16 Tube Riders Enliven 2022 Rip Curl Cup Padang-Padang in Bali
- VIVA/Maha Liarosh
VIVA – The Rip Curl Cup Padang-Padang is the highlight event of the year for Indonesia. This prestigious event will be held this August in Bali. A total of 16 professional tube riders will be prepared to face the waves in this event.
After being suspended for two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic, finally the competition held by the World Surf League (WSL) is back this year.
In the opening ceremony of The Rip Curl Cup Padang-Padang 2022, traditional Balinese Kecak Dance colored this event.
The Rip Curl Cup Padang-Padang opening ceremony was attended by the Deputy Governor of Bali, Tjokorda Oka Artha Ardhana Sukawati or Cok Ace and President Director Rip Curl Cup, James Hendy on Sunday, July 31, 2022.
"Seeing the controlled COVID-19 conditions in Bali, this competition can be held again. I am sure this event will run successfully and smoothly," Bali Deputy Governor, Cok Ace said when opening the event.
The Deputy Governor of Bali also said that the International Surfing Competition was in line with the government's efforts to build Sport Tourism in Bali. The sports sector is one of the means in revitalizing the local people's economy as well as supporting the revival of Bali tourism.
The surfing competition is the moment when the world's best tube riders will face the best Indonesian talents from Bali.
"Fans around the world can watch this event in real time in Bali. At the same time, it is a vehicle for promotion that Bali is the best tourism destination in the world," Cok Ace remarked.
President Director of Rip Curl Cup Trials, James Hendy conveyed, this year's Rip Curl Cup Padang-Padang will only take place at the best wave moments during the competition.
"This will test the ability of the participants who were joined by 16 professional tube riders who were invited. During this month of August, they are ready to dominate the waves and the spectacular waves that come," James Hendy remarked.
Last year, the top four finalists from the trials and the top four from the main event joined the eight international players to advance to the finals.
But there will be changes for this year. In the trial formation, each surfer will compete twice.
"The peak of the main wave season will provide the highest opportunity to score the world-famous green barrel with the Balinese Pipeline," James remarked.