Surfing in Bali – The Ultimate Guide for Every Level of Surfer

Yes, as I mentioned above, Bali's surf spots are known for their good waves all year round, but there is still the best time to enjoy the waves on every beach in Bali. So, to help you prepare your surfing plans accordingly, let's take a look at the best times to do it!

Beginner

Getting your first taste of surfing? Then, the surf spots below are the perfect ones for you! Check this out:

• Kuta Beach. One of the most crowded beaches in Bali — aside from a spot to swim, jet skiing, and sunbathe, Kuta Beach is also the most popular surf for beginners thanks to its gentle waves and sandy bottom. So even if you crash, you’ll be safe.

• Batu Bolong Beach. This Canggu surfing spot is popular for Bali surf lessons, with many surf schools lining the shores. The waves are fairly gentle too, making your lessons easier.

Intermediate

Now, if you've done some surfing but aren't confident enough in your skills, try these two beaches to be your go-to surf spot.

• Berawa Beach. This beach is suitable for those with intermediate skills because of its consistent waves. It's also not too crowded so you can be more flexible in the water.

• Padang Padang Beach. Padang-Padang, located on a beautiful sandy beach on the Bukit Peninsula in Uluwatu, has softer waves. Ideal for improving your skills.

Advanced

My fellow advanced surfers, I know that challenge is what you're looking for. Of course, Bali has you covered. Let's take a look at these two best ones.

• Uluwatu Beach. Of course, it's no secret that Ulu is the world's best surfer destination. Uluwatu is known for its fast left-handed barrels and waves that can be three to five feet high.

• Keramas Beach. Out of the way for those of you who live in Ubud? Then, head to Keramas. Known for its fast left-hand barrels, on a good day, the waves at Keramas can reach four to six feet.

As one of the best surfing destinations in the world, obviously, surf schools in Bali come in large numbers to cater to your needs. However, not all surf schools are created equal, and it's important that you make a wise decision in choosing the best surf school — especially if you're a beginner. Let's take a look at some of our top-rated surf schools:

Malu Surf Bali is a surf school that offers lessons for beginner and intermediate surfers on the famous Kuta beach. They provide group and private lessons, with packages including surfboards, protection, surf photos, and after-lesson facilities such as showers and refreshments. Their lessons start at $13 per person — if you don’t want to spend too much just yet, this might be the perfect fit for you!

Source: @malusurfbali

Mojosurf Bali Surf Camp is a brand new 2017- built hostel in Canggu where you will experience the best surf lessons and meet new friends at the same time. They cater specifically to beginners and intermediate surfers with super talented and helpful instructors. Their programs range from one to three days, one to two weeks, three to four weeks, and even up to three months!

Source: @mojo.surf

Nuna Surf Bali shares their deep love for the ocean with everyone through their surf classes. They are here to show you how safe and enjoyable it is to ride the waves. They provide four-level programs for beginners, three levels for intermediate, and kids classes for the little ones.

Source: @nuna.surf

Okay, now you know when the best time to surf is, where the right spots are for you, and the surf schools to help you out. I know you still have a lot of questions in your head, and I'm here to be your guide! Let's take a look at some FAQs about surfing in Bali.

What surfing gear should I bring or rent?

When surfing in Bali, your gear choice depends on your skill level, the season, and the surf spots you plan to visit. If you’re traveling with your own board, consider bringing one suited to Bali’s waves — a shortboard for high-performance breaks or a funboard for more relaxed surfing. However, don’t forget essentials like:

• A leash

• Wax (tropical wax is better for Bali’s warm water)

• A rash guard or wetsuit to protect your skin from the heating sun.

Is surfing safe in Bali?

The answer will depend on who is asking. But in general, yes. If sharks are what you're worried about, let me tell you: Bali is one of the safest places in the world to surf. Bali has sharks, but the existing white-tip and black-tip reef sharks in Bali are quite shy, and there haven't been any serious, let alone fatal, shark attacks in Bali so far.

However, beware of rip currents. A rip current is a strong, localized current of water that moves directly away from the shore. It is also the area where the waves do not break and is thus used by surfers as a "channel" to make their way faster to the line-up. While it is a very good way to avoid breaking waves, it can also be dangerous for beginner surfers. Note that rip currents are pretty common in Bali.

What is the average price for surfing in Bali?

Surfing in Bali is relatively affordable, with options catering to all budgets:

• Board rentals. Prices for surfboard rentals typically range from IDR 50,000 to IDR 150,000 per hour (around $3 to $10 USD), depending on the board type and rental location. Daily rentals often cost around IDR 200,000 to IDR 300,000 ($13 to $20 USD).

• Surf lessons. Beginner surf lessons, which usually include a surfboard rental and an instructor, cost around IDR 350,000 to IDR 600,000 per session ($23 to $40 USD).

• Surf camps. Surf camps in Bali, offering multi-day packages with accommodation, lessons, and sometimes meals, start at approximately IDR 3,000,000 ($200 USD) for a 3-5 day experience

• Transportation to surf spots. If you need to travel to less accessible surf spots, hiring a driver or renting a scooter with a board rack will cost around IDR 100,000 to IDR 200,000 per day ($7 to $13 USD).

What else should I know before surfing in Bali?

Okay, we are finally at the end of this topic. I'm sure you're getting quite excited, but wait... before you grab your board, I’ll be your Bali surf guide here real quick. Note that there are a few key things you should know to ensure safety and the perfect experience.

• Prioritize safety. Bali’s surf breaks range from beginner to expert, so understanding your skill level is crucial. Next, always check the surf conditions before heading out

• Understand the potential risks. This includes rip currents and reef breaks. Once you know your level, you'll be better able to determine which spots are safe for you. Be careful of the reefs, as most of the surf spots in Bali have that. A fall can cause cuts or fatal injuries.

• Surf Etiquette. If we talk about surf etiquette, I think it's mostly the same everywhere. You have to pay attention to the basic rule: understand that whoever is closer to the wave is prioritized. You need to wait your turn and not drop in on others.

• Gear check and equipment. Top of the list! Make sure your surfboard, leash, and wax are in good condition. One tiny tip: don't skip sun protection because the Bali sun is very intense.

Yep, as you can see, a vacation to Bali is far from just visiting temples, rice fields, snorkeling, and sightseeing. The waves of the beaches are equally interesting to conquer!

Through all the information above, I think you know most of the crucial things to consider before deciding to ride Bali waves, right? By knowing your level, choosing the best spot for you, and doing a thorough preparation, surfing in Bali will definitely give you an awesome experience. So grab your board, put on your sun protection and have some fun — ready to ride some waves?