The Future Of Indonesian Surfing

Nusa Lembongan, the small satellite island off of Bali’’’s east coast, has always been linked to the ocean. From its spectacular diving and snorkeling to industrial income like fishing or seaweed farming for international export, there is a lot happening in Lembongan’’s waters. Like Bali, surfing was one of the first ways Nusa Lembongan became so famous so fast, and if you look at the lineups of Shipwreck or Lacerations on any day of waves the amount of people out surfing surely backs this theory.

Amongst the crowds of surfers on Lembongan, you might happen to see hometown boys Putra Hermawan, Putu Anggara and Agus Frimanto out tearing it up. These three junior surfers ran the show this year, placing first, second and fourth respectively in the 2009 ISC Junior division.

Finishing in third place the previous year, 17 year old Putra was determined to dominate in 2009. And so he did, finishing 2009 as the #1 Indonesian Junior along with full sponsorship support from Rip Curl and Light surfboards. Following his win at the Rip Curl GromSearch Final in Kuta, Putra is now entered into the GromSearch Championships at Bells Beach Australia in early 2010 against the best international juniors.

Putu is the only goofy footer of the three, and at 16, also the youngest. Putu’’s 2008 debut year saw him win the Quiksilver King Of The Groms National Final as well as the Under 17 Volcom National Final. 2009 saw him runner up to Putra Hermawan in the GromSearch Final and 2nd overall on the Junior ISC standings. Putu is a legitimate competitor with a lightfoot but hard-hitting style and is just beginning to hit his stride.
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