Jun 30, 2026

RIP CURL CUP PADANG PADANG 2026 NEXT GENERATION TAKES ON PADANG’S FINEST

The Rip Curl Cup Padang Padang Local Trials return this July with a field that celebrates both the future and the legacy of Indonesian tube riding.

From 1–31 July 2026, Indonesia’s best local surfers will wait for one thing: the right swell. As always, the Trials will run on just one day during the waiting period, when Padang Padang is at its absolute best. With only a handful of competitors in the lineup, it offers one of the rarest opportunities to surf this world-famous wave without the usual crowd and with a place in the Rip Curl Cup Main Event on the line.

This year’s field reflects an exciting shift for the event.

Defending champions Westen Hirst and Jasmine Studer, the youngest surfers ever to win the men’s and women’s divisions, have shown what the next generation is capable of. Their success has strengthened the pathway for young Indonesian surfers, and that is reflected in this year’s Local Trials, where eight of the 24 men’s invitations have gone to youth and Pro Junior surfers. That’s one-third of the draw dedicated to the next generation.

At the same time, the event remains true to what has made the Rip Curl Cup so respected for more than two decades. Former champions, past finalists and Padang Padang specialists are back to defend their place, creating a field where youth and experience meet on equal terms.

“One of the things we’re most proud of is seeing the Local Trials continue to evolve. It’s important that the Rip Curl Cup remains a platform where Indonesia’s best young surfers can challenge themselves alongside the athletes who have built this event’s legacy. That’s how the level keeps progressing, and we’re excited to see who steps up when Padang turns on.”- Harrison Mann, Event Director.

Men’s Invitees

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 Invitees

Kailani Johnson
Aura Zeflin

Taina Angel Izquierdo
Liliana Bowrey

The field sets up one of the most compelling Local Trials in recent memory. A new generation, inspired by the success of Westen and Jasmine, will line up against former champions and surfers who know every section of Padang Padang. When the green light is given, reputation won’t count for much. Only the performances on the day.

Local Trials Format

The Men’s Division consist of 24 invited local surfers competing in a non-elimination, round-robin format across two 30-minute, four-man heats using a four-man priority system. Each surfer’s best two wave scores from both heats will be combined to determine the overall standings, with the top four surfers earning direct qualification to the Rip Curl Cup Padang Padang 2026 Main Event.

The Women’s Division will feature four invited local surfers competing in a single 30-minute Grand Final using the priority system, with the top two finishers securing their places in the 2026 Main Event.

Contest officials will monitor swell forecasts throughout July and will only call the Trials when Padang Padang is at its best. All competitors will receive a minimum of 48 hours’ notice before the event is called ON.