Perfect spots, turquoise water at 30°C, French-speaking instructors… Learning to surf in Bali is undoubtedly the best choice possible for beginners. Consistent waves all year round, spots suitable for all levels, and professional supervision: here’s everything you need to know before jumping in.
Why Bali is the ideal destination for learning to surf
There are destinations that are simply obvious choices. Bali is one of them. The Island of the Gods boasts incredibly rare advantages: consistent waves formed by the swell of the Indian Ocean, water that's 28-30°C year-round, spots suitable for all skill levels, and one of the most developed surf infrastructures in the world. The result: progress is spectacularly rapid here, even for a complete beginner.
But what sets Bali apart from the Basque Country or the Canary Islands is the total immersion. People come here to surf, of course, but also to disconnect. Mornings in the waves, afternoons in the rice paddies or temples... It's hard to find a more motivating setting for learning.
86°F
Year-round water temperature
300+
Days of surfing per year
15+
Spots accessible from Kuta
97%
5-star review Bali Ocean Surf
The Best Spots for Beginners in Bali
Not all Bali surf spots are created equal, especially when you're a beginner. Here are the must-visit ones:
- Kuta Beach
The historic spot, ideal for first waves. Sandy bottom, long and regular waves, lots of local instructors. Perfect for a first introduction or your first solo sessions. - Seminyak & Legian
Slightly less crowded than Kuta, Legian offers similar waves in a slightly quieter setting. Bali Ocean Surf operates there regularly. The water is particularly clean and the currents are easily manageable for supervised beginners. - Canggu
For surfers who already have a few sessions under their belt. The waves here are more powerful and the surf culture is very present: trendy cafes, surf shops, international community. An ideal playground to progress towards an intermediate level.
The choice of the best spot of the day
At Bali Ocean Surf, the spot for each session is selected based on the day's conditions (swell, wind, tide). Round-trip transportation is included: you'll be picked up from your accommodation and taken to where the waves are best. A real advantage for optimizing every session.
When is the best time to surf in Bali?
The good news: you can surf in Bali all year round. But conditions vary depending on the season.
→ April to October (dry season): Ideal conditions, regular swell on the west side (Kuta, Seminyak), sunny weather. The prime period for most travelers.
→ November to March (rainy season): The rains often fall in the late afternoon; mornings are usually clear. The spots on the east coast (Nusa Dua) can be excellent. Fewer people, often lower prices.
→ June-July-August: More pronounced swell, intermediate and advanced spots at their best. For beginners, sheltered spots remain accessible.
How to choose a surf school in Bali?
There are hundreds of schools in Bali. Here are the essential criteria to help you make the right choice:
- Instructor Certifications
Demand certified instructors. At Bali Ocean Surf, instructors are BPJEPS certified (French Federation) and ISA 1&2 (International Standard). A guarantee of educational quality and safety. - The student-to-teacher ratio
One instructor for 8 students is like a supervised swim. At Bali Ocean Surf, the ratio is a maximum of 1 instructor for 3 students — which guarantees personalized attention and real progress. - The language of instruction
Learning to surf in English when it’s not your native language hinders comprehension. French-speaking school like Bali Ocean Surf allows for immediate assimilation of technical instructions. - Security and assurance
Verify that the school includes insurance during the sessions. Bali Ocean Surf offers medical expense insurance (Malacca Insurance) and state-of-the-art surf helmets.
Frequently asked questions for beginners
→ Do you need to know how to swim? Yes, a minimum. You don't need to be an expert swimmer, but being comfortable in the water is essential. The instructors will assess your level before each session.
- At what age can one start? From 5-6 years old with a suitable program (Jardin du Surf at Bali Ocean Surf). There is no maximum age.
- Do I need to bring my own equipment? No, everything is provided: boards, wetsuits if needed, helmets. The equipment is safe and adapted to each level.
- How long does it take to see progress? From the first session for the basics. In a week of intensive training, most beginners get on the board and start steering.
Bali brings together everything a beginner surfer could hope for: ideal conditions, a dream setting, and passionate professionals. At Bali Ocean Surf, each session is designed to optimize your progress safely, in turquoise 30°C water, with experienced French instructors by your side.
