Best surfspots in Bali for beginners and intermediair

Indonesia is a surfer's paradise, and Bali is no exception. With its warm waters, consistent waves, and stunning scenery, Bali offers something for surfers of all levels. In this guide, I'll share my personal experiences and recommendations for surfing in Bali.

My Surfing Journey in Indonesia

I started surfing in Indonesia, and Bali remains my favorite surf destination. The water is always warm, the atmosphere is generally good (unlike other places), and there are many surf spots to choose from.

Where to Surf in Bali

Bali has become a popular tourist destination, which has its pros and cons. While the influx of tourists has brought development and infrastructure, it has also led to increased traffic and crowds. However, Bali's beauty and surfing potential still make it a worthwhile destination.

Kuta Bali: A Beginner-Friendly Spot

Kuta Bali is a great surf spot for beginners. Depending on the tide, you can walk into the water with your surfboard until the water is waist-high and then catch a wave on the whitewash (already broken wave). This spot has a beach break.

Canggu: Options for Beginners and Intermediair Surfers

Canggu offers surf spots for both beginners and experienced surfers. The best beginner spot is at Batu Bolong Beach, where you'll find most of the surf schools. For this spot, you'll need to paddle further out to catch the waves, which can be a workout, especially if you don't have upper body strength. But if you catch a wave, you can ride it for about 15-20 meters.

The price for a surf lesson here is RP. 300.000 and renting a board is RP. 50.000.

For more experienced surfers, Berawa Beach (in front of Finn's beach club) and in front of the Lawn (especially for longboarders) are good spots. If you're a beginner, intermediate, or longboarder, I would advise against Echo Beach due to the strong current and type of wave.

Medewi: A Reef Break for Goofy Footers

Further along the west coast, you'll find the Medewi spot. Unlike the rest of Indonesia, the people here are not Hindu but are mostly Muslim. This spot is different from Canggu, and you'll find a left-hand reef break here. Perfect for goofy footers. There are also many surf schools here, and it's good to have a local surf guide as they know the break the best. If you already have a good surf instructor in Canggu, discuss the options of doing a surf trip to Medewi. They often have connections or come there so often that they are also accepted as surf instructors there.

Uluwatu: Stunning Beaches and Intermediate-Level Waves

Uluwatu is a favorite when it comes to beautiful beaches. Here you will find white beaches and blue sea, in contrast to the previously mentioned spots. This is also the reason why Uluwatu has no beach breaks. In general, the spots in Uluwatu are suitable for experienced and intermediate surfers, but there are a few that are also interesting for beginners, especially if the swell (wave height) is a bit smaller. These are the beginner spots:

• Bingin Beach
• Padang Padang (multiple surf schools)

Nusa Dua: Beginner-Friendly Waves and Cliff Jumping

Bali doesn't always have big waves, and that's a good thing too, because the Nusa Dua spot works great for beginners and longboarders on a small day. For this wave, you need to paddle a bit further out into the water or you can take the plunge from a small cliff (your surf session will kick-in directly from the start). Nusa Dua is located in an area with large expensive hotels and chains, for this reason, it is popular for families. This also effects the prices as the prices for renting a board and taking a surf lesson are higher than in other parts of Bali.

Tips for a New Surf Spot

Here are some tips for when you're heading to a new surf spot:

• Chat with the locals and find out how this surf spot works (tides, waves, reef, etc.). And it can always help you a bit if you are in the water.
• Go with a friend, surf teacher, or fellow traveler. Surfing is always more fun with two people and can keep an eye on each other. Ultimately, the ocean remains unpredictable.

Best Surf Schools in Canggu

Since Canggu is a popular surfing area, there are many surf schools available. Here are a few I've had good experiences with:

• Spicy Surfschool (Batu Bolong): These are friends of mine and super friendly people.
• Marlin Surfschool (Berawa): Offers surf lessons in Canggu.
• Aldo Surfschool (Batu Bolong & Kedungu): Provides lessons with communication in Dutch and English.

Bali Surf Camps

If you've mastered the basics of surfing or want to maximize your time in Bali, consider a surf camp. One of the well-known surf camps is Kima Surfcamp. They have camps at various locations in Bali, including Canggu and Uluwatu. This allows you to choose the spot that best suits you and the camp you find most appealing.

Conclusion

Bali offers a fantastic surfing experience for surfers of all levels. With its variety of surf spots, beautiful scenery, and friendly atmosphere, Bali is sure to become a favorite surfing destination.

This guide provides a starting point for your surfing adventure in Bali. Remember to research the specific conditions and etiquette for each spot before you head out. Most importantly, have fun and enjoy the waves!