Family Surf Camp Bali: Why Families Love Pelan Pelan

Reconnect and Unplug from Everyday Life

At home, it’s so easy to get distracted.

Whatsapp messages keep coming, emails come in, and kids go from one thing to the next. Even holidays can sometimes feel a bit rushed.

At our surf camp, the pace just changes.

Your day naturally revolves around the ocean, the sun and the tides.

You wake up, have a relaxed breakfast together, and then head to the beach for a surf session. No rush, no tight schedule. Just follow the best time for the best waves for that day.

After that, it’s usually just hanging out. Staying at the beach, going back to the pool, or just doing nothing for a bit. Taking a massage and whoever feels like joins the yoga in the afternoon.

And that’s actually where the magic happens.

Without all the noise, there’s more space. You start talking more, laughing more, just being together.

We often see parents and kids open up here in a way they don’t at home.

Nothing is forced. You’re not planning “family time”.

It just happens.

At our family surf camp, your days revolve around the ocean instead of your phone.

Learning to Surf Together as a Family

Learning something new together just does something.

At our family surf camp in Bali, most families are complete beginners, but it also works really well when some of you already have more experience.

Every surf lesson is adapted to each family member’s level. Whether it’s your very first surf lesson or you’ve been surfing for years, everyone progresses at their own pace.

Usually, we work with one surf guide for every two guests. For younger children who are just starting out, we often provide one-on-one coaching so they can build confidence safely while having fun.

For more experienced surf mums and dads, one of the best moments is watching their children enjoy the ocean with our caring Balinese surf guides. There are lots of wipe-outs, lots of laughter, and plenty of encouragement.

Sometimes a child stands up before their parents, and everyone is cheering in the water.

Sometimes it’s the parents who wipe out, and the kids can’t stop laughing.

Those are the moments nobody forgets.

We see families supporting each other every single day. Encouraging one another, celebrating the small wins and helping each other back onto the board.

It isn’t really about becoming a great surfer.

It’s about sharing the experience together.

And somehow, that connection doesn’t stop when you leave the beach.

It continues over lunch.

While watching the surf videos together.

While talking about everyone’s favourite wave of the day.

Those shared experiences often become the memories families talk about long after they return home.

If you’re curious about how we teach surfing, you can learn more about our Surf Camp in Bali and our personalized coaching approach.

Why Families Love Our Surf Camp in Bali

Every family is different. Some come because their children have always wanted to learn to surf. Others come because mum or dad used to surf years ago and want to share that passion.

Whatever brings you here, we believe learning should feel relaxed, personal and fun. That’s why we deliberately keep our surf groups small.

And many families simply want to spend quality time together away from the busyness of everyday life.

Whatever brings you here, we believe learning should feel relaxed, personal and fun. That’s why we deliberately keep our surf groups small.

Here’s what families love most about staying with us:

Maximum two guests per surf guide
This allows us to adapt every lesson to your family’s level and give everyone personal attention.

Quieter surf spots
Instead of the busy beaches around Canggu, we choose quieter surf locations with softer waves and fewer crowds whenever possible.

Perfect for beginners and experienced surfers
Every lesson is adjusted individually, so everyone can progress at their own pace.

A relaxed family atmosphere
We’re a family-run retreat, not a large commercial surf camp. Many guests tell us it feels more like staying with friends than at a hotel.

Healthy breakfasts and weekday lunches included
No worrying about where to eat after surfing. Everything is taken care of.

Time to relax
While the kids are playing in the pool, many parents enjoy a massage or join one of our yoga classes.

Tyson & Marco
Our two dogs quickly become part of the family. Many children ask about them long after they’ve gone home.

It’s often these little things that make the biggest difference.

Nature, Ocean Time & Family Wellbeing

Nature, Ocean Time, and Family Well-Being

There’s just something about being near the ocean.

The sound of the waves, the fresh air, the sand, it makes everything feel a bit lighter.

For parents, it’s often the first moment in a while where things slow down.

And for kids, it’s just freedom. Running around, playing, being in the water all day. At the beach as well as in the pool.

So what we see happening all the time.

Families arrive a bit tired, still in their routine. And after a few days here, everything feels different.

More relaxed. More open.

It’s not just the surfing.

It’s the walks on the
beach, sunset and sitting together after a long day and talking about the best moments.

Kids playing with our dogs Tyson and Marco, running around barefoot, just being outside.
Simple things, but they matter.

And somehow, being here at our Retreat in nature, playing in the ocean in the morning makes it easier to really connect again.

An Active Family Vacation for All Ages

We often get the question if surfing is actually suitable for kids, or if it’s maybe too difficult.

And honestly, most families arrive a bit unsure.

But it usually changes quite quickly.

We take you to quieter beaches, where the waves are softer and there’s space to learn without pressure.

The younger kids are often just playing in the water at first, getting comfortable, laughing, not really thinking about “learning to surf”.

And then suddenly, they stand up.

The older kids and parents go step by step, building confidence along the way.

Some pick it up fast, others take a bit more time – and that’s completely fine.

It’s never really about how good you get.

It’s about being in the water together, trying, falling, and enjoying it.
And watching the videos after it, laughing with each other and still learning to surf as well, is just the best combination.

Pelan Bali is Safe, Calm & Perfect for Families

One of the first questions parents ask us is:

“Is surfing actually safe for children?”

The answer is yes.

Safety is always our priority. That’s why we keep our groups small, don’t go to the busy beaches like Canggu and have a maximum of two guests per surf guide, and often provide one-on-one coaching for younger children.

We take our families to quieter spots like Kedungu, Yeh Gangga, and Pankung Tiba. Places where there’s more space, softer waves, and a much more relaxed feeling.

It just makes everything easier. Especially for kids, but honestly also for parents.

And because we keep our groups small, we can really adjust everything to your level.

There’s no pressure here.

Want to know where we surf? Read more about our surf spots around Canggu and how we choose the best waves each day.

A Typical Day at Our Family Surf Camp

One of the things families love most is that no two days are exactly the same.

We follow the ocean, not the clock.

That means your surf time changes depending on the tides and the best conditions for your level.

A typical day usually looks something like this.

Wake up early

Enjoy breakfast together

Head to one of Bali’s quieter surf beaches

Surf together with your coach

Enjoy lunch with the family and other guests

Relax by the pool or spend more time at the beach

Book a Balinese massage or simply unwind

Join a afternoon yoga class

Watch the sunset

Share dinner and talk about everyone’s favourite moments

No rushing.

No packed itinerary.

Just plenty of time to enjoy being together.

Many parents tell us it’s the first holiday where they haven’t felt like they had to organise every minute of the day.

Our Story: Why We Created Pelan Pelan

Pelan Pelan didn’t start as a business idea.

It started from the way we wanted to live ourselves.

When I started Pelan, I wanted other people to feel what I felt. I grew up in the Netherlands, where there is a lot of focus on school, studies, and always thinking about the future.

When I met my Balinese husband Putu here, I realised life can be lived much more in the moment.

Now that we have a family with four kids, we try to raise them a bit differently. More the Bali way.

It’s not all about what you learn at school, and often the plans we make for the future don’t even turn out that way.

So we try to live more in the moment. And that’s also what we want you and your family to feel when you’re here.

It’s not about how good you are. It’s about the process and the fun along the way.

Our kids grew up around the ocean here in Bali.

Our oldest now really loves surfing – not because we pushed it, but because it just became part of his life.

But what we noticed most is that it’s never really about the surfing.

It’s about the whole day around it.

Long days at the beach, playing in the sand, laughing with the surf guides, just feeling free.

We now see the same thing happening with the families who stay with us.

Sometimes parents suddenly realise their older kids are off somewhere, not because something is wrong, but because they’ve connected with other guests and are completely in it.

And the younger ones are just as happy. Playing, exploring, often with the sweetest Balinese nannies who are so natural with kids.

And then there’s Tyson and Marco, who quickly become part of it all.

It’s not organised or forced.

It’s just a different rhythm.

And that’s where families really reconnect.

Curious how Pelan Pelan started and why we chose to build a family-run surf retreat in Bali? Read Our Story.

Frequently Asked Questions About Our Family Surf Camp in Bali
Is surfing safe for young children?

Yes. Safety always comes first. We choose quieter surf spots with gentle waves and adjust every lesson to your family’s experience. We usually work with one surf guide for every two guests, and for younger children we often provide one-on-one coaching so they can learn at their own pace.

Children who are not yet able to swim are required to wear a life jacket. They will surf tandem with one of our experienced surf guides, allowing them to enjoy the experience safely while building confidence in the water.

What is the minimum age for children?

Every child is different, but we generally recommend surfing from around 5 years old. Younger children can still enjoy the beach, pool and relaxed atmosphere while older family members surf. If you’re unsure, feel free to contact us and we’ll happily advise you based on your child’s age and confidence in the water.

Do parents and children surf together?

Some families all surf together, while others prefer separate groups based on their level. Because we keep our groups small, we can adapt every lesson so everyone gets the coaching they need while still sharing the experience together.

What if we’ve never surfed before?

That’s completely normal.

In fact, most families who stay with us are beginners. Our experienced Balinese surf guides will teach you everything step by step, from carrying your board to catching your first wave.

Which surf spots do you visit?

Unlike many surf camps, we don’t surf at the same beach every day.

Instead, our local surf guides choose the best location based on the tides, swell, wind and your family’s surfing level. We usually visit quieter beaches such as Kedungu, Yeh Gangga and Pangkung Tibah, where there’s more space to learn in a relaxed environment.

Learn more about our surf lessons in Bali.

Is accommodation included?

Yes. Our family-friendly accommodation is included in all of our surf packages. We offer comfortable rooms, a large swimming pool and peaceful surroundings where families can relax after a day in the ocean.

Is yoga included?

Our Surf Retreat Package focuses on surfing, but yoga classes can easily be added during your stay if you’d like to stretch, recover and unwind.

If you’re looking for a combination of surfing and yoga, have a look at our Surf & Yoga Retreat Bali.

How long should we stay?

Our minimum stay is five nights.

However, most families stay between one and two weeks. This gives everyone enough time to improve their surfing, settle into the relaxed Balinese rhythm and truly enjoy spending time together.

Ready to Reconnect as a Family?

Family holidays don’t have to be packed with activities to become unforgettable.

Sometimes all you need is a quieter place.

A slower pace.

A few waves.

And time to simply be together again.

At Pelan Pelan, we’ve seen families arrive feeling tired, distracted and constantly busy.

A week later, they’re laughing together in the pool, cheering each other on in the ocean and sharing stories over dinner.

That’s why we believe surfing is only part of the experience.

The real transformation happens in everything around it.

If you’re looking for a family surf camp in Bali where everyone – from young children to parents – can enjoy themselves, we’d love to welcome you.

Ready to plan your family holiday? Discover our Family Surf & Yoga Retreat and check availability.