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World surfer at Banyuwangi: This is the best surf day of my life
World Surf League (WSL) is the world's most prestigious surfing event in the world.
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orld Surf League (WSL) is the world's most prestigious surfing event in the world. Held at the surfer's favorite Plengkung Beach (G-Land), Banyuwangi, the championship was opened by the Minister of Youth and Sports affairs, Zainudin Amali, on May 27.
Surfers around the world appeared enthusiastic at the opening.
Attractions such as jaranan buto (horse-riding dance) and the traditional gandrung dance became a favorite among the world's surfers. Attendants stood up from their chairs and took out their smartphones to record the dancers, who hailed from the Alang-Alang Kumitir in Tegaldlimo,
"This is the most festive opening out of all the championships I've attended. Banyuwangi is incredible. We were greeted with traditional performances," said American female surfer Lakey Peterson.
Brazilian surfer Gabriel Medina was also mesmerized by the spectacle in Banyuwangi. "The opening ceremony is a blast. The dances, the shows, they were all amazing. This is the most awesome surfing event," says the surfer, who was born in 1993.
The attending surfers were excited to try out the challenging waves in G-Land. The beach is known for having the best left breaks in the world, with waves reaching 6-8 meters and two kilometres in length. Surfers were immediately addicted to the waves around the Alas Purwo National Parks. One of them includes Brazilian surfer Jadson Andre.
"I dare say that this is the best surfing day in my life. I thank God for everything," Jadson posted on his social media feed after trying out the waves in G-Land.
Surfers who have previously stepped foot in G-Land were overwhelmed when they returned to the beach. One of them was Kelly Slater, who won the 1995 WSL in G-Land Banyuwangi.
"I am pleased to be back in Banyuwangi with its warm welcome and hospitality. I was here twenty seven years ago and I'm glad to be here again this year. This event is something I've been waiting for," said Kelly, who was born in 1972.
Rio Waida is the only Indonesian surfer to compete in the Banyuwangi series of WSL. He aimed to win in the sixth series of the prestigious championship, which was first held in 1976.
"I'm determined to present a medal for the people of Indonesia," said Rio, who previously won the Sydney Surf Pro 2022.
The competitors' collective enthusiasm was a motivation to Banyuwangi regent Ipuk Fiestiandani. She believed that the success of WSL will be a momentum to revive the economy of East Java post-pandemic.
"The surfer's satisfaction is our motivation. This will become the momentum to recover the tourism sector in Banyuwangi," she added.
Ipuk hoped that G-Land would be the permanent venue for upcoming WSL tournaments. She also intended for Banyuwangi to become the hotspot for surfers around the world, especially now that the Alas Purwo National Park had vastly improved.
"We hope that the success of this year's event will cement Banyuwangi as the best venue for upcoming WSL events. The surfers have been promoting Banyuwangi to their followers, inviting other surfers to visit Banyuwangi." Ipuk concluded.
