Quiksilver Open Bali

Quiksilver Open Bali

Java surfer Dede Suryana wins Quiksilver Open, Keramas!

(Thursday, 24 th April, 2008): The Quiksilver Open Keramas 2008 presented by Jim Beam was finalised today in excellent three-foot (one metre) glassy conditions, with Cimaja (West Java) surfer Dede Suryana defeating Kuta's Raditya Rondi in the final to claim 10 million Rupiah (AUD1,200), 3,000 valuable ratings points and the lead in the race for the Indonesian Surfing Championships (ISC) crown.

An undisputed favourite, Dede went one better than 2007 when he finished runner-up, defeating Raditya in today's decider with two high-scoring waves of 8.03 and an 8.33. Dede's final two-wave combined tally was 16.36 out of a possible 20 points.

Dede also secured the day's highest scoring individual wave, a near-perfect 9.0 point ride, in a tube packed semi-final against famous Balinese surfer Rizal Tanjung.

Both surfer's impressed during the 20 minute semi, but Dede's patience paid off, with superior wave selection and a faltless display against the goofy-foot, Rizal.

Dede's effort was made all the more sweeter given he started in the trials, overcoming four invited surfers to reach the main event, then surf his way all the way to the winner's podium.

“I'm so happy to have won this event!” exclaimed Dede.

“I started in the trials and won every heat. The waves have been really good and I just kept trying my best every heat. Last year second was good, this time I didn't want to stop until I made it to the final one more time!”

Runner-up Raditya was gratious in defeat. His experience on the pressure packed Australian Junior Series, clearly paying off for the Balinese surfer in home waters this week.

“I didn't think I was even going to get as far as I did. I'm just happy to be surfing Keramas. I love surfing here, it's such a perfect wave,” said Raditiya.

The 6-star rated Quiksilver Open Keramas presented by Jim Beam finished three days ahead of schedule, thanks to some highly competitive conditions hitting the renowned right-hand reef.

The Masters Division (O/35s) saw Indonesian surfing legends Artha, Sachang, Pica and Widiartha taking on slightly onshore waves in the final with the energy of the youth. Eventually 41-year old Made Artha took the win, receiving 2,000 points for this first circuit title. Pica, runner up of last year's ISC Masters division, came in second.

Australian icon and former ASP world-rated number five, Matt Hoy (Merewether, NSW) was in town as guest commentator and invitee. As usual, the charismatic Hoy ensured there is as much fun being had on the land as in the water, and was absolutely blown away by the caliber of surfing on display.

“The Balinese surfers are sick! The level and depth of surfing in Bali has gone through the roof in the last few years. If you need proof, well … I got smoked in round three!” explained Hoy.
 
A key component of the Quiksilver Open Keramas is the alignment to local community and environmental organization “GUS”. Collabortaions include the provision of eco friendly toilets at Keramas and rubbish collection during the event.