How to Learn to Surf in Bali for Beginners: Top Surfing Schools & Beaches
If you’ve been to Bali or seen photos of it — of the violent waves crashing against the rocks at Uluwatu, Tanah Lot and the Rock Bar — then you’d realize that Bali is not meant for leisurely swims. It’s for surfboards.
Bali’s consistent waves, soft sand, warm waters, and absence of dangerous jellyfish or sharks make it a top destination for surfers from around the world. It’s no wonder the island is often called the surf haven of Asia.
Personally, I prefer calm, blue waters (like those in Thailand) because I enjoy having a nice, relaxing soak without being slapped by waves every time I dip my feet in.
But visiting Bali without trying its world-famous waves would feel incomplete. On a previous trip, I tried body-surfing in Seminyak. This time, I was ready to upgrade to a real surfboard.
Located about 8 degrees south of the equator, Bali has a warm and humid climate all year round. However, it does have two distinctive seasons:
- Dry season: May – September
- Rainy season: October – April
The peak tourist months are July and August, along with major holidays like Christmas and New Year. This is when accommodation prices soar, tourist spots are overcrowded, and roads are congested.
The ideal months for surfing are April, May, June, and September. The weather is relatively dry and room rates can be up to 50% cheaper than during high season. It’s also the best time for water sports because the waters are clear.
What to bring for surfing in Bali
Preparing the right gear can make your surfing experience safer and more enjoyable. Even for beginner lessons, a few essentials go a long way.
- Swimsuit or boardshorts that allow freedom of movement
- Rash guard to prevent chafing and sunburn. Many surf schools provide them, but bringing your own is recommended for better fit, comfort, and hygiene.
- Reef-safe sunscreen to protect your skin while keeping Bali’s coral reefs safe.
- Towel and a change of clothes for after your session.
- Reusable water bottle to stay hydrated under the sun
- Waterproof bag to keep valuables like your phone, wallet, and keys safe.
- If you’re bringing your own gear, consider a beginner-friendly surfboard.
- Flip-flops or sandals are handy for walking on hot sand.
- Hat or cap to protect against sun exposure before and after surfing.
Best beaches in Bali for beginner surfers
For beginners, it might be intimidating to take on strong waves right away. But this shouldn’t be an issue in Bali. Bali’s southwestern coast offers plenty of options for those who are just starting out.
Here’s a list of the best beaches for beginner surfers in Bali:
- Kuta Beach: Bali’s most popular beach, especially for backpackers and budget travelers. Affordable accommodations, cheap eateries, and plenty of surf schools. Waves are gentle, making it perfect for beginners.
- Legian Beach: Just north of Kuta, slightly less crowded, with waves averaging 1-3 feet. Home to a few surf schools accredited by the Australian Academy of Surf Instructors.
- Seminyak Beach: Upscale beach north of Legian. Offers the same quality waves but less crowded than Kuta.
- Jimbaran Beach: Famous spot for sunset dinners. Has consistently soft waves. Perfect for first-time surfers.
- Eco Beach, Canggu (Pantai Batu Bolong): About an hour from Kuta. Suitable for all levels of surfers. Note that lifeguards aren’t on duty here.
Top-rated surf schools in Bali
Surf schools in Bali offer lessons ranging from one-hour beginner sessions to multi-day surf camps with full-board packages. These are ideal for anyone serious about learning the sport.
Here are some top-rated options:
- Odyssey Surf School (Location: Kuta)
- Rip Curl School of Surf (Location: Legian)
- UP2U Surf School (Location: Kuta)
- Da Waves Surf (Location: Seminyak)
- Walkus Surf School (Multiple locations)
- Kima Surf Camp (Multiple locations)
- Surf Coco Saelan (Location: Canggu)
- Elsewhere Surf Camp Bali (Location: Canggu)
How much is a surf lesson in Bali?
The cost of a surf lesson in Bali depends on the size of your group and how many days you plan to take lessons. Generally, the larger your group and the longer the course, the lower the price per person and per day.
A typical 2-hour private lesson at a reputable surf school ranges from USD 20–40 per person. A longer stay like a 1-week surf camp that includes accommodation and meals can cost around USD 350.
What if you're short of time (and money)?
If you feel that a full surfing lesson is too much of a commitment, or if you’re simply unsure whether you’ll enjoy surfing and want to try it for an hour or less, there’s a cheaper alternative.
Just head to any beach and approach one of the local surfboard renters. They’re usually happy to give a short lesson for a small fee. Most charge similar prices, though you might be able to haggle.
I paid Rp40,000 for a one-hour board rental, which included a 30-minute lesson (it helped that I looked like a local and could speak the language). Many also provide rash guards.
Do you have to be a good swimmer to learn surfing?
Strong swimming skills help if you plan to become a serious surfer, but they aren’t essential for short beginner lessons:
You stay near the shore, usually in water no deeper than 1.5 meters.
Your leg is strapped to the board with a leash, so you won’t drift away.
Instructors stay close by throughout the lesson.
Some stamina helps when paddling out to catch a wave, but basic swimming skills are sufficient for safety during beginner lessons.
That being said, knowing how to swim will boost your confidence and help you enjoy the experience more, since you won’t spend so much time worrying about drowning.
What to expect in a quick surf lesson in Bali
After changing into the rash guard and choosing a surfboard, we started the initial training on the sand.
The instructor showed me how to lie facedown on the board, with both palms pressing down on either side of my chest, like preparing for a push-up.
Next, he demonstrated how to stand up from that position and where to place my feet. Then, we headed into the water.
I tried paddling but the waves kept pushing me back to the shore, making it nearly impossible to move forward. So, to help, the instructor pushed my board while I lay on it, bracing myself as water splashed into my face.
Once we were far enough out to catch a good wave, he turned my board around and waited for the wave to arrive.
Then, at just the right moment, he let go and shouted for me to stand up. I managed it on my first try, but my success wasn’t consistent. Depending on the wave, sometimes I stayed upright all the way to the shore, and other times I toppled over immediately.
Although most of the water was shallow, some areas were surprisingly deep (up to my neck), even near the shore. Without basic swimming skills, I would likely have panicked. But the fact that my leg was strapped to the board by a cord eased my fear a little.
Kuta is indeed popular among beginner surfers, judging by how many people were learning around me. Within a few meters of me, at least four other surfers were wobbling on their boards. So, the good thing about learning to surf here is that you’re not the only spectacle.
As time went on, however, my energy steadily drained and I was falling into the water more and more. This activity required far more effort than I had anticipated.
After just 30 minutes, I was exhausted and returned my board, even though I still had another half-hour left. I seriously doubted I could paddle out against the waves on my own.
It was a great experience, but if I ever want to try surfing again, I’ll need to get in better shape first.
FAQs
How do I choose the right surfboard for beginners?
Beginner surfboards are usually wider and longer for stability. Most surf schools provide foam boards with rubber fins to maximize safety.
Are there surf spots suitable for families or kids?
Yes! Kuta and Jimbaran beaches have gentle waves ideal for kids and families. Many surf schools offer kid-friendly lessons with safety gear included.
Can I surf if I'm not very fit?
You don’t need to be an athlete for beginner lessons. Short sessions near the shore are manageable for most people, but some stamina helps when paddling out to catch waves.
Are there safety concerns I should know about?
Beginner-friendly beaches are generally safe, but always follow your instructor’s guidance. Be mindful of currents, respect other surfers, and stay hydrated.
Are you thinking of learning to surf in Bali? Or have you tried it before? What was your experience like? Share in the comments below.
If you like water sports, check out these other posts:
Bali memang popular dengan aktiviti air macam Surf ni. teringin jugak one day nak belajar nk beraktiviti macam ni.
Ye. Bali memang terkenal bagi peminat sukan luncur air. Cuba la. Kalau taknak commit byk masa untuk surfing course, boleh sewa je surfboard di mana2 pantai utk sejam, nanti diorang akan ajar mcm mana nak surf.
Nampak best dan menarik jugak belajar surfing nih. Tapi itulah apapun mesti nak kena tunggu habis pandemic then kerajaan dah benarkan bercuti baru boleh pergi , buat masa sekarang kita simpan sebagai next to do list ….
Thanks, Saidila. Jgn lupa simpan ni dalam list ya. Nanti bila dah selamat untuk travel, boleh refer balik 🙂
nice tips to those who are planning to go to bali!
Thank you, I hope you found the article useful for learning to surf in Bali 🙂
I am not into surfing or even water sports. But reading this post is awesome. Thank you for sharing your experience with me.
You’re welcome, Fadima! Glad you enjoyed reading this article. And I hope you will try water sports once. Who knows, you might fall in love with it 😃
Such a nice sharing regarding surfing at Bali, great to bookmark this as perhaps when the time comes that we are able to travel overseas again, it might came in handy 😁
Yes, please do! And do also check out my other posts – you might find something else to add to your list 😉
Woww hebatnyaaa Ummi.. Sis kalau tengok sukan ni di TV kan, menjerit-jerit bila mereka dapat berdiri atas papan tu, excited nauu.. tapi kalau sendiri nak cuba memang tak berani laaa.. kalau one day dapat ke pantai-pantai di Bali ni, rasanya Sis relax santai aje di pantai tu hahahaha..
Haha nampak je hebat, padahal air cetek je ni, dah dekat nak sampai pantai. Kalau kat tengah laut yg ombak besar2 tu, mintak maap je la. 😆 Sis kalau pegi Bali nanti try la jugak surfing.
Wow. this is so liberating to watch. I used to love diving but never thought i could challenge myself to surfing too. am too afraid of the water. However, the sea is just calling out.
Wow, you’re a diver who’s scared of water? 🤔 But I think I can relate. I’m also scared of water and I don’t think I can ever fully enjoy water sports. Doesn’t stop me from trying though 😆
Very interesting activity to explore hor.. Unfortunately during my last trip, i just went for the underwater sea walking and miss this one.. Is it hard to balance ourselves? Hurm.. Especially when there is no steady platform for you to balance yourself while positioning ourselves on the surfboard .
Oh, I didn’t get to try the seawalking experience. Surfing is kinda hard in the beginning, but you will get the hang of it very soon. Almost similar to skateboarding, I think. You need to have some core strength to keep your balance.
Wah! Lucky you.. i selalu tgk Baywatch and wonder bila boleh try surfing mcm tu. Btw i try kat sunway lagoon pun asyik terjatuh haha
Yg kat Sunway Lagoon i tak pernah try lagi. Maybe kat situ rough kot dia punya waves. Kalau u pergi pantai Kuta Bali ni ok je, ombak dia tak besar sangat. Lagipun, ada instructor tolong. 😁
Oh I miss Bali. The place and the nice food make me so miss the place! I wish to visit it again soon
I was lucky coz I got to visit Bali in January this year, just before all the pandemonium started. Little did I know that was to be my only overseas trip for this year 😆
Water and me are best friends! But I didn’t get the chance to surf nor snorkeling! Would love to go and try all these after CMCO!
Wow, really? Then you should definitely try snorkeling or scuba diving. It’s really amazing if you love marine life. I’m not that chummy with water unfortunately. But hey I hope you’ll get to do all these once CMCO is over and don’t forget to bookmark this page 😁
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I tak pernah pergi Bali. But then I teringin juga. Haih so many activities can do. I wish Covid later will be okay. so that I can explore more.
Kan? I pun banyak benda dalam bucket list i ni kena put on hold dulu sebab Covid. Nanti if you’re going to Bali, do check my other articles on Bali for some more ideas 🙂
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Actually end of this year, i am planning to go to bali but because of pandemic covid 19 all the trip cancelled.. hope i can go there and experince the place and activities you mentioned
I’m glad I got the chance to visit Bali in January, otherwise this year would be without holiday for me. I hope you’ll get to visit it soon, and do check out my other posts on Bali ☺️
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