Blue skies, offshore winds, and a pumping 4-foot swell welcomed stoked grommets to Halfway Beach today for the third and final stop of the 2008 Rusty Gromfest Series. Over 120 kids from all over Bali (and beyond) came out in force to enjoy a fun day at the beach, win prizes, and develop their competitive skills. With a heat draw bursting at the seams, organizers were eager to start proceedings and sent the first heat into the lineup at 7:30am. Spurred on by their peers, psyched groms waxed their boards furiously, itching to get their rails wet.

Round one kicked off as the Kuta bombie erupted on the horizon, triggering some solid sets which sent the kids into a frenzy. The under 16’s shredded the lengthy left-hander’s from start to finish, throwing fans of spray and committing to critical floaters on the inside section. Gazali Hamzah, Agus Frimanto, and Australian Alex Swadling were the early standouts. Organizers chose to run all the under 16 heats up until the final on the incoming tide to take advantage of the peaking swell and superb conditions.

At midday the tide filled in as the under 14 and under 12 division’s hit the water. The kids tore apart the waves with a great deal of flair, showcasing skills beyond their years. Ediana Putra, Luke Hynd, and Koko Mitsua Antara in particular impressed the judges with a combination of floaters and fin busts.

Rusty team rider and guest judge Marlon Gerber exclaimed, “The waves are flawless and the groms are going off! I’m stoked to see them take over for the day… They’re charging! ”

As the rounds progressed and the midday sun cooked Kuta’s stretch of white sand, competitors and spectators alike witnessed some awesome free surfing going down at the adjacent right-hand bank. Indonesian pro’s Pepen Hendrix and Made Adi Putra ‘Bol’ pulled into some amazing pits that sent?the starry-eyed groms into a wild moshpit of hoots and high-fives.

As the horn blew to signal the under 12 final, a large crowd of onlookers flocked at the water’s edge in anticipation. Koko Mitsua Antara, Kadek Yoga, Luke Hynd, and Komang Arip blew up but it was Koko, the Nusa Dua goofyfoot, who wowed the judges with flowing round-house cutback’s and sick fin-throw snaps. He won convincingly and in doing so also finished the series as overall under 12 champion.

The under 14 division final was a nail-biter, as series leader Ediana Putra battled it out against Ornot, Arya Wijaya, and Abi Azwar Anas. Today Ornot from Sumbawa took out the final with his razor-sharp power-hacks, but it was Lembongan’s Ediana Putra who won the overall U/14 series after a 2nd place finish in Keramas, a win in Canggu, and 2nd place again today at Halfway. Amazingly, Ediana is 12 years old and has been surfing in both divisions.

The under 16 final was a fitting climax following a long day of ripping. Gazali Hamzah, Agus Frimanto, Alex Swadling, and Darmaputra Tonjo paddled out as the setting sun dipped into the horizon. Alex Swadling surfed a smart heat, securing an early lead and consolidating on his score shortly after. He blazed a trail of golden spray down the line as he unleashed a series of tight vertical snaps and sweeping carves, leaving both Gazali and Agus in need of 8 point rides. In the end it was Alex Swadling who took top honors and was crowned the Rusty Gromfest Halfway Champ!

With the absence of series leader One Anwar, and the first round loss of rival Putra Hermawan, Gazali Hamzah took the U/16 ratings lead and was crowned the overall 2008 Rusty Gromfest Series Champion. He has been awarded a chance to compete against the best international junior surfers at the 13th annual Rusty Gromfest held at Lennox Head, Australia in July 2008. He will also be granted wildcard entry into the 6-star ISC Rusty Rumble In Da Jungle event at Sanur in May 2008.

Watch the Video from Gromfest Halfway! Go to:

Gromfest Halfway Results:

Under 16
1. Alex Swading
2. Agus Frimanto
3. Gazali Hamzah
4. Darmaputra Tonjo

Under 14
1. Ornot
2. Ediana Putra
3. Arya Wijaya
4. Abi Azwar Anas

Under 12
1. Koko Mitsua Antara
2. Luke Hynd
3. Komang Arip
4. Kadek Yoga

Overall Gromfest Series Rankings:

Under 16
1. Gazali Hamzah – 5350 points
2. Agus Frimanto – 4583 points
3. Putra Hermawan – 3833 points

Under 14
1. Ediana Putra – 6100 points
2. Arya Wijaya Blerong – 5000 points
3. Ornot – 4175 points

Under 12
1. Koko Mitsua Antara – 5183 points
2. Komang Arif – 4083 points
3. Nyoman Satria ‘Blacky’ – 3833 points

RUSTY GROMFEST SERIES BALI 2008 – KERAMAS
February 17th, 2008

Blue skies, offshore winds and grinding 3-4 foot waves welcomed stoked grommets to Keramas Beach this morning for the first stop of the three-stage Rusty Gromfest Series 2008. With a heatdraw bursting at the seams, organizers were eager to start proceedings and sent the first heat into the lineup at 7:30am. Spurred on by their friends and families, the kids waxed their boards furiously, itching to get their rails wet.

In the under 12 division Putu Eka, Koko Antara, and Ediana Putra surfed impressively but it was Japan’s Hiroto Ohara who became the crowd favorite after pulling off a combination of critical floaters and vertical snaps. Hiroto also surfed in the U/14 division and won his heat convincingly. The first round in the under 16 division saw a few familiar names progress – Gazali Hamzah, One Anwar, and Putra Hermawan – no strangers to junior competition in Bali. This trio were the standouts on the ISC junior tour in 2007, but only one of them could claim the inaugural Rusty Gromfest title.

Guest judge and Rusty team rider Marlon Gerber remarked, “The standard of surfing today has been amazing. The groms are taking full advantage of the empty lineup and perfect conditions. I wish I was out there getting pitted and launching off those ramps.”

Soon after, his wish came true as he joined fellow pro surfers and guest judges Betet Merta, Tipi Jabrik, Garut, Mega, Agus Perr, Tole, and reigning ISC Champ Lee Wilson in the lineup for an expression session. Starry-eyed groms high-fived each other as their heros danced over Keramas’ black lava reef, throwing buckets of spray and pulling off the latest aerial variations.

After the 45 minute expression session it was back to business with the quarter finals, semi’s, and final. The waves continued to break with consistency, walling up all the way to the wedgy inside section. Hiroto and Ediana advanced all the way to the finals in both the U/12 and U/14 divisions. Today Hiroto’s polished style and flawless top-turns won the judges over, as he was crowned champion in both divisions. At just 11 years of age, this composed Japanese unit is already surfing beyond his years. Amazingly, Hiroto won 7 out of 8 heats today and surfed his finals back-to-back.

The under 16 division was a more evenly matched, with One, Gazali, dark horse Putu Anggara, and Japan’s Kaohe battling it out in the final. Gazali surfed on rail with an abundance speed and power, Putu strategically picked off the best set waves, and One wowed the spectators with a radical combination of fin-busts and gouges. In the end One took top honors and was crowned the Rusty Gromfest Keramas Champ! This result further solidifies One’s reputation as being Indonesia’s grom to beat, after recently receiving the 2007 ISC Rookie of the Year Award and finishing the year as overall champ on the 2007 ISC Junior tour.

Final Results:

Under 12
1. Hiroto Ohara
2. Koko Mitsua Antara
3. Edian Putra
4. Komang Arif

Under 14
1. Hiroto Ohara
2. Edian Putra
3. Arya Wijaya
4. Yogo Kawabata

Under 16
1. One Anwar
2. Putu Anggara
3. Gazali Hamzah
4. Kaohe

The overall U/16 winner will be awarded a chance to compete against the best international junior surfers at the 13th annual Rusty Gromfest held at Lennox Head, Australia in July 2008. This event has enjoyed a rich history that has seen the likes of Mick Fanning, Bede Durbidge,? and Julian Wilson crowned as champions. The overall U/16 and U/14 division champions will also be granted wildcard entry into the 6-star ISC Rusty Rumble In Da Jungle event at Sanur in May 2008.

Dude, I can’t make it to the list since I missed the first round of Indonesian National Championship (ISA) for a trip to Australia earlier this year. Although mentally and spiritually I am prepared, I always prepared. But lucky me, Volcom offer me to go with Dom Dom. He’s my cool friend and fellow Volcom rider that actually made to the list of the contingent. So dude, I went to Macau for Asian Indoor games 2007.

On October 18th, we went to the most hip city in China, Macau. There were 3 of us which contains me, Reno, and ISA’s big boss, Charlie. The other team was Dom-Dom, Pevi, Putu Yogi, Gung De and Mr. Yudi.

Poor me, I didn’t realize what I was facing. Macau, yeah right Macau. Of course I heard how hip the continent is, but I didn’t expect Macau is actually that hip. I was stoked. Casinos, Girls, Night Life… dude!! Macau is rad. Nuff said.

So here we were in Macau. The first day of the trip spent on skatepark where the contest will be held the next day and found beyond doubt an awesome set. I was lucky to get used to big terrains as I constantly skate in Base skatepark. After the skate session, I went to one of the casino with my Malaysian friends, just curious. Well, Casino is ok in fact Casino is cool. But I didn’t spend that much time at the Casino and soon went back to the hotel. I was too exhausted.

The second day started by waking up soooo f**king early. But we geared up by cool big bus to the arena for preliminary session. I joined the trial event Asian Indoor Games with my buddy Reno. Thai, Malaysian, Hongkong, macau and Iranian skateboarders also joined. The park is bigger than they use in Asian Games, equipped by cool big ramps, bench and rails. The event also separated into 2 divisions: Best Trick and Park. Our heaviest contenders were the boys from Thailand. They skate hard and also bring their Californian coach. But heck, the show must go on, I skate what I can best and I successfully bring silverware in Park division while Reno busted and placed 3rd in Best Trick. Yeah, we’re proud Indonesians and we were the cutest among all participants (laughing out loud).

My two cents is: I think this contest is super cool. It was a tide and organized event. I hope I can bring another silverware home in next year’s event.

On the 3rd day, I finally meet up with Dom Dom and the other boys from Indonesia. Found no time to kill, we went straight to the opening ceremony in Asian Indoor Games. At the next day, the qualifying stage started and Indo skaters rule the park: Dom Dom, Pevi, Yogi and Gung De. Me? Dude, I was the MC of this event, accompanied with Chinese commentators. The crew from Star Sport TV even busted a cool interview with me.

I was so proud, as an MC and as Indonesian. Yogi gets the Gold medal and Pevi was found in 3rd place in Park division. I was so stoked to hear our National Anthem in the winners’ announcement ceremony. Suddenly, Mrs. Rita, our National Sport Association Chief came and congratulate the boys. She promised to take care of the sport back in Indonesia. Mam, that’ll be great! Thank you so much.
From my view, Indo skate team can busts better tricks and has the mentally competitive advantage. It is perhaps now we have regular events at BASE skatepark in Bali.

Last but not least, I would like to shout Charlie, Volcom and Electric and also to Surf Time Magazine. Keep charging and stay stoked!

5 November 2007, Kuta-Bali: Lee Balo Wilson received the ISCs 2007 Pro Surfer of the Year title and trophy, and was voted the Most Popular Surfer, on Saturday November 3rd at the Indonesian Surfing Championship Awards Presentation. The Awards Presentation took place at The Wave nightclub which is positioned almost directly on Kuta Beach, a place many consider the birthplace of the sport of surfing in Indonesia.

A crowd of over 200 members of the local surfing industry, media and friends started off their Saturday night by honoring the top surfers in Indonesia in four categories, Junior, Pro Junior, Masters, and Pro. The categories of Pro Junior and Junior are new, having been added for the 2007 season.

First up to receive his award was the 2007 Junior Champion, 15-year-old One Anwar from Sumbawa. One (pronounced Oh-Nay) has been on fire this year, first winning the 2007 Quiksilver King of the Groms series (which got him a trip to France for the Grand Finals in August) and then just last week taking the overall win at the 2007 Rip Curl GromSearch series for the second year in a row. That means hell be going to Australia again in 2008 to compete in the World GromSearch Finals at Bells Beach. First Runner Up in the Junior category was Komang Putra Hermawan, and Ones older brother, Gazali Hamzah, was 2nd Runner Up.

Next to take the stage was 2007 Pro Junior Champion Mustofa Jeksen, no stranger to the podium and at 17 years old already a seasoned veteran, having traveled to many international destinations to free surf and to compete. Jeksen was last years ISC Rookie of the Year, and this year gets honors for finishing at the top of the rankings for an Indonesian in the newly introduced Billabong Pro Junior Series. 1st Runner up was the absent Agus Pernawan, and 2nd Runner Up was Kadek Murtika.

For the second year in a row, Kutas local legend and owner of The Surf Shop on Jalan Legian, Wayan Gantiyasa, took top spot in the Masters division. He climbed up on the stage to receive his trophy with the help and cheers of his friends. He had apparently been celebrating for several hours before his arrival, and seemed to be enjoying his evening immensely. 1st Runner Up was Wayan Pica, and 2nd Runner Up was none other than Bali Barrels Ketut Menda.

Before the man of the evening was called up, MCs Rani and Rahtu first called up Marlon Gerber to accept the 2nd Runner Up award for last years Number 1, and Marlons brother-in-law, Rizal Tanjung. (Rizal was in Japan so couldnt attend.) Next up was 1st Runner Up Wayan Suprayitna, who had his first ISC win at the Oakley Thump this year and has been a strong competitor in every event in the 2007 season tour.

Mr. Popular Lee Wilson was then called to the stage amidst the cheers and hoots of the crowd to receive his trophy. When MC Rahtu handed him the microphone, Lee had this to say: I started the year with this goal in mind, to win the championship, and to be here and have it come true is magic. I want to thank everyone involved in this tour and in the industry for making this possible. There are so many people that all play their parts, all along the way, and they are all really important, so without them I couldnt stand up here now. And especially I want to thank my Dad and Mom, who have given me unbelievable support. Thanks everyone!

Lee was 1st Runner Up to Rizal Tanjung in 2006, and set out at the beginning of the 2007 season to put his name on the trophy by the end of the year. His go-for-it style, natural ability, and commitment to the goals he set put him solidly in first place with wins at the first two events of the season, a position he retained through the remainder of the season. Lee was born and raised in Indonesia, his father from Australia and his mother is Indonesian. He has been sponsored by Rip Curl since he was 13 years old, and has been featured in numerous times in international surfing magazines and videos.

The ISC would like to thank all the sponsors and supporters who have made this the best ISC tour season ever, and appreciate all the time and effort put in by the crew each weekend to run the events and make this tour a success. With your continued support, well be back bigger and better for 2008. Terima Kasih, Matur Sukseme, and Thank You!

Complete ranks & info: ISC site.

Dude. Great surf destination, Bali!

Click here to view the embedded video.

Contact: Tim Hain
Mobile: +62 8123606674
Email: Tim Hain

SURF FOR BALI KIDS CHARITY DINNER AND 6-STAR SURFING COMP PRESENTED BY OAKLEY AND VILLA MANA FIRST EVER ISC SANCTIONED CHARITY SURF CONTEST IN INDONESIA
Kuta-Bali, 4 October 2007 – The first ever ISC sanctioned charity surf competition in Indonesia will be held at Canggu Beach from 14-21 October in conjunction with a fundraising charity dinner at the Huu Bar on the 12th of October. The beneficiary is Bali Kids, a non-profit orphanage and medical care facility established in 2004 in Bali as part of the Carry for Kids organization of Australia, which has been helping needy children across South East Asia since 1977.

Bali Kids currently houses 17 children and provides local and mobile medical care to some 4,000 kids in 60+ orphanages around Bali with the support of donations from Australia, the US, and Indonesia. With additional funding, Bali Kids plans to build their own facility and further increase their ability to house more children, and then to provide more medical care to the thousands of needy children housed in the many orphanages throughout Bali.

This event came to fruition through the efforts of the owner of Villa Mana in the Canggu area of Bali, who now has the distinction of being the first non-surf industry sponsor of an ISC event. A recent newcomer to the surf contest game, but having organized and held the Villa Mana Surf Challenge at Canggu in 2006, the owner credits the experience of building his villa in Canggu with furthering his sense of appreciation for the island of Bali and the local surfing community and wanting to give something back. Of course having my first child conceived in Bali made an impact of a different sort, he said. But seeing how stoked the kids are when theyre out surfing caused me look around for some way that I could help to keep that stoke going, and going in a positive direction. A surf contest seemed like the most natural and direct thing to do.

After experiencing the positive effects of the event and realizing that there was much more that could be done, Villa Mana contacted the ISC for assistance in both sanctioning and creating a bigger and more unique type of event for 2007; a charity event to raise money for a worthy cause, as well as a contest by which to support the local surfers. The Bali Kids organization was chosen as the beneficiary, primarily due to its affiliation with the Australian-based Carry For Kids organization. A subsequent meeting led to a search for a presenting sponsor, one that would bring a high level of international media attention to the event as well as expertise with event organization. Oakley Indonesia fit that bill perfectly, and as an unexpected bonus was also in the process of searching for a worthy charity cause to take on in 2007.

The Huu Bar and Restaurant will host the Surf For Bali Kids Charity Dinner on October 12 beginning at 7:00 pm. This popular venue also shares in the surfing spirit, its name taken from the wave-rich area of Sumbawa that is commonly referred to as Lakey Peak. The evening will include dinner, live music, entertainment by the Bali Kids, a silent and a live auction, and videos of the Bali Kids. Autographed sports products from Oakley such as personally autographed Lance Armstrong Signature Eyewear and Poster, Rick Kelly autographed caps, a Diamond Minute Machine, handicrafts/art from the Bali Kids, and many items from other sponsors such as hotel vouchers, golf, dinners, tours and more will be sold at auction. The Charity Dinner tickets are just Rp. 495,000 per person, and all proceeds from auction sales will go directly to the Bali Kids.

Canggu Beach will be the location for the final surf competition of the 2007 ISC tour season, the Surf For Bali Kids 6-star comp with Rp 30,000,000 in prize money, taking place during the period of October 14-21 (waiting period). Top Indonesian pro surfers will be vying for points in order to finish the year strong, and to see who will take home the championship trophy at the end of the season. Canggu Beach is one of the most photographed beaches in Bali, with top pros such as Andy Irons, Mick Fanning, Kelly Slater, and others coming each year to show off for the cameras and enjoy the high performance waves and warm water. The contest will be held over a two-day period when the swell forecast calls for the most favorable conditions. The event includes a Masters (over 35 years old) contest and a locals only as well. Contestants entry fees and a percentage of the prize money will be donated to the Bali Kids, and at the conclusion of the contest there will be live entertainment by local bands Raja and 4WD courtesy of sponsor Rock & Royalty.

Sponsors for the Surf For Bali Kids charity event are still being added, but to date include Oakley Indonesia, Villa Mana, SurfTime, Magic Wave, Hello Bali, The Beat, Bali and Beyond, GUS, Chocolate Factory, Huu Bar, Heineken, Rock & Royalty, and Odysseys Surf School.

To purchase tickets for the Charity Dinner, please contact:

Ani at ISC (0361) 743 1839
Kadek Kerti at Oakley (0361) 848 0471
Bonnie at Oakley 08129383701
Huu Bar (0361) 736 443

To make a donation directly to Carry For Kids and/or Bali Kids, transfer funds to:

Carry For Kids Inc.
Bank: ANZ
Account: 4939 25393 (in AUD)
BSB: 015 025
Swift code: ANZBAU3M

Yayasan Anak-Anak Bali
Bank: Permata-Kuta Permai – Bali – Indonesia
Account: 5801289551 (Indonesia Rupiah)
Swift code: BBBAIDJA

From the PRESS RELEASE

The first surf series of 2007 – 2008 season began at Medewi Beach. After 3 hours drive early Sunday morning at 4 am, we were blessed with a perfect day for Swordfish. It was sunny day with great 3 feet glassy long waves, with our favorite delicious “nasi bungkus” – traditional lunch from Medewi that wrapped in banana leaf – and whole slew of kids that came down to compete who cheered on their friends and got nuts for Volcom’ giveaways. And here is how the finals went down.

The Groms final was packed with young and new comer kids. They were ripping hard, but the older kids like Abi Azwar Anas and Soleh Mahendra surfed step higher and took the 1st and 2nd place. Yet, the new comers, Gede Ludra and Heri Hervian showed big smiles when they got the 3rd and 4th place … they brought home some cash and Volcom products plus ticket to join the VQS Indo Champ in June 2008!

Ahmad Kamal who dominated the day from the first heat in Junior Division was crowned as the winner. He was on fire and made some impressive scores and took the win. Rounding out the final were Dwi Marnox, Chock and Munawir.

Pro Ams was a war! They had some great set of the day and Volcom boy Muklis Anwar was ripping and finding the best waves. For 2nd and 3rd place there was a battle between Hadi and Bisri, at the end Bisri got a slightly better point.

Good job for all the finalists … you are qualified for the VQS Indo Champ in June 2008!

Thanks to everybody who helped us out to make it happen, all kids, all media, local judges for all the help, friendship and brotherhood, Volcom Indo Team & Riders. Know peace not war…

RESULT
Pro Am
1st Muklis Anwar
2nd Bisri
3rd Hadi
4th Herman

Junior (17 & Under)
1st Ahmad Kamal
2nd Dwi Marnox
3rd Chock
4th Munawir

Groms (14 & Under)
1st Abi Azwar Anas
2nd Soleh Mahendra
3rd Gede Ludra
4th Heri Hervian

Surf Time Magazine—the original Indo surf mag held the 4th annual Surf Time Awards for surfers and skateboarders in Indonesia—voted by Surf Time readers within 1 year. The Surf Awards were on August 10, 2007 at Tubes Club, Poppies 2, Kuta, Bali. While the Skate Awards were in junction with Rusty Game of SKATE in Monas, Jakarta, a day after Indo Independence Day.

Surf Awards
1. Surfer of the Year: Rizal Tanjung
2. Female Surfer of the Year: Fesi Klink
3. Hottest Surfer: Rahtu Suargita
4. Surfer with the Biggest Balls: Mustofa Jeksen
5. Rookie Surfer: One Anwar
6. Best Air: Made Adi Putra (Bol)
7. Best Surf Film: Shades of Bali
8. Best Surf Photographer: Kiki
9. Best Surf Shop: Point Break World
10. Special Award: Tipi Jabrik — CEO Indonesian Surfing Championship (ISC)

Skate Awards
1. Skater of the Year: Pevi
2. Hottest Skater: Indra Kubon
3. Skater with the Biggest Balls: Firman Endo
4. Rookie Skater: Denny TX
5. Best Street Rider: Rino (Padang)
6. Best Flip: Agung HB
7. Best Skate Film: Better Days
8. Best Skate Photographer: Nareen
9. Best Skate Shop: Insect
10. Special Award: BASE (Bali Action Sports Extreme) Skatepark

This + That
*Best Event: Kuta Karnival

More info for the winners, check out Surf Time Magazine October-November 2007 issue or www.surf-time.com