- WSL / Bennett
- WSL / Bennett

Keramas delivered. Uluwatu did not disappoint. And now the WSL returns to Bali's world-class waves for the third time in 2018 for the Rip Curl Cup at Padang Padang, a tuberiding specialty event. The event will run on the best day of waves at Padang Padang, anytime between July 1 - 31.

Padang Padang Padang. - WSL / Curley

Sixteen of the world's top tuberiders, comprising of eight from Indonesia and eight from the rest of the world -- are ready to rumble. And there is no greater show in surf than when the Indian Ocean delivers.

"WSL are extremely excited for this year's Rip Curl Cup at Padang Padang," said Will Hayden-Smith, WSL Australia/Oceania Regional Manager. "There's something really special about events like the Rip Curl Cup that only run when mother nature produces that one special day of waves, and we see who is at their best when the ocean is at its best. We will get to see a crop of the best tuberiders from around the globe take on Indonesia's finest at one of the world's most mystical waves."

Indonesian surfer Lee Wilson at Padang Padang. Lee Wilson, the best of Bukit. - WSL

Among the world's best barrel riders that Rip Curl has invited to compete are former WSL Championship Tour (CT)-performers-turned-barrel hunters Jack Freestone (AUS) and Damien Hobgood (USA), as well as kamikazes like Mason Ho (HAW), Jay Davies (AUS) and Jack Robinson (AUS). Among the national surfing heroes representing Indonesia are defending Rip Curl Cup Champion Mega Semadhi, Indonesian surfing ambassador and 2014 Rip Curl Cup Champion Garut Widiarta, and two-time Indonesian Champion Lee Wilson.

Mega Semadhi's perfect 10 during the Final at 2016 Rip Curl Cup. Local legend Mega Semadhi. - WSL / Nate Lawrence

According to Rip Curl SEA Marketing Manager James Hendy, an invite to compete in the Rip Curl Cup isn't about tour points, big-name sponsorships, or number of followers on social media. The sole criteria to get a shot at the Cup is performing at the highest level on the heaviest swells of the year at the planet's most hollow waves.

"You have to have a proven track record in world-class tubes and waves of consequence, whether it be in boots and a 6mm wetsuit or in boardshorts at a mysto Indo reef," Hendy said. "That means fans get to see renegade tube masters face off against the underground legends that own their local slab on the best day of the year."

Padang Padang Padang perfection. - WSL

Following are the 16 surfers invited to compete for the 2018 Rip Curl Cup:

International Surfers:

  • Jay Davies (AUS)
  • Jack Freestone (AUS)
  • Mason Ho (HAW)
  • Damien Hobgood (USA)
  • Gearoid McDaid (IRL)
  • Bruno Santos (BRA)
  • Jack Robinson (AUS)
  • Jacob Willcox (AUS)

Indonesian Surfers:

  • Bol Adi Putra
  • Mega Artana
  • Mustofa Jeksen
  • Alik Rudiarta
  • Mega Semadhi
  • Agus "Blacky" Setiawan
  • Garut Widiarta
  • Lee Wilson
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