October 13, 2013, I was invited to participate in a surfing competition featuring the best talent of the young boys surfer Pantai Seseh (or "groms" as they are known in the surfing world). Walking along the Pantai Batu Bolong beach, I went through a crowd of people who were surrounded by marine litter. The plastic trash that washes onto the beaches of Bali is something I give much thought to.
To my delight, after reaching my destination in Pantai Seseh, just before the last lap Balawista Life Saving, a very clean stretch of beach met my eyes. Located behind the banner "Seseh Serasi Surf Contest" sitting several large garbage bags, freshly collected this morning by students of SD3 Seseh Cemagi School.
Three generations of Balinese were present that day; fathers pushing their son (under 10) on the waves, young men and women compèring and judge the competitors, and the boys who were eagerly eyeing the price of the event. A new green brand 5'5 "surfboard was rigged ready to go home with the winner of the SSC 2013. And I was there to see how this" intact traditional community "played their role in creating surfing History of Bali.
Seseh community Living was founded by a Californian tourist, who was clearly loved by the local community and awarded the Balinese name "Pak Wayan". in 1997, he encouraged and allowed the children of the village of Seseh surfing raising funds to hold an annual surfing competition. at first the children were literally surfer "ply -planches wood ", but fortunately for them, American ingenuity came to Bali armed with white foam and soon taught villagers how to shape and make some boards. the seed was sown and was flourishing.
in 2007, Pak Wayan took off in search of new lands, but has given the confidence to stick to local hero Ketut Sadia, Bali Surf Tours. When surfing event moved to Pantai Pererenan it attracted the Australian surfing legend and Quiksilver rider, Jake Paterson, who judged the competition in 2010 and 2011.
"I got involved with Surf Seseh Community and Canggu Surf Community to give a little to the sport I love so much, "said Paterson." having spent the last 30 years of my life in love with surfing, it gave me so much as a Free surfer and a professional surfer. If I can just make a day of helping children, I'm happy. "
CHIEF ORGANIZER
38-year-old Ketut Sadia was the President and more recently Segara Surf Club organizer for the past 16 years. A natural to networking events, Sadia was born in the traditional fishing village of Pantai Seseh, on the west coast of Bali between Seminyak and Tanah Lot. Sadia grew up very close to the beach and was a passionate surfer since he was a teenager. in 2006, Sadia was presented with an award for "best chief organizer of the non-surf industry for the 2006 surf contest in Canggu Beach, Bali 'by Magic wave surf Community newspaper.
"In 1999, I started my service company offering Bali Surf Tours as a teacher surf, surf the tourist guide and the tour guide tourism," says Sadia. "Being in harmony with nature and in perfect balance with the elements has become a lifestyle and a philosophy, and do something positive for others is like a magnet to attract more positive energy. You do not need anything else. "
After a struggle than a year with his health, Sadia was on a healing and spiritual path, which eventually led him to create a memorable connection to the history of Balinese surfing. In 2007, Sadia sent a request paper mayor of Badung (Anak Agung Gede Agung) and soon received a call to attend a meeting at his office. On 15-16 September, the Mayor and Tourism chiefs, Environment and Health attended the grand opening of Canggu Surf Competition 2007. It was the first time surfing was linked with the government.
THE GROMS OF Seseh
When the Australians, Rod and Kay Campbell heard in 2007 that Seseh local surf club was in the need for a sponsor, they jumped at the chance. And surfboards as prizes and other surfing gear offered by many companies, very generous and individuals, the quality of the panels seen on the beach soon moved slabs resembling an ironing board in the most of the latest forms and templates.
"Our relationship with Seseh dates back to 1999 and a key element of this was the relationship with the village and the people who make up this wonderful community," recalls Rod Campbell. "Ketut Sadia and Made Tasna always made us feel welcome, whether in the surf, joining the local ceremonies or just hanging out on the beach. "
for Seseh community, their annual surf contest was also an opportunity push the environmental message to "keep the beach clean. the local school gets behind it and all children, whether or not surfers, competing against each other to see who can collect the most waste and be assigned fun price. the participation of the school even extends to the "ceremony" at the end of the event when the local gamelan band provides a backdrop for the traditional dance from the same children. a great community event and a great way to give something to the people of Seseh.
You can contact Ketut Sadia to www.balisurftours.com