Rizal Tanjung and the green of Padang, Indonesia

We’re currently in the middle of the waiting period for Rip Curl’s Padang Cup. It’s yet to run, but there’s been some movement and who doesn’t wanna stay optimistic about this kinda thing? “I was on call at 5:45 yesterday morning in case it was going to run,” says photographer Nate Lawrence, trying to stay optimistic and ready to burn through memory cards. “They didn’t end up running the comp, but there were still a few good sets rolling in. Rizal (Tanjung, pictured) has a really special relationship with Padang. He always seems to get the best waves out there. The good ones just come straight to him. But interestingly enough, he’s never won the Padang Cup. Already one month has gone by for the waiting period and there’s only two weeks left, so guys are getting pretty anxious. Will a big enough swell come by August 15th?”

Find out over here.