{"id":1116,"date":"2019-05-26T21:00:00","date_gmt":"2019-05-26T21:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.tripfuser.com\/blog\/?p=1116"},"modified":"2021-12-14T12:10:56","modified_gmt":"2021-12-14T12:10:56","slug":"bali-surfing-guide","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.designerjourneys.com\/blog\/bali-surfing-guide\/","title":{"rendered":"The Only Bali Surfing Guide You Need"},"content":{"rendered":"

Dreaming of an endless emerald cocoon? Doing a 360 spin in an epic A-frame? We know; it\u2019s our happy place, too. Prepare for your fantasies to become reality\u2026.<\/p>\r\n

Surfing in Bali has been on the bucket list of serious surfers since the 60s. In 1971, things reached cult proportions with the release of the epic surf film, Morning of the Earth<\/em>. Over forty years later, surfers planning to hang 10 in Bali are still in for a treat, and a surprise point break or two.<\/p>\r\n

Whether you’re looking for mellow swells or pumping barrels and endless green rooms, the Island of Gods has every kind of slab you can imagine and this Bali surfing guide is your manual to everything you need to know.<\/p>\r\n

Why Surf in Bali?<\/h2>\r\n

Why is Indonesia surfing<\/a> so special? Put simply, Bali lies in the sweetest of sweet spots. Exposed to the vast Indian Ocean, the Bali Sea enjoys ground swells whipped up by the roaring 40s. Not up-to-date on your meteorological jargon? The roaring 40s is a latitudinal location in the Southern Hemisphere where big storms and cyclones are born. These occurrences push waves north. The beastly waves that eventually roll into Bali travel a long way and as such, the waves are powerful thanks to 100 per cent clean groundswells and long intervals.<\/p>\r\n

\"\"

[vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1509035681059{background-color: #f2f2f2 !important;border-radius: 5px !important;}”][vc_column][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1509350069266{margin-bottom: 10px !important;}” el_class=”post-cta”]<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Explore Our Gallery of Extraordinary Trips to Bali and Beyond!<\/b><\/h2>\r\n

Designer Journeys’ network of incredible Local Designers will use their expert knowledge and local insight to plan your dream trip to Bali, Indonesia or any other destination! Simply browse our gallery of fully-customisable trips or design your own from scratch by answering a few simple questions. Your free personalised itinerary will then be on its way to you in a matter of hours!<\/span><\/p>\r\n

[\/vc_column_text][vc_btn title=”Explore Indonesia Trips!” style=”flat” color=”pink” align=”center” link=”url:\/\/www.designerjourneys.com\/indonesia-tours”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row]<\/span><\/p>\r\n

The Best Time to Surf in Bali<\/strong><\/h2>\r\n

On Season<\/h3>\r\n

Bali\u2019s dry season runs from April to October and coincides with the ‘On’ season for surfers. The dry season is characterised by impressive swells and big waves, particularly on the west coast.<\/p>\r\n

Off Season<\/h3>\r\n

Waves are harder to come by from November to March. This is the \u2018Off\u2019 season (or Wet Season) when strong winds make prosperous swells are harder to come by. This isn\u2019t to say it is impossible to surf during the Off-season. Indeed, many surf spots off the east coast actually started breaking during this time.<\/p>\r\n

Temperatures sit in the mid-30s all year, with water temps not far behind (29\u00b0C on average). Blue-sky days are a dime a dozen, although tides and swells change regularly. Monitor the surf reports and tidal calendar for the best conditions at any given spot.<\/p>\r\n

[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1509035681059{background-color: #f2f2f2 !important;border-radius: 5px !important;}”][vc_column][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1509350069266{margin-bottom: 10px !important;}” el_class=”post-cta”]<\/p>\r\n

Planning a Bali Surfing Trip?<\/span><\/h2>\r\n

Use Designer Journeys to design your ultimate experience, and receive hand-crafted trips built by our trusted Local Designers in Indonesia. Begin your journey today by answering a few simply questions about your budget, desired activities and interests!<\/p>\r\n

[\/vc_column_text][vc_btn title=”Design Your Trip” style=”flat” color=”pink” align=”center” link=”url:\/\/www.designerjourneys.com\/indonesia-tours”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]<\/p>\r\n

The Best Way to Get Around Bali<\/h2>\r\n

When you have a board strapped to your back, a scooter (even one equipped with a board rack) isn\u2019t the safest transport option. Hire a car or a van to explore as many surf spots as possible. You\u2019ll need to update your licence to international status for insurance purposes. Without it, you risk being slapped with an \u2018unofficial\u2019 fine from law authorities.<\/p>\r\n

A daily fee of around $20-$40 will get you a decent car, and if you are travelling with friends, the cost per person becomes very enticing. Manual cars come at even cheaper rates, so be prepared to ride the stick before you ride the waves.<\/p>\r\n

You may not feel comfortable commandeering your own transport on unfamiliar Balinese roads. In this case, a taxi is your next best bet. Hire a driver for the day and negotiate a rate before setting off. If the driver insists on leaving the meter running, you should insist on finding another cab. Alternatively, you can connect with one of our Local Designers in Indonesia<\/a> to design your Bali surfing trip and you’ll be in safe hands.<\/p>\r\n

Most breaks can be paddled to, but to conserve energy it might be a good idea to hire a local fisherman who can ferry you out and back.<\/p>\r\n

Bali Surfing Costs<\/h2>\r\n

Well-seasoned surfers like to travel with their own boards, but hiring one is super cheap. Rent by the hour, or per day for better rates (under $10 a day).<\/p>\r\n

The biggest expense for surfers will be accommodation and surf packages or safaris.\u00a0<\/p>\r\n

\"\"

Bali Surfing Camps and Charters<\/h3>\r\n

Surf camps and charters will take care of all the logistics of your trip. Plus, they\u2019ll feed and house you for the duration of your stay, and provide equipment to boot.<\/p>\r\n

Bali surf charters can be pricey (from $900 per week), but they\u2019ll get you on to more waves than any other option. Get a group together for a discounted price.<\/p>\r\n

If you’re looking for a unique, local experience, our Local Designers will use their expert knowledge and destination insight to plan your perfect trip.<\/p>\r\n

Dangers and Potential Problems<\/strong><\/h2>\r\n

Most of the best waves break over coral reefs, so suit up accordingly and protect your flesh. Anyone familiar with reef cuts will attest to the value of a decent wetsuit.<\/p>\r\n

BEGINNER TIP<\/strong>: Reef breaks can be dangerous for the uninitiated. If you haven\u2019t spent a lot of time on a board, stick to safer beach breaks.<\/p>\r\n

[vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1509035681059{background-color: #f2f2f2 !important;border-radius: 5px !important;}”][vc_column][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1509350069266{margin-bottom: 10px !important;}” el_class=”post-cta”]<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Don’t Miss Our Exclusive Offers! Subscribe Today!<\/b><\/h4>\r\n

For the ultimate travel inspiration, local insight straight from our expert Local Designers and exclusive offers you won’t find anywhere else from Designer Journeys, sign up today! Don’t miss out.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

[\/vc_column_text][vc_btn title=”Subscribe” style=”flat” color=”pink” align=”center” link=”url:\/\/www.designerjourneys.com\/subscribe”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row]<\/span><\/p>\r\n

What to Bring on Your Bali Surfing Trip<\/h2>\r\n

Experienced surfers will travel with their own setup, so buying or hiring boards will not factor into your budgeting. However, you should check your airline\u2019s policy and fees for oversized luggage.<\/p>\r\n

Remembe to pack light. A few pairs of boardies and shirts will suffice. You can always pick up more for next to nothing in the markets everywhere in Bali.<\/p>\r\n

Boards<\/h3>\r\n

Do not expect bargain Bali prices when shopping for a new board. Indonesian boards are among the finest in the world and will set you back around the same as they do at home. We\u2019re talking figures pushing the $1000 mark. You could resell a new board before leaving Bali to recoup some of your outlay, but we don\u2019t know many surfers who would give up a memorable board for a couple of hundred bucks. Still, the option is there should you need it.<\/p>\r\n

You can pick up a used board for around $100, but they\u2019ll need to be thoroughly checked for signs of repair. A previously cracked board, or worse yet, one that has completely snapped and been rejoined, is not going to do you any favours in a monster barrel.<\/p>\r\n

Protect your feet with reef booties (take a few pairs) unless you want nasty coral cuts.<\/p>\r\n

Wax<\/strong><\/h3>\r\n

Bring a few bars of wax from home (wax is pricey in Bali) in case you get caught short at a secluded spot. Hard, tropical wax is best in Indonesia\u2019s tropical conditions.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\r\n

Fins<\/strong><\/h3>\r\n

Every decent quiver needs appropriate fins. Pack three or four different sets to see what works best at different breaks.<\/p>\r\n

Travel Insurance<\/strong><\/h3>\r\n

Don\u2019t surf without insurance. Unlike most tourists who lounge by pools and on the beach, surf tourists are at a higher risk of injury. Make sure your insurance package covers surfing-related injuries and covers the expense of broken boards.<\/p>\r\n

[vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1509035681059{background-color: #f2f2f2 !important;border-radius: 5px !important;}”][vc_column][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1509350069266{margin-bottom: 10px !important;}” el_class=”post-cta”]<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Ready to Design Your Surfing Trip?<\/span><\/h2>\r\n

Begin your journey by exploring our gallery of incredible tours, connect with one of our Local Designers and get designing your dream trip to Bali or any other of our extraordinary destinations!<\/p>\r\n

[\/vc_column_text][vc_btn title=”Design Your Trip” style=”flat” color=”pink” align=”center” link=”url:\/\/www.designerjourneys.com\/indonesia-tours”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]<\/p>\r\n

Bali Surf Guide: The Top Spots<\/h2>\r\n

Barney\u2019s bombard the barrels at Kuta and Seminyak, and drop-ins are almost unavoidable. Further south, the Bukit peninsula boasts a handful of Bali\u2019s busiest surf breaks. But there are plenty of quiet spots to be explored.<\/p>\r\n

\"Bali

Dry Season Hotspots<\/strong><\/h3>\r\n