Surfing in Bali

Indonesia experiences two kinds of seasons across the year – the dry and the rainy season. However, it is during the change of seasons that the island experiences its highest waves. This is more likely between the months of May and October. Several visitors from across the globe come to Bali just to surf its waves. One of the top ranked surfing destination, the Bali surf experience is something that you shouldn’t miss if you are anyhow in love with the sport.

The timing of the shore wins may vary in its arrival. Further, it’s different time of the year for the different beaches in the several coasts of the island. Consequently, if you are looking to surf on the west coast, the best months to do so fall between April and October. On the other hand, if you are planning to surf on the east coast, the best waves will be between November and early March.

Similarly, in the Kuta Beach, the best waves hit the shore between March and November. Meanwhile in Sanur, your best bet would be between November and March. As you can see, regardless of your time of visit to Bali, there will always be a beach you can look forward to surf in.

The prominent surfing season in Bali runs between May and September, the cool dry season. While both the wet and dry seasons have their own set of draws, the trade winds blowing from the east to the west march from Antarctica. It’s the time of the year when you get the perfect combination of wind, swell and tide. This is the time of the year when beaches like Uluwatu and Padang Padang light up. If you are a beginner, the Padang Padang beach in the cool dry season would be a great experience.

Other places for beginners are the Dreamland Beach in Jimbaran Bay area. The best dry season waves include:

• Kuta Reef
• Medewi
• Airport Right
• Airport Left
• Bingin
• Balangan
• Canggu
• Impossibles
• Uluwatu
• Padang Padang

The wet season waves include:

• Serangan
• Sanur
• Green Balls
• Keramas
• Nusa Dua

Bali has been a surfing paradise for a long time now. The island receives some of the most incredible breaks and waves of all kinds that suit the need of both a beginner and a professional. The west coast of Bali is dominated by amazing reef breaks. This is also where the most professional surfers in Bali come to play! The best time to surf the west coast is the dry winter season, between May and October, when the wind blows offshore.

However, some beaches on the west coast like Canggu and Uluwatu get excellent surf spots all across the year. In fact, there are still plenty of breaks on the west coast that still remain to be explored. Moving on to the east coast, there aren’t as many surfing spots but the dry summers still offer some incredible breaks for right-handers. If you are visiting Bali between October and April, look out for Nynang Nyang Beach, Nusa Dua Beach, Serangan Islands, Sanur Reef, and the world class Keramas Beach.

Surfing lessons come in a wide variety of packages, catering to your specific requirements. The average duration of a course is for 2.5 hours and you will be generally incorporated into a group of surfers. The price for a group lesson ranges between US$34 and US$100. However, you can also opt for private lessons that range between US$6 and US$340, depending on your specific requirements.

Other than that, you also have the option to take private lessons for kids, surfing lessons for the intermediate or advanced professional or even a surfing tour, if you are looking to catch the most important breaks.

When you go on to a surfing vacation to Bali, ensure that:

• You always surf at beaches patrolled by lifeguards
• Swim with someone or under supervision
• Swim between the flags
• Don’t go for a ride just after your meal
• Don’t surf under the influence of alcohol
• Never dive or run into the water
• Whenever there is a situation building, call for help immediately
• Always tie the leash from your board on to your legs
• Stay calm, be confident and enjoy the sport

If you have been suffering from any kind of chronic pain, it is not quite recommended that you do surfing. Riding the waves also comes with falling into it. You need to be physically fit. Generally, people suffering from heart conditions, low blood pressure, back pains, stiffness etc are advised against surfing.

As long as you are aware of the waves, your equipment, and your skill level, surfing in Bali is completely safe. It is necessary that you surf with a guide or instructor who would introduce you to the swells in this part of the world and share their experience to make it a successful adventure at your end.

While falling off your surfboard and getting hit by the waves is a part of the sport, you need to understand how comfortable you are in and what kind of waves will you be able to tackle. There’s a complete science behind it and if you are a beginner, signing up with a surf school will be the best way to go with it.

People suffering from far sightedness won’t have too much of a problem when surfing. However, if you are myopic, it could be a hard to watch out for the waves. That said, it really depends on your passion. There are several handicap surfers who have made it big in the sport and if you are persistent and hard working enough, limited vision won’t be a problem either. However, be sure that you will have to go through rigorous training.

Falling down and hitting yourself with the waves is pretty common and part of the sports but there are special technique to save you from getting hurt. Still people might suffer from neck sprains, back sprains and in the worst case, head hit. The risk is especially more if you are surfing close to the reefs that can give you sharp cuts if you fall down.

 Whenever there is an eventuality, the lifeguard teams and paramedics are always ready to help. After the required first aid, you will be taken to the nearest medical center, depending on the nature of your injury.