Learn to Surf in Bali: Begin Your Adventure at Mamaka by Ovolo

For decades, Bali has attracted wave-lovers from around the world, quickly gaining a reputation as the ultimate surfers’ paradise. As one of the top surf destinations, Bali has played host to some of the world’s biggest surfing competitions, from the Quiksilver Uluwatu Challenge to the Rip Curl Cup Padang Padang. 

Bali has surfing spots to suit all levels, whether a big wave surfer or a total beginner. With reef breaks, beach breaks and off-shore winds on at least one side of the island at any time, Bali is perfect for surfing year-round. 

From surfing etiquette and surfboards to the best surf beaches in Bali, this guide will give you all you need to know when learning to surf in Bali.

Best Surf in Bali

Kuta 

As beginner surf beaches in Bali go, it doesn’t get much better than Kuta. With a soft sand bottom beach — Kuta is a gentler option for those learning to surf. The only downside is that it is one of the most popular beaches in Bali, but with an 8km stretch of sandy beach, you will no doubt find a spot to catch a wave or two. 

Nusa Lembongan

Nusa Lembongan, a small island west of Bali, is an excellent day trip location and a top spot for beginner surfers. This little slice of paradise is often quieter than some of the main beaches in Bali, giving beginners the space to learn and brush up on surfing etiquette. The surf is generally smaller, meaning that it is the ideal surf spot for those new to the sport.    

Old Man’s

Batu Bolong Beach, affectionately known as Old Man’s, is located near trendy Canggu, just 25 minutes north of Kuta. The fairly soft reef bottom means the surf is mellow with soft waves — perfect for surfing beginners. What’s more, the beach is just a stone’s throw away from Old Man’s Pub — one of the most legendary beach bars in Bali.

Echo Beach

Located in Canggu, Echo Beach is famous for its consistent surf breaks. Show time for experienced surfers! It’s adjacent to Echo Beach, so you can easily access both spots within a short distance.

Batu Bolong Beach

Also situated in Canggu, Batu Bolong Beach offers a variety of waves suitable for different skill levels, including experienced surfers. It’s approximately a 50-minute drive from Seminyak, where Mamaka by Ovolo is located.

Best Surf School in Bali

Struggling to find a surf lesson that suits you? Whilst the island isn’t short on surf instructors, it doesn’t hurt to learn from the best. Quiksilver Bali Surf Academy in Bali is perfect for beginners and advanced surfers.

The school has locations at Kuta Beach, one of the amazing surfing spots. They offer several surf lessons to suit your needs, whether a beach, reef or power surfer. At Quiksilver Bali Surf Academy, you will learn basic surfing techniques, paddling, popping-up, wave riding stance and surfing manoeuvres. Instructors will also get you up to speed on ocean knowledge, safety and all-important surfing ethics.

Learn riding ocean waves, and book in your lesson today.

What to Know Before Surfing

Choose The Right Spots to Learn Surfing in Bali

With so many surfing spots scattered around Bali, knowing what beaches and breaks are best for beginners is important. Whilst beach breaks are usually deemed safer and more beginner-friendly, that is not always the case. Check with the pros at your surf school, ask a local or scan popular surfing websites to help avoid potential wipeouts. 

The Learning Curve

Given that surfing is one of the most notoriously challenging sports, it is important to set those expectations before starting your wave-riding journey. Unlike most sports, many variables contribute to a successful surfing day out, including winds, swells, tides, crowds and other weather conditions. Realistically, the learning curve in surfing is slower, with most surfers remaining in the beginner level for a lot longer than other sports. 

Your Surfboard is Important

There are many trendy boards and brands on the market, but as a beginner, you want a board with lots of volume that is long, wide and thick. If you are starting at surf school, you may use a foam board, but if you are looking to purchase your own board, soft-top boards are a good option as they are typically designed to be as buoyant as possible.  

Learn About Surf Ethics

Surf ethics or etiquette is very important within the surfing community, so to avoid the evil side eye from the locals, here are a few basics: 

Observe ​​Right of Way: Typically, the surfer closest to the peak of the breaking wave has right of way on the wave.

Don’t Drop In: Don’t drop in or disrupt the path of a surfer already on a wave. This is a big no-no in surfing.

Don’t Snake: Do not paddle round another surfer to get into the inside position on a wave.

Paddle Out Wide: When paddling out use your common sense, observe where surfers are riding and paddle wide to avoid getting in the way.

Hold onto your board: Although this may go against your instincts as a new surfer, holding onto your board is crucial in order to avoid hurting other surfers in your vicinity. 

Communicate: Every surfer was a beginner at some stage, so friendly communication on the waves is welcome. When necessary, let other surfers know your intentions. 

Best Hotels in Bali for Surfers

Now that all the Bali surfing basics are covered, what about where to stay? Located in Kuta, MAMAKA by Ovolo is the ultimate Bali hotel for surfers and sunseekers. A beach-front resort for modern travellers, social butterflies and surfers alike, MAMAKA provides the perfect setting to relax, soak up the sun while learning to surf. Not only is the hotel situated in a prime surfing spot, but it comes with all the perks — rooftop pool and cabanas, breakfast, 24hr wellness zone access, free minibar, superspeed WIFI and free self-service laundry.

Many visitors to Bali wind up extending their stay by weeks or months, making Mamaka by Ovolo the perfect hotel with 7, 14 or 30 days stay options. Check out their latest long term stay offers in Bali.