QUIKSILVER AIR SHOW 2026 : ALFAN GOES BACK-TO-BACK



Can I do it again? Can I win the Quiksilver Air Show for the second time in one year? On the beach in Canggu, these were the questions running through the mind of Alfan, the Sumbawan Lakey Peak boy with alot on the line. Winning once is one thing. Defending that title is another. Every early morning session, every wave, became part of the same question. Not for fame, but for his family, for Lakey Peak.

From the very first practice session, Alfan wore the yellow jersey from the previous year. Alley-oops, frontside reverses, backside rotations, and sushi rolls flowed one after another. It wasn’t just surfing anymore; it was choreography, every air rehearsed with the same purpose, to be ready when the contest started.

The days blended together. The peaceful rhythm of Lakey Peak was replaced by the chaos of Canggu. Loud music drifted from the beach clubs, scooters buzzed through the streets, and tourists crowded every corner, but none of it distracted him. Even in his sleep he was still surfing.

Contest morning. Competitors gathered on the volcanic black sand of Echo Beach. The Lakey crew had arrived. Bronson, Westen, Satrio, Solit, Rajo, everyone. Alfan sat quietly in the middle of the group, watching the ocean. His mind was already in the lineup.

By the end of the first day, Alfan had quietly done exactly what he needed to do. No unnecessary risks. No heroics. Just smart surfing that secured his place for another day. That night brought very little sleep. He gave up trying, got out of bed in the dark, poured himself a coffee, and forced down breakfast. And then he waited for the sun to come up.

Later thast fine day, when the finalists returned to shore, Quiksilver’s Fraser Stranden asked each finalist the same question: “What will you do if you win?” Most spoke about partying. Alfan’s answer was different. Winning would help his family. It would allow him to take his mom somewhere she had always dreamed of going. He was going to make his mother’s dream come true with the dream that came true for him.

It became clear in that moment that winning the Annual Quiksilver Air Show meant far more to Alfan than another trophy. And it always will.

Photography by Nathan Lawrance Words by Antonio Vargas

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