The Untold Story of Indonesia's Greatest Surfer (Video)

Nusa Cana, a legacy rum brand from Indonesia, had a unique idea when it came to making a short film on their brand ambassador Rio Waida. With Rio Currently ranked 20th in the world and a household name in Indonesia, they wanted to dive deeper into his origin story and his against-all-odds rise into the top ranks of the pro surfing. Not just your standard clips and chaos edit, the company, who remained the sole funder of the project, wanted to take a far more personal approach in order to feature the spirit of Indonesia as much as the incredible surfing of Rio Waida.

The film slows things down and allows a very unique surfer to share his life, the challenges he has faced and his inner spiritual thoughts as he progresses on his hero’s journey.

Rio made history in 2022 when he became the first Indonesian surfer to win a Challenger Series event, a milestone that signaled the nation's arrival as a true competitive force. His success also inspired a new generation of young Indonesian surfers who grew up watching him navigate the pathway to the Championship Tour. With a calm, focused demeanor and a reputation for relentless training, Rio brings a refreshing blend of humility and ambition to the global scene.

As he continues to refine his approach, he represents not just individual talent but the future potential of Indonesian surfing—one built on world-class waves, deep passion, and a rising competitive culture ready to make its mark.