Swellnet Sessions

Padang Padang pumped at 4-5 feet all day as 16 Balinese surfers fought out the trials of the Padang Padang Cup. Bukit locals such as Blacky, Manik, Agus Dag Dag, Cockie, Loyo, Teko and Koko - who collectively have the best names of any surf community in the world - took apart the groomed, long period swell with Rahtu finishing first and Alik second. Each now gets a starting place in the main event.

All photos by Rip Curl / Mick Curley.

It was a comp that defied expectations; the trade winds were kind, the swell consistent, and even those who knew how good it could get were gobsmacked at the quality on the last two days. Parko took the trophy and shot himself back into contention for the world title. He now sits in third. 

For Shane Arrold, yesterday started under a firesky sunrise at Bondi before scoping an Eastern Suburbs bay handling the size. Then, after a quick trip over the bridge, shooting a tight little ledge from above.

Sydney under an east swell means plenty of options.

All photos by Shane. His Facebook page is also worth a romp.

After four laydays today's action at the Oakley Bali Pro came in the shape of a clean six foot swell and a full draw of Round 3 heats. For the most part the surfers followed the script with the big guns blazing advancing into the next round. Only in the last heat of the day did things go awry with title-chasing Jordy Smith going down to Freddy P, the only goofy to win all day.

To read more check Braithy's Semi Pro Shakedown

Who knows how many barrels he's racked up during this recent run of swell? One thing's for sure: most people rocking into the Cape Solander carpark over the last two weeks would've seen Mark Mathews familiar tube style on show. He's been a glutton alright. But it hasn't come without the odd bit of due-paying and after a swag of clean barrels Charlie S catches Mathews taking a lip clean to the back of the head.

All photos Charlie Straumeitis.