Local knowledge prevailed today as Lakey Peak’s Westen Hirst and Kuta’s Jasmine Studer took out Indonesia’s most prestigious and longest running surfing event, The Rip Curl Cup Padang Padang in absolutely pumping conditions, both at just 16 years of age.
Perfectly groomed 6ft+ sets pulsed all day long providing opportunities for incredible performances from Indonesia’s best surfers and some of the world’s best free surfers.
The event only runs when the swell delivers, and today, it delivered. Hopping on flights from across the globe, competitors were given just mere days to find their way to Bali’s Bukit Peninsula after receiving the news that the event was on high alert to run on Sunday. The likes of Mason Ho, Ivan Florence, Tosh Tudor, Balaram Stack and more were all there as part of the prestigious invitee list, along with some of Indonesia’s true surfing legends.
Jasmine Studer absolutely dominated the women’s final, getting a perfect 10 and backing it up with an 8.17. Willow Hardy was charging to stay in striking distance, banking a 9 and back up 8.33 but couldn’t quite get the score to take home the trophy. Conditions were flawless all afternoon delivering barrel after barrel after barrel. It was some of the best female tuberiding the world has seen. Ziggy Mackenzie scored what could have been a 10 point ride a minute after the buzzer sounded signifying the end of the final, as Jasmine celebrated her way into the channel.
“I’m so happy, I’m speechless. It’s the most surreal moment of my life,” said Jasmine. “I loved surfing Padang with five girls out, it was amazing. I did not think I was coming out of that 10-point ride. The spit hit me, and I did not think I was coming out. It was just so surreal, it was so much fun.”
On the men’s side, 16-year old Westen Hirst opened the final with a double-barrel for a 9.9. Ivan Florence threaded some fun ones as both Tosh and Westen got clamped right at the end of 10s, and local Ketut Agus was starved of major opportunities. The final 10-minutes fired up as Ketut nailed some smooth, technical tubes to get back in contention, before Westen dropped a 7.33 to lock in the win. A teenage victory that brought back memories of young phenom Erin Brooks taking out the Rip Curl Cup a few years back.
Other highlights included some tube-riding wizardry from Ivan Florence, who during the day looked like he got clipped on a drainer only to come flying out into a foamy section and squeak out into the channel. Made ‘Bol’ Adi Putra nailed an epic stand-up tube. Ketut Agus got a throaty 9.8 on his way to the final. Wesen Hirst not only won the final but got the highest combined qualifying score of the day. A well-deserved winner.
“I’ve been surfing here [at Padang] for a long time now. Since I was 10 or maybe even younger. I got my first proper barrel here, and now finally I’m in The Rip Curl Cup and I won and it’s just… crazy,” said Weston.
Overall, it was a historic day filled with unforgettable moments that will be remembered for years to come. One thing is certain: the future of Indonesian surfing looks incredibly bright.
Men’s Final:
Westen Hirst (INA) 18.57
Tosh Tudor (USA) 14.97
Ketut Agus (INA) 13.70
Ivan Florence (HAW) 5.33
Women’s Final:
Jasmine Studer (INA) 18.17
Willow Hardy (AUS) 17.33
Kya Heuer (INA) 13.27
Ziggy McKenzie (AUS) 10.00
Kya Heuer (INA) 5.64
