The minimum stay at our surf and yoga retreat in Canggu is 5 nights with the surf package and 7 nights with one of our other packages.
Canggu Surf Camp
There is no better place to learn surfing or work on your technique than at Pelan Pelan Surf Camp Canggu.
Year-round waves and perfect weather make Bali ideal for beginner through to advanced guests. No need for a wetsuit, just put on some sunscreen, a bikini or board shorts and you’re ready to get wet!
Pelan Pelan is based just outside Canggu. Many of the best breaks in Bali are close by.
Our local teachers will take you to different spots depending on your level and ability. You can look up our local conditions and forecast at Canggu Surf Report and Forecast.
The minimum stay at our surf and yoga retreat in Canggu is 5 nights with the surf package and 7 nights with one of our other packages.
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How You Learn Surf at Pelan Pelan Bali
Engage in immersive video sessions breaking down surfing techniques, wave dynamics, and safety protocols for self-paced learning.
Dive into theoretical lessons designed to deepen your understanding of ocean behavior, wave patterns, and essential safety measures.
Benefit from hands-on coaching experiences led by expert instructors on the beach and in the water, allowing you to apply theoretical knowledge to real-life surfing maneuvers under guidance. A maximum of 2 guests per surfguide.
What You will Learn at Pelan Pelan's Surf Camp
Level 1.1: Total beginner
The beginner coaching at Pelan Pelan Canggu Surf Camp begins with covering the basics on the beach – including how to handle the board, paddle out, catch waves and stand up.
You are a beginner if:
- It’s your first time surfing.
- You have tried surfing before but still struggle with paddling and standing up on the board.
What will you learn?
- Practice take-off on the beach
- Learn paddling and standing up in white water
- Understand surf safety and rules
- How to get through white water waves
Level 1.2: Beginner with a Little Experience
Even if you have taken surf lessons before, you may have a lot more to learn.
Understanding the basics of surfing and the ocean will help you tons to improve your surfing.
You are at his level if:
- You have tried surfing several times.
- You can stand up with help and ride straight on the white water waves.
What will you learn?
- Improve take-off and paddling
- Work on balance and standing correct on the board
- Learn to position and catch for unbroken waves
- Learn to turn with an angled take-off
Level 1.3: Beginner with Experience
You are at this level if:
- You’ve spent some time surfing and are comfortable paddling out and catching waves.
- You can stand up on the board and ride straight consistently.
- You’re ready to improve control over your surfboard and start making basic turns.
What you will learn:
- Learn to spot the best waves for you.
- Paddle into unbroken ‘green’ waves with confidence.
- Angle your board to ride left or right.
- Start turning along the wave.
- Improve your balance and stance.
- Understand surf rules and stay safe in shared waves.
Level 2.1: Intermediate
The better you surf, the more fun you will have in the water.
You are an intermediate if:
- You have been surfing for weeks, months or years.
- You can independently surf green waves and turn left or right on the waves.
- You have control of your board and can turn to change directions; you want to practice bottom, top turns and cutbacks.
What will you learn?
- Duck dives
- Improve ocean knowledge
- Learn how to generate speed
- Refine stance
- Practice bottom turns, top turns, and cutbacks
Level 2.2: Intermediate to Advanced
Master the Waves, Elevate Your Skills!
You are at this level if:
- You have been surfing for many years.
- You’re riding a short board
- You’re able to position yourself right on the waves
- You have control of your board and can generate your speed & can make turns
What will you learn?
- Enhance your ability to build speed across various wave conditions
- Fine-tune your positioning to catch waves from the ideal take-off spot
- Sharpen your approach to reaching the wave’s face by refining your bottom turns
- Elevate your top turns
- Develop or advance your cutback skills
- If you’re ready: roundhouse cutbacks – snaps and floaters
Fun in the Sun Catching Kiddie Waves!
Our one on one surf guiding for kids makes it possible for mum and dad to feel relaxed in the water themselves while catching some wave together with the kids. We look at the surf conditions each day to bring you and your family to the best break for your levels. Children must be at least 4 years old to participate. If your child isn’t a confident swimmer, please bring a swim vest.
Professional Surf School in Canggu, Bali
To get the best experience, our Canggu Surf Camp curates personalized surf experiences, tailoring each session to your skill level and the sea’s conditions. From beginner to advanced surfers, we’ll find the perfect spot to elevate your surfing journey!
Pelan Pelan’s surf coaches have years of teaching experience and possess the knowledge to provide the best possible surf courses in Bali.
Our instructors grew up around Canggu – they know the waves like the back of their hand. They train weekly with head coach Putu, offer in-depth video analysis and theory classes to enhance your surfing experience. We believe that exceptional surf instruction goes beyond the basics.
Personal Surf Lessons in Bali
Each morning, our Balinese surf teachers take you to the brilliant beaches of Bali (based on where the waves are best) where they teach surf lessons that are designed especially for you!
At our surf school, we have a maximum capacity of 2 persons per surf teacher. Surf lessons at all levels are given from Monday to Friday and extra surf lessons are done on the weekends.
A surf lesson with Pelan Pelan Surf School is inclusive of:
- A surf lesson takes around 3-5 hours – from which 2 hours in the water
- A surfboard based on your level
- Transport from Pelan Pelan Retreat to the beach
- One or two introductory lessons to start off – if you’re not confident to commit to surfing yet
- 5 lessons to start off – if you want to learn surfing correctly
Things to note:
- 10 surf lessons in Bali can improve your skills tremendously!
- A surfer respects the power of nature, prioritizes safety, and never litters the ocean or beaches.
Advanced Surf around Bali
Guided surf sessions are for those wanting to be taken to the best waves in Bali.
Our knowledgeable staff are here to ensure you will be at the right spot at the right time. You are not required to provide your own surfboard (although you may), as ours are available for your use during the lessons.
Our prices and advice is as follows:
- A guided surf session takes around 4-6 hours – from which 2 hours in the water (always early in the morning)
- Transport from Pelan Pelan Retreat to the beach is included
- Waves are chosen based on your experience and ability
- In your Surf package, surf sessions are included every day. In the Get it All: Surf and Yoga package, 5 surf sessions are included, however, you may book extra sessions for the weekend and afternoons.
- Ideal if you just want to surf a lot of brilliant waves!
Meet Our Team
Happy to Answer all Your Questions
The retreat is approximately a 10-minute bicycle ride from the beach. However, for surfing activities, we typically
drive around 15 to 30 minutes. In exceptional cases, when the waves are significantly better at other spots on the island, we may travel further than this.
Not at all. In fact, 50% of our guests surf for the first time with us. We start slowly and tailor the lessons to your pace and improvement, ensuring you feel comfortable and confident every step of the way. Whether you’re a complete beginner or looking to enhance your skills, we’re here to guide you through an enjoyable and rewarding surfing experience.
You can bring your surfboard, but if you booked surf lessons with us, we will provide you with a surfboard suitable for your skill level. The water tends to be colder from June to October, so you may want to bring a wetsuit if you’re visiting during those months. Otherwise, you just need a bikini or board shorts. A rash guard, lycra, or t-shirt is highly advisable to avoid sunburn. We also sell these at the retreat. If you burn easily, we recommend a long-sleeved rash guard and, of course, a good water-resistant sunscreen.
The surfing schedule varies each day. We assess the surf forecast and current conditions daily, allowing us to determine the best time for surfing the day before. This approach ensures that we choose optimal surfing times based on wave conditions, providing you with the best possible surfing experience during your stay. The leaving time for surfing is usually between 6 AM – 10 AM in the morning.
We don’t usually surf in Canggu due to overcrowding. Instead, we surf at other local spots located more to the west, approximately 15-30 minutes’ drive from Pelan. These spots offer better surfing conditions and a more enjoyable experience for our guests.
Some additional costs are not included in the retreat package. These include airport drop-offs, dinner, drinks such as juices, extra trips, or spa treatments you may want to enjoy. It’s a good idea to have some cash on hand for these extras, but you can also conveniently pay for them at the retreat by credit card.
Give you the opportunity to make even greater progress while fully immersing yourself in the Pelan mindset. Many of our returning guests choose to stay for 2 to 3 weeks, or even longer, allowing them ample time to deeply relax, refine their skills, and truly embrace the peaceful retreat lifestyle.
If you have specific needs or injuries, please feel free to contact us in advance. If you’re dealing with an injury, we recommend checking with your therapist before participating in any activities to ensure it’s safe for you to join. We’re happy to accommodate and adjust as needed to make your experience comfortable.
At Pelan Pelan Bali, we offer a wide range of surfboards to suit all levels of surfers. Our collection includes shortboards, fish boards, fun boards, single fins, and soft tops for beginners, ensuring you have the right equipment for your skill level and surfing goals.
Your first surf lesson will take place the day after your arrival, depending on the package you book:
Get It All Package (Monday – Friday): If you arrive on a Friday evening, your surf lessons will be from Monday to Friday. If you arrive on a Monday, you’ll surf from Tuesday to Monday.
Surf Package: Regardless of your arrival day, your first surf lesson will be the day after you check in.