The Rip Curl Cup Padang Padang Kicks Off With Perfect Conditions And Stellar Tube Riding Performances
The long-awaited Rip Curl Cup Padang Padang 2024 officially kicked off yesterday as the Indian Ocean finally delivered the perfect swell conditions to run. With a solid 4-6 foot swell out of the southwest, contest director Nick Chong gave the green light to start the event.
Spectators and participants were treated to some amazing performances in Men’s Round 1, featuring well-known names Mason Ho, Joel Parkinson, and Mikey February. The Icons heats added to the excitement, with surfing legend Jim Banks, Balaram Stack, and the father-son duo Joel and Tosh Tudor. The competition is indeed off to a stellar start, showcasing some amazing tube riding at Bali’s legendary Padang Padang.
The day kicked off with the Icons Heat, featuring surf legends such as Rizal Tandjung, Jim Banks, and other superstars, along with Hawaii’s Moana Jones Wong. Wong, a two-time Pipe Master, made a powerful statement during her first-ever surf at Padang Padang by expertly threading a set wave barrel, proving she is a force to be reckoned with. Jim Banks, who pioneered surfing in Bali back in 1975, stole the show with his stylish tube riding and classic trim line surfing.
Reflecting on his performance, Jim shared, “I shaped a twin fin board for Padang ages ago, and Nick Chong finally gave me the chance to ride it. It turned out really well, and I had great fun in the heat.”
The main heat kicked off at 1 pm Bali time, with two-time Rip Curl Cup champion Made "Bol" Adi Putra setting the tone right from the start. On his very first wave, Adi Putra posted in an impressive 8.33 with a double barrel, proving he’s still a formidable contender and a threat to become the first-ever three-time champion. In the second heat of the day, Mason Ho and Noa Deane delivered a masterclass in technical tube riding, threading some long backside barrels that propelled them to the top of the leaderboard, taking first and second place, respectively.
Despite the slow swell buildup in the previous days, the official forecast from Swell Net nailed the call, delivering perfect 4-6 foot waves for Men’s Round 1, allowing the surfers to showcase their talents on Bali's best wave.
“This is the funnest contest ever!!” Hawaiian royalty Mason Ho exclaimed after his heat. “Flawless tubes into celebrations in the channel—how good!”
As the day progressed and the tide began to drop, the conditions at Padang Padang only improved, with hollow end sections starting to form. 2012 world champion Joel Parkinson took full advantage, donning his competition rash vest at Padang Padang for the first time since the 2008 Rip Curl Search Event.
"One of the best heats I ever had on tour was out at Padang Padang," Parkinson shared, "I'm amped to have the opportunity to surf here with a rashie on again."
Parkinson showcased his experience and skill by locking in the second-best single wave score of the day, a flawless double tube that earned him an impressive 8.83 (out of a possible 10 points).
The excitement continued into the second Icons Heat, where Balaram Stack delivered a stunning performance that highlighted the true beauty of Padang Padang. His on-point tube riding was so exceptional that it earned him a perfect 10 from the judges. Nathan White, one of the head judges, commented, “That was mental; that is what I call great tube riding. He deserved a 10. Even though it was a non-round heat, it’s still a 10.”
As the energy continues to build, anticipation is high for Round 2, where all competitors will have another chance to showcase their skills. This year, Rip Curl has introduced a new non-elimination format, allowing each surfer to take their two best rides from all their heats. At the end of Round 2, the format aims to give athletes the opportunity to truly demonstrate their abilities, with the top four surfers having the highest combined scores advancing to the final.
