Billabong Pro Junior Series Indonesia

International Surfing Returns to Indonesia: Bali Shores Lures Worlds Best Juniors

Thursday May 31st (Keramas, Bali, Indonesia); World professional surfing returned to Indonesia today with the first of three Billabong Pro Junior Series events commencing in flawless four foot waves at Keramas Beach in Bali. In a highly charged opening round Indonesian surfers displayed equal talent but less experience than their Australian counterparts in the perfect right hand barrels breaking over a black lava ledge.

In the day’s most exciting heat Madison Williams (Coffs Harbour, NSW) was challenged all the way by talented Balinese Made “Garut” Widiarta.

Eighteen year-old Williams never doubted Garut’s skills after falling victim to the hard hitting goofy footer at Manly Beach in Australia last year.

Williams came out blazing for an early lead with an 8.17 wave score before managing the days highest heat score of 15.17.

“I was lucky to get two bombs straight up and the waves are that good that I just had to go for it,” said Williams.

“I knew Garut was good and after his win over me at Manly it was great to get one up on him.”

Garut pushed all the way but came unstuck on two potentially high scoring rides to advance in second place on 11.17 but clearly marked himself as one of the tournaments serious contenders.

“The Australian surfers have more experience than the Balinese so it’s exciting for us to be pushed,” said Garut.

Former world ISA junior champion and current no.6 ranked Aussie junior Julian Wilson (Sunshine Coast, Qld) overcame first round jitters to post another of the day’s top heat scores finishing on 15.07 out of a possible 20.

The natural footer who was forced to change his approach at the notoriously photographed break looked sharp and powerful in the fast breaking conditions.

“I was kind-of nervous out there and I thought I could have surfed a little better than what I did,” said Wilson. “It’s just weird, contest surfing this wave looking to do three turns instead of normally free surfing the wave and looking for a big punt section.”

“I’ve seen the Balinese surf and they are going to be tough competition here at their local break. Garut is definitely one of the stand-outs,” added Wilson.

Emerging Indonesian super talent, 14 year-old One (Oh-Nee) Anwar surprised only his international counterparts with an explosive performance that saw him advance with an opening round win.

Anwar who has recently relocated from Lakey Peak in Sumbawa to Bali to contest the inaugural run of professional junior events resembled a young Mick Fanning with his fast and whippy approach.

“I am excited, first time I surf contest with Julian (Wilson) and all the pro’s from Australia,” said Anwar in broken English. “I came to Bali especially for contests and to do school in Bali. I came only with my brother who is sixteen.”

Anwar’s brother Gazali Hamzah was not so lucky bowing out by less than one point behind heat runner-up Brent Savage (Casuarina, NSW) with Kuta’s Made Lahirun claiming victory.

Another Balinese surfer to impress was Raditya Rondi who managed to outpoint no.3 ranked Australian junior Brendan Leckie (Gold Coast) in a super tight match-up. Leckie opened quickly for a 7.50 but Rondi came from behind with a super consistent performance that saw both of them advance into round two.

“I was so nervous,” admitted Rondi straight after the heat. “It’s good to see how the Aussie do competition, it’s very good for Bali surfing.”

Top seed and current no.2 ranked Australian junior Heath Joske (Numbucca Heads, Aus) was forced to use a late charge to claim victory in the tournaments opening heat. With just 15 minute heats staged due to the affects of the tide and wind at the break Joske charged a last minute ride to claim victory.

Other opening round heat winners included John Cummings (Gold Coast, Australia), Nyoman Septiana (Bali), Tim Stevenson (Torquay, Vic) and Kalim Schloss (Sunshine Coast, Qld).

Capitalizing on Bali’s superb surf breaks, the Billabong Pro Junior Series, supported by Kustom footwear and Von Zipper eyewear, will be held at three different locations.

The Keramas and Kuta Reef (29 June – 1 July) series events hold US$4,500 each in prize money, with the final event at Canggu (2-5 August) having a total of US$6,500 up for grabs.

The highest placed Indonesian surfer at the end of the three event series will be granted a position into the Von Zipper Trial, the 16 man precursor to the Billabong ASP World Junior Championships at North Narrabeen, Sydney.

Entry into the World Junior Championships is exceptionally valuable to any aspiring professional surfer, with the likes of Joel Parkinson and three-time world champion Andy Irons having launched their careers on the strength of wins at the WJC.

Day two of the four day tournament will recommence tomorrow morning at 7am local time at Keramas Beach with the finals set down for Sunday.

This event is part of the Indonesian Surfing Championships and is evidence of the depth of local surfing talent.