If you want to learn to surf in Bali but aren’t too keen on crowded waves, check out our latest article and discover how to score a few epic sessions with only a handful of people.
Everyone loves learning to surf in Bali – and for good reason. It picks up plenty of swells and waves for all skill levels, the nightlife is next level, and the food is cheap and delicious. In short, Bali is a guaranteed good time.
The problem, however, is that when we say everyone loves learning to surf in Bali, we actually mean it. With nearly 5 million visitors yearly and many tourists learning to surf for the first time, the beaches and reef breaks can get a little crazy. Kuta Beach, for example, is a popular departure point for accessing various surf spots like Airport Rights and Airport Lefts. Still, it often gets crowded due to its popularity and proximity to these surfing areas.
Luckily, we have a few tips to help you navigate the crowds at the best learn-to-surf beaches in Bali.
So, the next time you paddle out for one of your very first surf sessions on the Island of the Gods, you’ll be able to do so with only a handful of other clued-up surfers.
Planning Your Bali Surf Adventure
Planning a surf adventure in Bali requires research and preparation to ensure a peaceful and crowd-free experience. Here are some essentials to consider:
- Best Time to Visit: From May to September, the dry season is the best time to visit Bali for surfing. The waves are consistent, and the weather is dry and sunny, making it perfect for long days at the beach.
- Surf Spots: Bali boasts a plethora of surf spots, from beginner-friendly beach breaks to challenging reef breaks. Researching the best surf spots for your skill level and preferences can make a huge difference. Whether you’re looking for mellow waves or more intense surf breaks, there’s something for everyone.
- Accommodation: Choosing suitable accommodation is key. Opt for a surf camp or a place close to your preferred surf spot. Many surf camps offer surf lessons, surf rental, and even surf charter services, making your stay convenient and enjoyable.
- Surf Equipment: Whether you bring your own surf equipment or rent from a reputable surf shop, ensure the gear is in good condition. Quality equipment can significantly enhance your surfing experience.
- Crowd Avoidance: To dodge the crowded waves, consider surfing during the early morning or late afternoon. These times offer a more peaceful and serene surfing experience and allow you to enjoy the beauty of Bali’s beaches without the hustle and bustle.
Planning and considering these factors can ensure a more enjoyable and tranquil surf adventure in Bali.
Best Time to Surf in Bali
Timing is everything when it comes to surfing in Bali. Here’s how to catch the best waves with fewer crowds:
- Dry Season: The dry season, from May to September, is the prime time for surfing in Bali. The waves are consistent, and the weather is perfect for spending long hours in the water. Plus, the dry season means fewer rainy days interrupting your surfing sessions.
- Early Morning: There’s something magical about surfing at dawn. The early morning, around 5-7 am, offers a peaceful and serene experience. The waves are usually less crowded, and the rising sun provides a stunning backdrop as you catch your first waves of the day.
- Late Afternoon/Early Evening: If you’re not a morning person, the late afternoon or early evening, around 4-6 pm, is another great time to surf. The sun is less intense, and the waves are often more consistent. Plus, you enjoy the beautiful Balinese sunset as you ride the waves.
- Wet Season: The wet season, from October to April, presents a different set of challenges. While the waves can be bigger, the weather is often rainy and windy, making surfing more difficult. However, this season can also mean fewer tourists, offering a chance to find less crowded surf spots.
- Tide: The best tide for surfing in Bali varies by surf spot, but generally, mid-tide to high tide is ideal. These tides often produce more consistent and bigger waves, perfect for a thrilling surf session.
Considering these factors, you can plan your surf adventure in Bali and experience the tranquility of the island’s beaches at dawn or the beauty of a sunset surf session.
1. Wake up for an Early Morning Session
Setting your alarm to go off before the unapologetic Balinese roosters start crowing is one of the best ways to avoid crowds.
Just think about it. Nobody likes getting up early on their island holiday. With many people opting for the extra shuteye (because that’s what some vacations are for) while the partygoers simply can’t fathom facing the world after their fourth consecutive night out in Kuta, there aren’t going to be many people out there surfing.
Even lifelong surfers still regard the early morning surf session with a curious mix of skepticism and resentment depending on how the forecast looks. But if you’re devoted to making the most of your learn-to-surf trip to Bali, there is no better option.
With fewer people in the water, you can enjoy a solid wave count. The roads are quiet, free from traffic, allowing you to have a peaceful ride to the beach. You’ll get to park right before your favorite break and paddle out just in time to witness the sunrise over the mountains. It’s a feeling of freedom and relaxation that’s hard to beat.
2. Steer Clear of the Busiest Parts of the Beach
This one nearly goes without saying, but it’s worth repeating if this is your first surf trip to Bali and you are still somewhat unaccustomed to how busy the beaches can get during the high season.
Always look to surf away from the busiest sections of a beach. Seriously, there are so many other great places for beginners to surf as opposed to the main parts of Legian, Kuta, and Canggu that there’s really no excuse for simply paddling out where everyone else is and joining the crowd.
Of course, you should only learn to surf in Bali in safe areas to do so. But often, you can walk less than 100 meters up or down the beach away from the crowds and find a decent wave to practice on. It gives you the dual benefit of catching waves in the vicinity of other people without actually having to cross paths with them.
Another advantage of surfing away from the crowds is that you won’t have to fret about getting in the way of other surfers. Allowing you to focus on getting in rhythm with the ocean and perfecting your technique with the peace of mind of knowing that you’re free to paddle into any wave you want.
Dry Season
During the dry season, you can expect various wave breaks, characterized by their impressive height and well-defined shape. This makes it an ideal time for surfers of all levels.
Early Morning
In the early morning, left-hander waves are often found, known for their length and steepness, making them suitable for surfers with different skill levels.
3. Keep an Eye on the Conditions at All Times
The best sessions of your life often happen when you least expect them to
The wind could change and start blowing offshore. The tide could switch and reveal a super user-friendly sandbar. Even the swell can pick up in minutes and turn a lineup that looks like a bathtub into a veritable playground for beginner surfers.
We’re saying here that the conditions can and do change all the time. Often contrary to what the surf forecast sites are saying, too. The best way to learn to surf in Bali is to constantly monitor the conditions. Paying close attention to factors such as a lull in the wind, multiple waves breaking in the same position, or an increase in wave size.
By regularly checking the surf, you’ll be in a better position to act quickly when the conditions begin to improve. This ensures that you can beat the vast majority of people to the waves and get a few solid rides solo before all the other surfers realize the surf is cooking.
4. Surfing Right before Dusk
Another way to learn to surf in Bali but avoid the crowds is to wait until roughly an hour before sunset and then paddle out. Also known as a dusk session, surfing during this time is popular amongst those who prefer empty lineups for several reasons.
The main one, however, is the fact that after a solid afternoon slogging away against the current and frolicking beneath the unforgiving Balinese sun, most surfers are too wrecked to bother with one last paddle around as dusk approaches and unwilling to resist the lure of an end-of-day Bintang any longer.
This ensures the lineup will gradually clear out the closer you get to sundown. Gives you a brief window of opportunity to catch a few waves amongst saltwater zombies who can barely take a single stroke more. An ideal situation for you to put those well-rested limbs to work and surf without too much of a crowd.
5. Don’t Shy Away from Exploring New Waves
If you really want to avoid the crowds in Bali and have already mastered the basics of surfing, grab your board, book your transport, and hit the road to explore some of the island’s more secluded waves.
Beyond our Green Bowl and Padang Padang surf camps, there are countless other places to learn to surf in Bali. It has numerous spots up and down its southeast and southwest coasts that are perfect for the adventurous intermediate intent on surfing with only a select few other people.
For example, places such as Medewi and Balian are surprisingly beginner-friendly. They are often significantly less crowded than beaches near Bali’s tourism epicenter. They also offer you a chance to kick back in a rustic setting surrounded by good waves, smiling local graziers, and herds of doe-eyed cows.
However, consult a local or a surf guide before exploring to ensure your safety.
So what are you waiting for? Book your surf camp in Bali now!
Hear What Rapture Surfcamps’ Guests Are Saying:
Bali is a guaranteed good time BALI
Book a stay at either our Bali Cliff or Bali Padang surf camps for an unforgettable Indonesian surfing experience that’ll keep you coming back year after year.
CONTACT US NOWFAQs About Surfing In Bali
Yes, Bali offers a variety of surf breaks, and it is possible to find less crowded spots, especially if you explore beyond the well-known tourist areas or if you visit during the wet season when tourists are less.
Some surf spots known for fewer crowds include Nusa Dua, Serangan, and Medewi. These locations provide a more tranquil surfing experience compared to the busier spots like Kuta or Uluwatu.
Surfing during the shoulder seasons, which are typically April to May and September to October, can offer a better chance of finding uncrowded waves. Avoiding the peak tourist season from June to August is also advisable.
Early mornings are generally the best time to find uncrowded surf spots. Many surfers prefer dawn sessions when the winds are calm, and the beaches are quieter.
Consider exploring surf spots during weekdays when the local and international crowds are usually smaller. Additionally, visiting less famous breaks and being willing to travel a bit farther from the main tourist areas can lead to quieter sessions.
Yes, some surf camps in Bali cater to those seeking a more secluded and personalized surfing experience. These camps often choose less crowded surf breaks, offering a more tranquil and intimate setting for surfers.
Surfing without crowds allows for a more enjoyable and relaxed experience. Surfers can focus on their skills, catch more waves, and fully appreciate the beauty of Bali’s coast without the hustle and bustle.
Yes, there are local surf guides in Bali who are familiar with the less crowded surf breaks. Hiring a guide can provide valuable insights into the best times and locations for a more secluded surfing experience.
Intermediate surfers looking for less crowded breaks might enjoy spots like Balangan, Bingin, or Dreamland. These breaks often attract fewer beginners and offer a good balance of waves for intermediate surfers.
