If you’re lazing around in Bali right now, you may have noticed a rather significant influx of pro surfers to the island. (Yes, we know that pro surfers frequent the island, but we mean there are A LOT of them around right now). And that’s because the Corona Bali Protected is ON and the waves at Keramas are pumping!
To get you all caught up, here’s what you need to know about the World Surf League’s ONLY stop in Asia.
The Details
Running until 25 May at Keramas, in eastern Bali, the 2019 Corona Bali Protected is the third stop on both the Men’s & Women’s 2019 World Surf League tour. The event features the Surf League’s Top 34 male and 17 female surfers plus a few wildcards.
Why it’s “Protected.”
Not too long along the Corona Bali Protected, was simply the Corona Bali Pro. Well, last year the name was changed. Corona is now looking to not only run a clean and green event but also spread environmental awareness amongst surf fans. The event is 100% free of single-use plastics!
Additionally, the Corona Bali Protected teamed up with Parley for the Oceans, developing a commitment to protecting 100 islands around the world from marine plastic pollution.
Read also: Creating a Plastic-less World with Bye Bye Plastic Bags’ Melati and Isabel Wijsen
The State of Affairs
It’s time for the Quarterfinals!
We’re loving the drama of this year’s event. It’s been a time of massive upsets, especially in the Men’s division with 7 of the Top 10 seeded surfers having been eliminated – including the reigning World Champ, Gabriel Medina, and last year’s winner Italo Ferreira!
The women’s side is featuring a pretty similar look too! Lakey Peterson, the defending champ, was dispatched, as was Current World No. 1 Caroline Marks.
Surfing Keramas
Keramas is the chosen spot for the Corona Bali Protected for a reason – it’s a favourite of local pros and only to be surfed by those who really know what they’re doing.
The spot has a thick and right-hand breaking wave, steep faces, and a fast-breaking barrel. The waves are ideal for big manoeuvres and the occasional aerial trick. It’s typically super crowded and has a shallow reef break (i.e. wiping out can have disastrous consequences).
Read also: Best Bali Surf Spots for Beginners
How you can join in!
Are you going to be in Bali this weekend? The final showdowns are happening on Saturday. So, grab your beach towel, make your way to Keramas and plonk yourself down on the beach! The event is free and open to the public.
If you can’t make it to Bali, you can follow all the action LIVE at WorldSurfLeague.com and Facebook.com/WSL
If you want to help the Corona Bali Protected save the marine world, as part of the event’s collaboration with Parley, they are selling reusable bags designed by pro surfers, like Gabriel Medina and Rosy Hodge. Each bag was made from over five bottles of plastic. For each bag purchased, Corona will donate another three bags to the local community. This helps Bali in its transition away from single-use plastic. As of this writing, 20,186 bags have been donated.
Brilliant surfing to save the world!
