THE WORLD'S BEST TUBE RIDERS LOCKED IN FOR THE 2026 RIP CURL CUP PADANG PADANG
The invitees for the 2026 Rip Curl Cup Padang Padang have officially been announced, with 24 of the world's best tube riders set to compete at Indonesia's most prestigious surfing event.
Now entering its 23rd year, the Rip Curl Cup has firmly cemented itself as one of surfing's most iconic specialty events.
Held at Bali's legendary Padang Padang Beach, the invitation-only contest features an even split between internationally acclaimed surfers and Indonesia's best local talent, who go head-to-head in a one-day battle in world-class waves.
The 2026 invitee list features an exciting mix of former champions, first-timers, and local legends.
The men’s international field will be made up of Taj Burrow (AUS), Craig Anderson (AUS), Mason Ho (HAW), Tosh Tudor (USA), Hughie Vaughan (AUS), James Kusitino (FJI), Lukas Skinner (GBR) and Ocean Lancaster (AUS).
Representing Indonesia in the men's event is defending Event Champion Westen Hirst, Ketut Agus, I Made Pajar Ariyana and Tommy Sobry, with the remaining four positions to be decided through the upcoming Men's Padang Padang Trials.
The women's field also boasts an exciting blend of international and Indonesian talent. Australia's Ruby Berry and Lucy Darragh will be joined by Eweleiula Wong (HAW) and Sky Brown (GBR), while Indonesia's charge will be led by defending Event Champion Jasmine Studer, Mentawai's Kya Heuer, and trials winners Taina Izquierdo and Paris Nalendra.
"We couldn't be more stoked with this year's invitee list," said Harry Mann, Contest Director and Rip Curl Indonesia Marketing Manager. "It's shaping up to be one of the strongest line-ups we've seen in recent years. The forecast is already looking promising, and we can't wait to see Padang Padang deliver the ultimate stage for these guys to put on a show.
"The Rip Curl Cup is unlike anything else in surfing. It's the funnest day on the calendar, and the Bukit Peninsula becomes a month-long celebration of surfing, music, art and culture. The atmosphere is unmatched, and that's what makes this event so unique and an invitation so highly sought after."
Unlike traditional surfing competitions, the Rip Curl Cup runs on a month-long waiting period (August 1 -31), with Contest Directors monitoring Indian Ocean swell forecasts until the perfect conditions arrive and Padang Padang delivers the world-class waves the event is famous for. Once the call is made, competitors have just 48 hours to get to Bali for the one-day showdown.
Throughout its history, the Rip Curl Cup has crowned some of surfing's greatest tube riders, with former champions including Jamie O'Brien, Chris Ward, Jack Robinson, Benji Brand, Clay Marzo, Noa Deane and Moana Jones Wong.
This year's festivities begin with the Opening Ceremony on 1 August, celebrating Balinese culture before Australian indie rock band Floodlights headlines a free live performance at Padang Padang Beach.
The Rip Curl Cup Padang Padang 2026
It’s on when it’s on
Watch it live at ripcurl.co.id
The 2026 Rip Curl Cup Padang Padang will be webcast LIVE to the world at ripcurl.co.id. Fans can also visit the Rip Curl website to check the official event swell forecast, real-time contest status, and video updates from Bali.
RIP CURL CUP PADANG PADANG 2026 EVENT SCHEDULE:
Local Trials Waiting Period
1–31 July 2026
Opening Ceremony
Saturday, August 1st at 4 PM, Padang Padang Beach, Bali
1. Meet the invited athletes
2. Press conference
3. Traditional Balinese Kecak Dance performance
4. Live Music Performance by Floodlights
Main Event Waiting Period
1–31 August 2026
Official Party
Thursday, 27 August 2026 at Ulu Cliffhouse
Rip Curl Cup Padang Padang 2026 sponsored by: Radisson Blu Resort & Villas Bali Uluwatu, Island Brewing, Dragon, Yukk Payment Getaway, BGS, Indo Amazon Acai, YUMMY Dairy, Biznet