Padang Padang Cup 2023, The 20th Anniversary

Due to the absence of suitable swell at Padang throughout July, the Local Trials for 2023 will not take place. Instead, the organizers have devised an alternative plan: the four remaining Indonesian surfers for the main event will be selected based on their performance in the previous year's Rip Curl Cup.

These four surfers, known as "Trials Qualifiers," will join forces with the top-four Indonesian surfers from last year's Rip Curl Cup: Mega Semadhi (2nd place in 2022), Mega Artana (3rd place in 2022), Mustofa Jeksen (equal 7th place/Semi-Finalist in 2022), and Garut Widiarta (equal 7th place/Semi-Finalist in 2022). Together, they will represent Indonesia and challenge the world's finest tube riders at Padang Padang on the most formidable and hazardous day of waves between August 1st and 31st.

Contest Director James Hendy expressed regret about not meeting the required swell standards to conduct the Trials in July. However, he assured that the fairest course of action is to utilize the back seeds from last year's Rip Curl Cup Main Event. Consequently, the eight local surfers from the previous main event will be re-seeded based on their results, determining their participation in this year's Rip Curl Cup.

Hendy acknowledged the disappointment of not showcasing the talents of all the exceptional local surfers, particularly the younger generation, at Padang Padang. Nevertheless, he remains hopeful that the slower July is indicative of a more active swell in August, making the 20-Year Anniversary of the Rip Curl Cup a memorable and special event.

The Opening Ceremony will mark the commencement of the one-month Rip Curl Cup, scheduled throughout August. The festivities will begin this Sunday at 3 PM on the revered sands of Padang Padang Beach, followed by an opportunity to meet the surfers and contest organizers. The day will conclude with the captivating Balinese Kecak Dance performance at sunset.

The 2023 Rip Curl Cup Padang Padang will be broadcasted LIVE to a global audience on ripcurl.com and worldsurfleague.com. Fans can also visit the Rip Curl website for the official event swell forecast, real-time contest updates, and video highlights from Bali.