Billabong is continuing its valuable support of junior surfing by establishing a three-stage Pro Junior Series in Indonesia. Set to begin at the end of May, the Billabong Pro Junior Series is widely recognized as the premiere career launch pad for surfers aged 20/U. The inception of an Indonesian leg will now extend the opportunity for a wider field of competitors an aspiring professionals.
The Billabong Pro Junior will offer international and Indonesian juniors the chance to compete in a professional contest format against their peers from across the globe. With a prize purse in excess of $15,500 USD, the lucrative circuit is set to entice competitors from Australia, Japan, USA, Hawaii, South Africa and Europe.
Billabong’s Indonesian director, Chris James said the series will be a valuable addition to the Indonesian surf culture. “For the new generation of Bali’s surfing talent, the series is a chance to measure their competition standard at their home breaks against the world’s leading juniors,” he said. “It also provides a unique path to competing at an international level. The local boys surf with the world’s best when they visit Bali, and the Billabong Pro Junior Series will offer the chance to compete against them. “In years to come, we hope this foundation will elevate the local surfers to the world stage.”
One such local sure to be a strong contender is Raditya. Fresh from his first season in Hawaii, the goofy-footer was voted Rookie of the Year by Indonesia’s Surftime Magazine last year and will doubtlessly prove a crowd favourite and worthy adversary for both resident and visiting competitors. Capitalizing on Bali’s superb surf breaks, the series, supported by Kustom footwear and Von Zipper eyewear, will be held at three different locations.
The first two stages, to take place at Keramas (31 May – 3 June), and Kuta Reef (29 June – 1 July), will 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. Keramas, “Golden Monkey” to the locals, is a very hollow right-hander, breaking on black lava. The east coast of Bali’s long kept secret is now a favourite for local and international surfers alike.
In stark contrast, Kuta Reef is a perfect left-hand reef break, accessible by local jekung boat. Situated directly in front of the Discovery Kartika Plaza, a sponsor of the series, the event will be judged from a boat in the channel. The series finale takes place about 30 minutes north of Kuta, at Canguu. Canggu boasts a superb right peak, breaking over lava rock, a couple of lefts also working on a lower tide.
The final stage will also feature a girls’ division, enabling an even greater number of locals to compete at a world-class standard. As with many professional events, an added incentive for any visiting surfers will certainly be the opportunity to share the country’s well-known breaks with only a fortunate few of their fellow competitors.
The highest placed Indonesian surfer at the end of the three event series will be granted a position into the Von Zipper Trials, 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.
With a large International contingent already confirmed for the event, including Laurie Towner (Angourie), Heath Joske (Nambucca), Owen Wright (Culburra), Dean Bowen (Gerroa) and Nic Vasicek (Coolangatta), the locals will certainly have their work cut out, but the host nation is certain to prove more than competent at its home breaks. Entry details are available from {encode=”[email protected]” title=”[email protected]”}
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