Surfing in Bali: Travel Guide

Whether you are a newbie or a seasoned surfing pro, Bali is a top destination to catch a wave. Indonesia first came to the attention of the international surfing scene in the 1970s thanks to the movie “The Morning of the Earth”, and so began the rise of surf tourism to Bali’s shores. Indonesia soon became the destination of choice for surfers around the world thanks to its amazing beachbreaks, reefbreaks and powerful swells.

wave-918879_1280

When To Visit Bali For Surfing

Today, Bali is a hallowed paradise for surfing, with over 2 million visitors arriving every year, and many of those heading straight to the beaches with their boards. Both wet and dry seasons are perfect for hitting the waves, although most tourists arrive during the summer period from May to October. The best time to surf in Bali depends on which side of the island you choose to stay on and how experienced a surfer you are. The east coast is better if choosing to arrive between November and March, whereas the west coast is ideal for the summer season between April and October. It is worth remembering that the seas will be a lot more crowded from June to September but this is a good time for novices to begin their instruction in the sport. The rainy season between December and March is more suited to experienced surfers because of the unpredictability of the weather.

surf-825093_1280
Best Surfing Spot For Beginners

Kuta Beach is one of the top spots for novices. Known for its soft tide and lack of extremity in its waves, it is a great spot to familiarise yourself with the necessary skills. The beach also offers lifeguard protection, so if you should get into difficulties you will be safe. Lots of surfing tutors offer lessons here, so if you are completely new to the sport, you should be able to take advantage of local expertise. One of the other advantages of this area is that it is very close to Legian, which is a major tourist centre. This means that if you fancy a day away from the beach, you can see some of the local sights, some of which are free, such as the fascinating art markets and the Ground Zero Memorial. One downside to Kuta Beach is that it is an extremely popular spot with a wide range of tourists, not just surfers, so expect the waters to be quite crowded.

Best Surfing Spot For Pros

Padang-Padang Beach is the best place for experienced surfers to head to for tricky conditions and competition standard waves. The waves here can reach to over 12 feet, and there are some shallow sections with sharp coral, so this is only a suitable spot for pros.

It is important to remember that if you are planning a surfing holiday in Bali, you should arrange appropriate travel insurance that will cover you in the event of an emergency.

 

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *