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Dede Suryana, Wave Chaser from Cimaja

Name: Dede Suryana, Wave Chaser from Cimaja
Uploaded: 2023-07-07T02:53:16Z
Duration: 20 min 32 s
Description: More than two decades of surfing, Dede Suryana (35) has not only ridden the waves in the ocean, but also the waves of life.

More than two decades of surfing, Dede Suryana (35) has not only ridden the waves in the ocean, but also the waves of life.

This article has been translated using AI. See Original .

ABDULLAH FIKRI ASHRI

· 7 minutes read

The following article was translated using both Microsoft Azure Open AI and Google Translation AI.

For more than two decades of surfing, Dede Suryana (37) not only rides waves in the ocean, but also the waves of life. His determination to become a surfer was once opposed by his family and he was also harassed by others. However, he proved himself with a plethora of international achievements.

The sun had just risen when Dede retreated to Cimaja Beach in Sukabumi Regency, West Java, on Wednesday (24/5/2023). After a brief warm-up, he immediately approached the sea. Lying on his surfboard, his muscular arms paddled through the waves.

There, a number of local and foreign surfers are playing. Some managed to reach to the edge of the beach, but many also fell victim to the waves. When the waves approached, Dede suddenly stood up on the board. With agility, he maneuvered to ride the wave which eventually broke.

The eyes of surfers and visitors alike widened as they watched the world-class surfer's actions. The waves were like a friend he had known for the past 30 years. Dede's house in Cimaja Beach is indeed just a stone's throw away. It's within walking distance.

Also read: Traveling the South of West Java with the Mitsubishi New Xpander Cross

Since the age of six, little Dede often watched local residents and foreigners surfing on the beach. One day, Diki Zulfikar, the first generation of surfers in Cimaja, asked him to go surfing. In fact, the waves there are not recommended for beginners. “No ah, afraid,” he replied.

In addition to lending him his surfboard, Diki also promised to accompany and teach him. He agreed. "When the first wave came, I could immediately stand on the board. Eventually, I became addicted to surfing," said Dede, who also learned to surf from his brothers, namely Edin and Sujari.

After getting a used surfboard, which had turned yellow in color, from an Australian man, Dede became more and more diligent about encountering the waves. Because of his enthusiasm, he had skipped classes during junior high school. "I pretended to be sick. Continue to the beach, surf. Hahaha," he said.

The incident made his parents angry. His father also took off the fins on his surfboard. Dede also saw his father sawing his brother's boards. The future of wave sports at that time was not yet promising. Residents consider, surfing western culture.

However, over time, the residents slowly accepted the sport as many surfers came to enjoy the waves of Cimaja. Moreover, Dede, who was still a teenager, began to attract sponsors. He received products such as surf clothing and funds. His parents also began to support him.

"Dede even received an offer to study in Bali, one of the destinations for surfers. His accommodation and school expenses are covered by his friend. At first, his parents who are farmers were hesitant to let go of their child. Moreover, the culture and religion in Bali are different from Cimaja."

The world of surfing is also closely related to entertainment. However, Dede assures that his goal in going to Bali is to focus on learning to surf. His parents allowed him to go as long as he doesn't forget to pray and attend school. The fourth child out of seven siblings holds onto that trust.

However, all struggles require sacrifice. Not infrequently, he was absent from class. “I got suspended for a week because there were too many permits. I told the teachers and principal, I can study here because surfing,” said this Muhammadiyah Bali high school alumnus.

One day in 2002, Dede won the Volcom surfing competition. As a young surfer, he caught the attention of national and international media. "I took the coverage and brought it to my teacher. Since then, if there's a competition, the school is more willing to allow me," he recalled with a smile.

Also read: Hope for Renewable Energy Independence from South West Java

Victims of bullying

Unfortunately, not all are happy with their achievements. Some just looked at him in the eye. “Some say, I am Javanese, a villager. I don't want to look for trouble. If I lose surfing, I learn again. If you win, don't be arrogant, "he said.

Bad stigma hit him during the Bali Bombings in 2002. The bomb that killed 202 people, including 164 foreigners, left a bad impression on Muslim and Javanese residents of Bali, like Dede. "I was labeled a terrorist. I heard it," he said.

As a result of the bomb, Dede who previously lived with the British had to move and stay with fellow Sundanese friends. Some of his friends in Bali even stopped calling him by his name and instead referred to him as "Javanese" and "terrorist".

"I am being criticized. However, we all condemn the Bali bombings," he said. The situation worsened as Bali, which is a popular tourist destination, suddenly became quiet due to the bombing. There were hardly any tourists visiting. He briefly thought about going home. However, his determination was already set, he wanted to become a world-class surfer."

The opportunity came when a sponsor invited him to Hawaii, which is called the international surfer's "womb". 18-year-old Dede made history when he won the Tood Cheeser Championship in Hawaii. He defeated the nine-time world champion, Kelly Slater.

That moment opened the world's eyes to the fact that Indonesia has a name worth reckoning in surfing. Since then, Dede has been chasing waves in various parts of the world. He has been to San Francisco and San Diego beaches in the United States, Australia, Japan, and even Brazil.

Sponsorships, such as Quicksilver, a well-known brand that sells surfing products, have helped take him around the world. Not infrequently he also traveled alone with his surfboard to chase the waves. He also often sleeps at his friend's place to the station.

He has won various international level achievements. Starting from becoming the overall champion of the Indonesian Surfing Championship 2008, winning two gold medals at the 2008 Asian Beach Games, to winning the Komune Bali Pro 2014, one of the series world surfing championship.

The first Asian surfer to qualify for the World Qualifying Series appeared in newspapers, television, and foreign magazines. Directors Dave Arnold and Tyrone Lebon even made a documentary film about Dede's story titled "Chasing Waves," which was released in 2009.

Fame, traveling, and having a private house in Bali do not make Dede like "a peanut forgets its skin". Around 2015, he chose to settle down to garden in Cimaja. Apart from wanting to be close to his family, this father of two is also developing surfing-based tourism there.

He opened Dede Suryana Place's, which provides accommodation and surf courses. Quicksilver store also stands in his house yard. Surfers from Malaysia, Singapore, and South Korea often stay at his place for a week up to a month.

Tourists, on the other hand, pursue the waves in Indonesia. Bordering the Indian Ocean, the south of West Java is one of the destinations. There, waves appear almost every day. Starting from Cimaja with five-foot high waves to the waves in Ujung Genteng that can reach 30 feet.

However, Dede is concerned about the trash in our country's oceans. He showed a picture displayed on a damaged building at Cimaja Beach. In the photo, Dede is surfing on waves with various plastic waste. "That's one of the beaches in Indonesia," he said angrily.

Dede is actively campaigning for environmental sustainability. He doesn't hesitate to pick up plastic and put it in a trash bin labeled with his name. In his house, there is a special container for plastic mineral water bottles. His board is green and blue.

"Blue is the sea, green is nature. The color green is also identified with Nyi Roro Kidul on the southern coast. However, that message is to remind us to preserve nature," he said. Dede also participated in building the Cimaja Berseri program, in collaboration with Aqua. The focus of the activity is on plastic waste processing."

Dede also supports the birth of young surfers. He lent his board and volunteered to teach local youths to surf. “Surfing can be recreation, career, to achievement. I will continue like this in the world of surfing until I die," he said.

Also read: Ox Eyes to Green Coconut, Typical Culinary Variety from South West Java

Dede Suryana

Born : Sukabumi, October 11, 1985

Education: Muhammadiyah 1 Bali High School

Wife: Sacred Gem Dewi

Children : 2

Performance :

- 2002 Billabong Pro Junior Challenge Champion

- Winner of two gold medals at the 2008 Asian Beach Games

- Champion of Indonesian Surfing Championship 2008

- Winner of Komune Bali Pro 2014

Champion of the Asian Surfing Championship Men's Open 2015

Bronze Medalist at PON Papua 2021

RI Minister of Youth and Sports Award 2021

Editor:

CORNELIUS HELMY HERLAMBANG

Dede Suryana, Wave Chaser from Cimaja

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