Just add a wetsuit then imagine Oney laying down similar turns on the Bells Bowl. Pic: Nate Lawence.

The 19-year-old natural footer who hails from the remote Indonesian village of Lakey Peak on the island of Sumbawa, has been living on Australia’s Gold Coast since 2007, earning his high school diploma and training with friend and mentor Mick Fanning.

“I still can’t believe it, I’m so stoked to receive the wildcard and get to surf against the top guys in such an iconic event. Ever since I competed in the Rip Curl GromSearch finals at Bells as a junior in 2009, I’ve wanted to surf in the Rip Curl Pro main event” commented Oney.

Onye cruising with his mate and mentor Mick fanning. Pic: Grambeau

In 2010, Oney became the first-ever Indonesian surfer to win an ASP Pro Jr. event when he claimed the Dripping Wet Pro Junior at South Curl Curl Beach on Sydney’s northern beaches. He then starred in Rip Curl’s landmark ‘Seven Ghosts’ river surfing expedition in 2011.

Now Oney has his sights set on becoming the first Indonesian surfer to qualify for the elite ASP World Championship Tour and is using his first-ever appearance in an ASP World Championship Tour event to get some experience for the journey ahead.

“It’s a great opportunity to see how I compare. I want to make the WCT in the future and this event will push me harder to qualify and be part of those top 34 surfers in the world” said Oney.