announced.
“That’s how the level continues to rise, and we’re excited to see who will perform at their best when Padang shows off its skills,” he added.
The 2026 Rip Curl Cup Padang Padang Event Schedule is as follows: The Local Selection Waiting Period is July 1–31, 2026, with the opening ceremony on Saturday, August 1 at 4:00 PM at Padang Padang Beach, Bali.
The Main Event Waiting Period is August 1–31, 2026, followed by the official ceremony on Saturday, August 29, 2026. [oko]