The 2018 edition of the Rip Curl Cup is officially on high alert, the WSL announced today on its website. A “stunning” southwest swell is heading towards Bali and the perfect, spacious barrels of Padang Padang are expected to break on Sunday, July 15 for a 7:00 a.m. start to the event.

“Our goal is to see eight of the world’s best tube riders alongside eight of the best local Padang Padang surfers on the best day of the year, anything less than that and we’re not going to make it,” said James Hendy, event director.

In the series that have already aired, there are already some new additions: Jack Freestone and Damien Hobgood are no longer in the cast, and the German-Portuguese Nic Von Rupp and Josh Kerr are in their place. There is also a location that is listed as “to be determined”.

According to Surfline's forecast, the storm started its path further north than normal, meaning it is closer to Bali. “This will help with both size and consistency. Face size will be between 8 and 10 feet during high tide and in the afternoon, as the tide goes down, the largest sets will exceed 12 feet of face.”

Defending champion Mega Semadhi, who already has two titles under his belt, said he will give his all to win the cup for the third time. “Let’s hope that Dewa Baruna, the god of the ocean, will be on our side and bless us with a good swell for Padang.”

Most of the 16 invited surfers are already on the Bukit Peninsula, preparing for this swell and the rest are already on their way.

All indications are that the tournament will take place on Sunday. These are the series:
Series 1 Garut Widiarta (IND) Mason Ho (HAW)-TBC Agus "Blacky" Setiawan (IND)Jay Davies (AUS)
Series 2 Lee Wilson (IND), Josh Kerr (AUS), Mustofa Jeksen (IND), Bruno Santos (BRA)
Series 3 Mega Semadhi (IND), Jack Robinson (AUS), Alik Rudiarta (IND), Gearoid McDaid (IRL)
Series 4 Bol Adi Putra (IND), Nic Von Rupp (PRT), Mega Artana (IND), Jacob Willcox (AUS)

Round 2
Series 1 Garut Widiarta (IND), Bruno Santos (BRA), Mustofa Jeksen (IND), Jacob Willcox (AUS)
Series 2 Lee Wilson (IND), Jack Robinson (AUS), Agus "Blacky" Setiawan (IND), Gearoid McDaid (IRL)
Series 3 Mega Semadhi (IND), Josh Kerr (AUS), Mega Artana (IND), Nic Von Rupp (PRT)
Series 4 Made Adi Putra (IND), Mason Ho (HAW) TBC, Alik Rudiarta (IND), Jay Davies (AUS)