Our Grillfish surf series was held this Sunday but it was anything but a Sun day. The sky was overcast and the ground was wet with rain despite the rainy season being over.
As soon as we set foot onto the beach we realized that the ocean seemed equally disinterested in our plans of ripping it up because the waves were flat. But when life gives you lemons make lemonade, so in true Volcom fashion we did just that, resulting in a juicy Sunday of surfing. 
There was certainly a storm on Balangan Beach and it took the form of the young riders out there fighting the elements.
The little guy in the groms division, Rio, took control and beat Tommy Sobry, Volcom grom rider from Bingin. In the Junior division (17 & Under), Koko Mitsua (the former champion in the grom division) proved himself a worthy competitor and took the crown once again.
Rio surfed with all of his heart and definitely appeared bigger in the water than all of his larger sized competitors.
Koko walked away with another victorious year. He’ll be competing in the Junior Division Final in the VQS Indonesian Championship this year.
While the riders were competing in the water, the kids were competing on the beach, a few being lucky enough to win cool Volcom gear for spotting the Volcom team riders photos in a magazine. 
Volcom pro rider Bol suited up as the Stone Man and decided to hit the water to find himself a wave to ride. The Volcom Stone doesn’t sink; it swims.
Pro Am division looked a bit different this year with the absence of Mega Semadi due to his age ineligibility to participate. His place was deservedly taken by Agus Sumerta Yasa, the winner in the Junior division last year. For Agus it seems its not the size of the wave, it’s the speed of the man. 
In the additional division, the aerial show, Mega Semadi held nothing back. He made the one big maneuver and people just went…”what just happened?” It was a clear winning movement from Mega. With this year’s aerial show qualification system, he took the spot to participate from this region. Last year he won the Pro Am division, this time he made his way in another different qualifying division.
Results:
Groms (14 & Under):
1. Rio
2. Tommy Sobry
3. Aditya Putra Rahayu
4. Dyou
Junior (17 & Under):
1. Koko Mitsua Antara
2. Agus Sudiantara
3. Putu Prastya Darma
4. I Gede Angga
Pro Am:
1. Agus Sumerta Yasa
2. Agus Setiawan
3. Agus Julyantara
4. Agus Tinawan
Aerial show:
1. Mega Semadi
2. Agus Sumerta Yasa
3. Agus Setiawan
4. Sempol
A BIG thanks to all the event staff, Camel and local kids for the support. We look forward to seeing you all in the VQS Indonesian Championship this July!
11 April 2011
Grillfish Surf Series - Balangan Beach, Bali (3rd April, 2011)
27 February 2011
Geckofish Surf Series - Biaung Beach, Sanur (Feb 20, 2011)
Given that it was the first event in the year 2011, we showed up to the Geckofish surf series in Sanur with grins wider than our faces! It seems the kids were even more excited than we were and came mad early, waiting patiently at the beach waroengs for our crew to arrive. We could sense it immediately - the air was filled with the raw, unbridled energy of youth and competition. It was on.
The waves were pretty solid with 3 to 4 foot swells that consistently churned out these long stretching barrels. We had a turnout of 80 kids and we were ready to let the feeding frenzy begin. The kids in the groms division started the festivities and although the rivalry was tight, there could only be one victor – Komang Bayu Pranata.
Putu Anggara, one of the contestants in Pro Am division, getting some air. He secured his spot in 2nd place losing out to his teammate, Putra Hermawan.
Kids, judges, and the Volcom crew all came together to share their passion for riding the ocean. 
The barrels kept rolling in throughout the morning and this contestant caught a sweet free ride.
We saw a few familiar faces from last year in the Junior division, with Komang Komo and Ediana Putra becoming regulars of the VQS Geckofish surf series. The dedication is clearly paying off as Komang proved himself to be the best in the division.
Kuncung managed to catch some vertical during the Airshow, but with waves a little under 2 feet, the conditions were not ideal for takeoff.
Another competitor in the Airshow division who spreads his wings for this gnarly aerial.
Komang Putra Hermawan is definitely an Indonesia surfer to look out for - at just 18 he’s got a bright future ahead of him.
There were no surprises when Putra Hermawan walked away as the winner of the Pro Am division. As the winner of the Indonesian Surfing Championship 2010, he proved his reputation as a champion by grabbing the win for the Airshow division as well.
Results:
Groms division:
1. Komang Bayu Pranata
2. Kadek Hendrawan
3. Eka Nanda
4. Tedi
Junior division:
1. Komang Komo
2. Ediana Putra
3. A. Mardiana
4. Putu Eka
Pro Am:
1. Komang Putra Hermawan
2. Putu Anggara
3. Tia Nustawan
4. Mulle
Airshow division:
1. Komang Putra Hermawan
2. Putu Anggara
Special thanks to our crew, judges, local riders, Made Sutama, local authorities and county council for the huge support year after year keeping the VQS Geckofish surf series in Sanur alive and vibrant.
26 October 2010
HELIFISH Surf Series - Cimaja Sunset Beach, Karang Papak (3 October, 2010)
This is our 5th season of hosting the Helifish surf series in Cimaja Sunset beach and our love for this spot just keeps growing. It’s the combination of the mountainous backdrop, the kids’ enthusiasm, and the unpredictability of the waves that just keeps drawing us back. 
We all slept with our fingers and toes crossed and apparently it worked because the sun was shining and the weather was SWEET. We divided the beach into 2 judging spots, and with waves just under 2.5 feet, the whistle blew to get the Grom’s going. 
Sadly the ocean was not being friendly to our little groms, as the current was too strong for them to manage, so after the first heat we switched it over to the Junior division. The bigger boys handled the ocean just fine, Teguh handling it a little better than the other, scoring himself 1st place.
As we proceeded into the Pro Am division, Cakraduya stunned everyone with more than just his golden hair, dominating every heat and scoring the highest points in the division.
The Groms got back into the water once the ocean calmed down, and these guys were fired up. No one likes waiting, especially not a group of under 12 year olds. Dian, who rode 11 hours from Pangandaran to make it to the competition, made sure his trip wasn’t in haste and nabbed the first place. Once the awards were given out, the rain came down, couldn’t ask for better timing.
Results:
Groms:
1. Dian H.
2. Muldi
3. Ook
4. Rizal
Juniors:
1. Teguh
2. Rian Hidayat
3. Arifin
4. Atris
Pro-Am:
1. Cakrayuda
2. Rudy Bombom
3. Rian Hidayat
4. Fredy
A huge thanks to all local event staff that help to make this possible, Boyke, our driver Jae with his relentless driving, local kids, local media and the government of Sukabumi.
Much LOVE West Java.
SWORDFISH Surf Series - Medewi Beach (8 August, 2010)
The VQS season finally came around and we kicked it off in Medewi beach, Bali West Side. Beauty and the beasts was the main caption of this event, as the amazing natural scenery of this spot was held captive by the riders tearing it up in the water.
All the kids had their hands high up in the air ready to participate in the event. Many of them were alumni from last year’s Pro Am including players like Dwi Marnox, Kamal, Umar. Given that the coast is filled with rocks and coral, the groms started the session since it would be safer while the tide was still high.
Umar Anas, the little bro of last year’s contestant Aswar Anas, charged the sets and fought a solid battle against his competitors. Ranu, Aldi and Endi answered the call, and they all made it through into the final of the groms division.
In the Junior division, last year’s contestant Samsul Hidayat swerved and swaggered in the water with the class of Sinatra on stage. But he wasn’t alone in showcasing his moves with Dayat, Abi and Soleh Mahendra stepping to him to take it into the final. 
The Pro Am division didn’t change much from the last competition in terms of talent, with Ari Mustofa, Dwi Marnox, Abi and Komang Ari heading through into the final.
By the time we got into the finals the tide was low and the stakes were raised, as the big rocks and sharp coral threatened to break more than just surfboards. But this didn’t deter the boys and they pushed on, with Umar Anas emerging to be the best in his division. 
In the Pro Am finals the competition was tight, but eventually it was Dwi Marnox that slipped his way through the cracks and scored the highest points. All of the finalists from today secured their spot to be in the VQS Final next year.
Results:
Groms (14 & Under):
1. Umar Anas
2. Ranu
3. Aldi
4. Endi
Junior (17 & Under):
1. Abi
2. Dayat
3. Soleh Mahendra
4. Samsul Hidayat
Pro-Am (21 & Under):
1. Dwi Marnox
2. Abi
3. Komang Ari
4. Ari Mustofa
Air Show:
1. Muklis A.
2. Kadek “Celepuk” Murtika
3. Kamal
Thanks to ALL involved from the event staff, to the locals and especially the riders for having the heart to ride against fear.
24 August 2010
FLYINGFISH Surf Series - Halfway, Kuta Beach (3 July, 2010)
Flyingfish was the last leg of qualifications that determined which surfers from the Kuta area would be included in the final of the VQS Oaks Summer Camp Championship. Kuta is renowned to be the proving grounds of Indonesia’s top surfers, and today all of the riders were eager to go out there and prove themselves.
Raditya Rondi is Kuta’s very own secret weapon, he recently won the ISC Pro series that was held in Kuta as well. As soon as Raditya walked onto the beach everyone knew that he was the contender to watch out for. 
In the 14 & under division Jeren proved himself to be the dominant one, advancing with Moy, Ryan and Wayan into the finals. Meanwhile, in the 17 & under division Sandy Slamet tore open his path into the final, followed closely by Damian Amar, Merta Yasa, and Arya Wijaya.
In the Pro Am division the result was as predicted, Raditya created a huge gap between himself and his competitors, and flash danced his way into the final.
As we progressed into the finals, the victorious were Jeren from the groms and Sandy from the 17 & under division, claiming their titles as the Princes of Kuta.
In the Pro Am final Raditya kept his turns sharp and tight and left his competitors in is beautiful white mist, fulfilling the prophecy and winning the division. All finalists are through to the final round at the VQS Oaks Summer Camp Championship tomorrow for the last and largest day of camping.
Results:
Groms (14 & Under):
1. Jeren Kirin
2. Wayan Sunarta
3. A. Gd. Ryan Sudiatmika
4. Md. Rai Darmaji
Juniors (17 & Under):
1. Sandy Slamet
2. Made Merta Yasa
3. Damian Amar
4. Arya Wijaya
Pro Am (21 & Under):
1. Raditya “Cabul” Rondi
2. I Wayan Darma Putra
3. I Made Darma Yasa
4. Sima Rai
Thanks to all the VQS Staff, Kuta locals, beach kids, Bol, Tawan, Lapur and Gogo as well as all of the judges. Let the Kids Ride Free!
13 July 2010
TOTALLY CRUSTACEOUS OAKS SUMMER CAMP 2010 Championships - Halfway Kuta Beach (4th July, 2010)
Sunday morning and it’s the start of the Totally Crustaceous Oak Summer Camp. The clouds were feeling a little heavy today and decided to crash our party, dropping rain on our fine-tented establishment. But its all a part of camping and the show must go on.
The youngest of the campers were the lucky first to get a taste of surfing in the rain, and they showed true scout spirit, shredding the water in more ways than one. Ultimately, it was Tommy Sobry, Komo, Wayan Sunarta, and Jeren who made it to the finals of the groms 14 & Under division.
In the 17 & Under division, counselors sensed dominant moves from Dwi Marnox and Sandy Slamet with their strong combos.
By the time we reached the senior campers in the 21 & Under division the Gods started to favor us and the rain had stopped. Once we could see clearly, we realized we were witnessing the clash of young titans with Putra Hermawan, Agus Frimanto, and Raditya Rondi all stepping up their game; however the finals were reserved for only the mightiest - Mega Semadhi, Made Darma Yasa, Raditya Rondi and Putra Hermawan.
After 2 years of being omitted from the schedule, the Belly Floppers of air shows was again included in the event. Gogo, one of our Volcom riders who just returned from the VQS final in the USA, went up against his teammates Kunyit, Celepuk, Garut (last year’s VQS Champ) and Dedi Santoso.
The boys were fiery and put on a spectacular air show, definitely one for the books!
You can’t go camping without music and a barbeque!
With song, sumptuous food, and surfing all in the mix, you couldn’t ask for a better concoction of happiness served up to all of our campers and visitors. The surfers weren’t the only one winning prizes, as visitors got the chance to grab up some Volcom goodies from winning camping games. 
By late afternoon most of the campers were getting tired, but the finalists in the Air Show were geared to take off once again.
It was a less of a bunny hop and more of a cricket jump, but either way we were all impressed by Dedi Santosa’s rabbit-like prowess.
The groms in the finals were all striving to be the #1 best camper, but Komo was the camper with the hamper in the end. Meanwhile, in the 17 & Under division the riders paddled out quite far to put themselves in the best positions. The previous leader Sandy Slamet got a little lost in the wilderness enabling Made Merta Yasa to emerge as the champion camper.
Once the super campers Pro Am were in the water, waves were being shredded in all directions, leaving the counselors confused as to which way to look. As soon as Raditya Rondi eased into the frame though there was only one way to look, his way; and he kept us looking all the way to the finish.
Raditya took first place, Mega was the runner up, and last but definitely not least, Hermawan.
Smiles on all the campers faces, Volcom delivered another educational experience to the young and old of what it means to be high off life.
Results:
Groms (14 & Under):
1. Komo
2. Jeren Kirin
3. Wayan Sunarta
4. Tommy Sobry
Junior (17 & Under):
1. Made Merta Yasa
2. Sandy Slamet
3. Putu Anggara
4. Dwi Marnox
Pro Am (21 & Under)
1. Raditya Rondi
2. Mega Semadhi
3. Putra Hermawan
4. Made DarmaYasa
Belly Floppers (Air show):
1. Dedi Santosa
2. Garut
3. Darma Putra
Thanks go out to: Electric Visual and Future fins with the Air show prize, our energy booster Redbull, Volcom staff, Kuta Lifeguards and to all campers and visitors.
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