Bali’s surfing priest and island icon Mega Semadhi has won the Padang Padang Rip Curl Cup 2016 in perfect surf at Bali’s premier left hand reef.

The contest saw 16 surfers surf two heats before the eliminations occurred with round 1 and 2 getting off to a slow start, before the Hindu prayers were answered and Padang started to show its teeth. Early standouts included tour veteran Damien Hobgood, arguably one of the world’s most gifted surfers Clay Marzo, Bruce Irons and of course local boy Mega.

There was plenty of 9 and 10’s scored with Mega himself scoring two perfect 10’s in his charge towards the final. The final consisted of the Hawaiians Clay Marzo and Mason Ho with Damien Hobgood and Mega also vying for the coveted Padang crown.

It was really exciting to see Clay taking part in a contest and to see him in the final was no surprise after his surfing throughout the event was something you’d have to see to believe, his double layback in the barrel being something we’ve never seen before!

The final itself started slow before Mason and Damien picked up a few good barrels as the sun was beginning to dip in the Bukit Peninsula, but it was the local priest and Binging local Mega who picked off the two biggest and best waves of the 35 minute final and was crowned Padang Padang champion for the second time!
Congratulations Mega!

Watch the contest below to see Padang Padang in all her glory and when staying at our Bali surf camps you too can experience this magical environment even if the surf is out of your depth.
Padang Padang is a great place to spend the day watching some of the best barrels in the world, swimming in the crystal clear waters of the lagoon, eating delicious local food in the Warungs and as the sun starts to set, it’s the perfect place to make new friends whilst enjoying a cold Bintang!


Other articles you may find helpful:
Bali’s surfing Hindu priest is trying to save surf spot
Top 5 beginner waves in Bali

Photo by: Padang Padang Surf Camp