The day before the contest, I was already feeling excited. My dad and I went down to Batukaras early to squeeze in some practice. The waves were clean and friendly—just right for warming up my pop-ups and trying a few faster takeoffs.
While we were out in the lineup, I noticed another grom waiting for waves with her dad. We started chatting between sets, and I learned her name was Saika. A few minutes later, I found out she’s the daughter of Mang Dede Suryana, the national surfing legend from Cimaja!
It felt a little bit unreal. I mean, how often do you meet someone whose parent is a pro surfer? Even though she’s only a kid like me, she already has such good style and timing. We shared waves, laughed, and helped each other spot the best ones rolling through the point.
1. Day One: Kickoff, Inspiration, and Giving Back
On Friday, July 4, 2025, the contest officially started. When we arrived, the beach was alive with energy—tents going up, boards lined along the sand, and kids running around with their friends.
The day began with the Opening Ceremony, which felt almost like a big celebration of everything surfing means here in Batukaras. There were banners, local music, and a lot of smiling faces.
One of the best parts was the knowledge-sharing session. Dean Permana, a local hero surfer, gave a keynote speech about how important it is to balance school and surfing. He said that even when you have big dreams, you should never forget your education because it makes you stronger and more prepared for everything in life.
Then, Mang Dede Suryana shared his story. He talked about growing up in Cimaja, the challenges he faced to become a professional athlete, and how much discipline and passion it takes to make surfing your career. It was so inspiring hearing how he turned a small dream into a lifetime of achievements.
Here’s a look at how the day’s schedule went:
✅ 10:30–11:00 – Registration: Everyone lined up to sign in for their divisions. Because I’m still 8 years old, I signed up for the Push Division, which is specially for younger kids learning to compete.
✅ 11:00–13:00 – Break (Isoma): We grabbed snacks, drank coconut water, and relaxed under the tents.
✅ 13:00–16:00 – Fun Games: There were relay races, paddle challenges, and surf trivia. Even though it wasn’t competition time yet, everyone was already fired up.
✅ 16:00–17:00 – Beach Clean: All the groms, parents, and volunteers grabbed bags and picked up trash along the shore. I love that the event included this, because it shows how important it is to care for the ocean that gives us so much.
“The ocean teaches us to be humble. Whether you win or fall, you always respect the water.”
2. Learning From Legends and Meeting New Friends
The first day wasn’t just about getting ready—it was about feeling part of something bigger. I met so many groms who were also here for their first competition. Everyone was excited, a little bit nervous, and ready to learn.
There weren’t that many girls competing—only 5 grom girls joined this event, including me. It felt pretty special to stand out and represent all the surf girls who dream big. Even though we were fewer in number, the stoke and determination were just as strong.
Before our break around 11 AM, Saika and her dad showed me how to do a smoother duck dive and fix my pop-up alignment so I could stand up quicker. Getting a lesson straight from the family of a national champion was such an honor—I won’t forget it.
Spending time with Saika again made the day extra special. We practiced before the break, taking turns on small peelers. I tried to remember every tip she and her dad shared—especially about board alignment and timing when popup so I could catch waves easier.
It’s moments like this that make me love surfing even more. You never know who you’ll meet or what you’ll learn just by showing up.
Tomorrow: My First Heat Ever
On Saturday, July 5, 2025, the real action begins. The schedule starts early:
✅ 07:30–11:00 – Competition Day 1
Since this is my very first contest, I’m feeling a mix of stoked and a little bit scared. But mostly, I’m grateful I get to do something I love so much.
The Push Division is designed to help younger groms experience the excitement without too much pressure. We still have judges and scoring, but the main goal is to build confidence and learn.
I’ve been practicing my takeoffs, trimming down the line, and keeping my knees bent to stay balanced. My dad always tells me:
“It doesn’t matter where you place—just go out there and surf your best.”
That’s exactly what I’m planning to do.
More About the Grom of Batukaras Surf Contest
This contest is more than just a competition—it’s a way for the surf community to grow stronger. Here are some of the divisions happening over the weekend:
🌟 Longboard Under 18
🌟 Shortboard Under 18
🌟 Shortboard Under 12
🌟 Push Division (for younger kids like me!)
🌟 Parent & Groms Tandem
Seeing all these divisions shows how surfing in Indonesia keeps evolving. From beginners to future pros, everyone has a place in the lineup.
Looking Ahead
Even though tomorrow will be my first heat ever, I feel ready because of all the support from my family, coaches, and friends. Win or lose, I know I’m growing into the surfer I want to become.
After the contest, I’m planning to keep training and maybe join more comps in the future. Every wave teaches me something, and every event like this helps me get closer to my dream of becoming a World Surf League Champion someday.
If you’re thinking about entering your first contest, just remember: you don’t have to be perfect—just be brave enough to try.
Want to Follow My Surf Journey?
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