Wednesday, 9th October 2024 – Pererenan, Bali, Indonesia – The Earth Island Surf Fest came to a thrilling close on October 6, with two days of incredible waves, intense competition, and vibrant community celebration. This team event, held at the picturesque Pererenan river mouth, was designed to bring back the spirit of Bali’s surf scene from the 70s and 80s, and it didn’t disappoint. And the hook? Each surfer had to ride their choice of one of the high-performance twin fin custom built for the festival by five different top surfboard companies. Representing five completely different models from Channel Islands, Sharpeye, Eight-00, Cabianca and Christenson Surfboards.
Day 1 kicked off with the biggest swell of the year hitting the river mouth. The conditions were massive, with solid 12-foot sets pounding the black sand coast of Pererenan. Despite the intimidating waves, Raphael Castro from the Sharpeye team rose to the challenge, scoring an impressive 9.88 with his powerful surfing in the huge waves. Harry Mann also stunned the crowd, fearlessly pulling into one of the gnarliest barrels ever witnessed in Pererenan.
Matt George, renowned surf commentator, added, “This is survival of the fittest. How they survive out there on those little twin fins, I don’t know. But whatever they are doing, they’re surfing with courage and grace”
By Day 2, the swell had mellowed, offering a chance for all competitors to show off their technical skills. With more manageable waves, surfers were able to display a variety of styles, making it an exciting day for both surfers and spectators.
In a surprising twist during the final heat, Tipi Jabrik, the founder of Earth Island Surf Fest, made a game-changing decision after reviewing competition footage. It was revealed that the Earth Island Surf Team had unintentionally used the same board across multiple surfers, violating the event’s rule that required each surfer to ride a different board. As a result, Tipi made the call to deduct 5 points from their final score.
“After the final, we discovered that the Earth Island surfers had shared the same board during the final heat. To maintain fairness and uphold the integrity of the competition, we had to deduct points,” explained Tipi Jabrik.
This crucial point deduction handed the victory from the Earth Island Team to the Onboard Surf Team, whose teamwork and skill throughout the event was equally impressive. Final standings? Onboard took the top spot, edging out tough competition to win the inaugural 2024 Earth Island Surf Fest.
Final Standings:
1. Onboard
2. JS Surfboards
3. Earth Island
4. Sharpeye
5. Deus
Special Awards:
Best Male Surfer: Raphael Castro (Sharpeye Team)
Best Female Surfer: Giada Legati (Onboard Team)
Best Barrel: Dylan Hayllar (JS Surfboard Team)
Best Cutback: Kadek Murtika (Celepuk) (Pererenan Surf Team)
Best Style: Oscar Langburne (Onboard)
The festival was not just about competition, though. The event space came alive with music, sustainable workshops, and a nostalgic setup that captured the spirit of Bali’s surf culture in the 70s and 80s. Longtime surfers, industry veterans, and fans new to the scene all gathered to celebrate the roots of Bali’s surf heritage and share in the excitement of the weekend.
Tipi Jabrik summed up the event’s vibe perfectly, “This weekend was all about celebrating the heart of Bali’s surf culture—the waves, the community, and the roots that have made this place so special. It’s been amazing to see everyone come together and reconnect with what makes our surf culture so unique.”
As the sun set on the final day, Earth Island Surf Fest ended on a high note, with a promise to return next year, stronger than ever, continuing to honor Bali’s surf legacy while inspiring the next generation of surfers.
About Earth Island
There is an incredible synergy between humans and water. As an element, it makes up 70 percent of our being. Metaphorically, it represents the ability to be fluid – to rise, fall and flow. Spiritually, it symbolizes preservation.
Physically, it’s a life source. Engaging with the oceans through surfing, we have formed a profound respect for water and nature as a whole. To ride a barrel is to be in the grips of Mother Earth’s vortex – surrendered to her rhythm, in awe of her power. It is one of the purest dialogues between us and the natural world.
About Earth Island Surf Fest
Earth Island Surf Fest was created to bring the surf community together and celebrate Bali’s rich surf history. Through team-based competitions and community-driven initiatives, the festival is committed to preserving the beaches and supporting the local surf culture that has made Bali a global surf destination