An Unmissable Tube-Drenched, Non-CT Event Is Returning Shortly

*Update Wednesday July 11: A solid ‘west’ SW swell (ideal direction) is on track to build this weekend, peaking through the afternoon on Sunday the 15th. Expect this swell to be similar to the Rip Curl Cup Trials swell on May 27th, which was picture perfect Padang Padang.

The Tour may have departed Indonesian waters, but that doesn’t mean the party’s over, there’s one more to come, if you have an invite.

As of right now, as the final days of June pass us by and memories of the two most recent CT events dissipate, Indo season remains in full swing. There’s plenty of Indian Ocean gifting to be received and thankfully more competition to entertain the rest of us.

Rip Curl have just released the lineup and window dates for one of the most thrilling, tunnel-focused events in the surf calendar.

Allow us to give you a refresh, the Rip Curl Cup Padang Padang is an invitational celebration of the tube, with a healthy month-long window (July 1 – July 31) to ensure competition is surfed in only the finest conditions. Like the Eddie, anything less than firing green cylinders will not be tolerated. Kinda adds to the thrill and mystique behind the whole deal.

Another thing, the invites are all non-CT. This opens up the opportunity for freesurfers and ex competitive stars to slide back into the limelight. Also having a 50/50 mix between locals and internationals gives Indonesia’s finest the chance to take on some of the world’s best tube hunters on home turf. Looking back at previous results reveals just how capable the locals are at holding their own in thundering tubes.

Here’s the list of invitees, the ones we’ll see racing down the reef if swell gods give the green light:

Mason Ho 
Damien Hobgood 
Jay Davies 
Jack Robinson
Jack Freestone
Clay Marzo (Alternate) 
Gearoid McDaid 
Brunos Santos 
Nic Von Rupp (Alternate)
Jacob Willcox
Made “Bol” Adi Putra
Mega Semadhi
Garut Widiarta
Lee Wilson
Mega Artana
Agus Setiawan
Mustofa Jeksen
Alik Rudiarta

We’re curious to see how daddy Freestone will square up on his backhand, Mason Ho will undoubtedly bring a smile, whether it be locked inside a Padang grinder or entertaining from atop the cliff. We’ll also be eager to see if previous winner and priest, Mega Semadhi holds up against a fresh lineup of eager challengers, and Lee Wilson, well we just love Lee Wilson.

Given Padang’s swell-protected aspect, all eyes will be on the charts, hoping for a significant blob to appear. So far the Indian Ocean’s looking quiet for the opening days of the window, but during this time of year a fresh dose of energy is never to far away.

We’ll have more updates as things heat up.