13 Tips to Bali Surfing
Bali is one of the most visited surfing islands in Indonesia. Bali as an Indonesian province comprises of the Bali Island and other smaller islands including Nusa Cenengan, Nusa Penida, Lembongan, and Nusa. Bali, the island of Gods, is a beauty to behold. The island features rugged coastlines, a diverse landscape comprising of mountains and hills, sandy beaches and lush terraces offering world class diving and surfing spots. If you are considering taking a trip down to Bali for surfing, here are a few tips to assist you in getting the most of your trip.
Know the Bali seasons. Bali is a beautiful surfing destination with two major seasons; the peak and the wet season. The peak season for Bali surfing starts from April and runs through to October. During this period, the reefs around Kuta, Uluwatu and Nusa Dua are hit with solid swells. The season features ideal climate and temperatures for surfing and other water-based activities including diving, and waterboarding. November through to March is mainly the wet season. Surfing during this period is not at its peak but it is consistent, and surfing waves get about 3-5 feet high during this season. Locations like Sanur and Nusa Dua feature the right conditions and opposing winds during this season.
Popular surf locations. The entire Bali island is dotted with numerous surfing spots including Kuta beach, Bukit Peninsula, Suluban, Impossibles, Bingin, Canggu, Green Bowl Sanur, Medewi, Balangan, Uluwatu, Padang Padang to name but a few. Each destination has distinctive features that make surfing in each unique and distinctive altogether.
Popular Beaches. Some of the popular beaches in and around Bali include Kuta, Ubud, Uluwatu, Seminyak, Candidasa, Legian, Kerobokan, Lovina, Tanjung Benoa to name but a few. You can visit some of these beaches to relax, sunbathe or participate in different beach games and sports.
Other things to do. Bali is quite popular with surfing. However, surfing is not the only activity you can indulge in while in this paradise. Other typical activities you can engage in include rafting, cycling, scuba diving, waterboarding, snorkelling, yoga, golf, sightseeing, spas, and massage. All these and more can be enjoyed in Bali, the only thing you need to do is simply know where to go for such activities.
Classic movies shot in Bali. Being a significant surfing location, Bali featured two major surfing movies; Morning of the Earth and The Endless Summer.
What determines the best surfboard? The kind and type of surfboard to buy depend on some things including the surfer’s weight and height. The principle of floatation requires a volume, and a good board must have high buoyancy. If you are a beginner, consider getting boards with soft tops as such will help you catch many waves. An average adult will be comfortable on an 8-foot surfboard. A child will need a 6foot board. The bigger your surfboard you have, the faster you expect to rise on those waves.
Surf Challenges. From time to time, various surf challenges for both beginner and pro surfers are held in different surfing spots in Bali and across the broader Indonesia. The problems offer excellent opportunities to practice and enjoy quality surfing with some of the best surfers in and around Bali.
Surfboard rentals. There exists a good number of surf rental shops across Bali and especially in Kuta beach. The stores offer a wide range of surf rentals especially surfboards at varying prices. The price for renting depends on both the size of boards desired and the duration of rent. For instance, a fundamental soft board ideal for use by learners will go for 50,000 IDR for an hour and the same will be charged about 1,000,000IDR to hire for a week.
Surf training. Bali also features some surf schools where you can get training on surfing. Some of the schools include Canggu Surf school and Balangan Wave surf school.
Surf stores. There are some surf stores around Bali to buy or rent surf equipment. Some of the conventional stores include Deus Warung, Quicksilver cafe, Drifter Surf shop among others.
Best surf Hotels in Bali. Just as your surfing is essential, so is your health. Some of the best hotels for your meals and accommodation include Komune Resort and Beach Club Bali, Batu Karang Lembongan resort, Puri Dajuma, Premier Surf camp, Bombora Medewi Wavelodge among others.
Best Nightclubs in Bali. For your nightlife, there are a few good nightclubs to visit including; Sky Garden cub, Bounty Discotheque and Mirror Bali Lounge.
Best shopping malls. For your shopping, Bali also has a great variety of shops and malls for this purpose. Some of the best shopping malls in Bali include Kuta Beachwalk, Mal Bali Galleria, Seminyak Village, Discovery Mall among others.
Bali island has an assortment of things to offer for both surfers and other adventure travellers. The Island, although famous for surfing is perfect for all travellers looking for exciting and fun adventures.