Choosing the Right Beach and Surf School
When searching online, you’ll often see places like Kuta, Legian, Seminyak, or Canggu mentioned as the go-to beaches for beginner surf lessons. These spots are famous for their soft sand and easy whitewater waves, great for first-timers.
But they can also be very crowded, especially during high season. That’s why we take a different approach.
We prefer to teach at quieter, more peaceful beaches just outside of Canggu, like Kedungu, and Gangga. These hidden gems offer beginner-friendly waves and far fewer people in the water.
You’ll have more space to practice, more one-on-one time with your instructor, and a calmer environment to build your confidence. When choosing a surf school, look for:
- Experienced, certified instructors
- Small group sizes or semi-private lessons
- A focus on ocean safety and a relaxed vibe
Our team has been teaching for years, with a maximum of 2 guests per surf guide to ensure you get personal attention and feel supported in the water. We also know how to pick the right beach for your skill level and comfort, feel free to check our Bali wellness retreat packages to see what suits you best.
What to Bring to Your Surf Lesson
Just a few basics to keep you comfortable and protected:
- Swimwear: Choose something tight, so you don’t lose it during your ride.
- Rash Guard and long leggings: Protect your skin from the sun and any rubbing from the board. We have them both for sale but feel free to bring your own if you have them.
- Reef-Safe Sunscreen: Essential in Bali. It protects your skin and the reef. Also available for sale at the Retreat.
- Towel & Water Bottle: You’ll definitely want both after your session. We provide refilled water bottles for sale and you will get a beach towel to bring to the beach.
We supply all the surf essentials: your board, leash, rash guard (available for sale), and plenty of encouragement to keep you motivated. After your surf session, you can relax and recover, learn more about our spa Canggu to complete your wellness experience.
How to Prepare Physically and Mentally
No need to train like an athlete, just a little movement and a positive mindset can go a long way!
Get Moving
A short warm-up like some gentle stretches helps loosen your muscles and gets you ready for paddling and popping up.
Light Fitness Before Your Trip
If you want to prep a bit in advance, activities like swimming, yoga, or even a few push-ups at home help build the strength and mobility you’ll use when surfing.
Calm the Nerves
Feeling a bit nervous? That’s normal.
Try visualizing yourself smiling and standing on a wave, even if it’s just for a second. The goal isn’t perfection, it’s to have fun and enjoy the moment.
Be kind to yourself and stay open to the experience, especially if things don’t go perfectly right away. If you have any questions or need help planning your surf retreat, feel free to contact us, we’re here to help!
What to Expect in Your First Surf Lesson
Your first surf session is all about building comfort in the ocean. Here’s how it usually flows:
On the beach
You’ll start with a short intro covering safety, ocean awareness, and how to paddle and pop up. Your instructor will guide you through the practice of the pop-up technique, stance, and how to keep balance.
In the Water
Time to catch some whitewater! These small, foamy waves are perfect for practicing.
Your instructor will help you position your board and give you feedback after each wave. Expect to fall, laugh, and try again.
Duration
Beginner surf lessons last up to 2 hours, which is the perfect amount of time to get the hang of things without getting too tired.
Surf Safety and Etiquette
Being safe and respectful in the water is just as important as learning how to surf.
- Listen to your instructor: they know the ocean and want to keep you safe.
- Be aware of others: always check before paddling for a wave. Your surf instructor will do this for you 🙂
- Don’t surf alone: especially as a beginner, always have a buddy or coach nearby.
- Respect the environment: always take your trash with you.
Learning these habits early on will make you a better, more respectful surfer in the long run. If you’re ready to start your journey, don’t wait, book now and join us for an unforgettable experience in Bali.
People Also Ask
How do surfing lessons work?
You’ll start on land learning basic technique and ocean safety, then head into small whitewater waves to practice under the guidance of your instructor with a big floating soft-top surfboard.
How long does a surfing session take?
Most lessons run around 1.5 to 2 hours, which gives you plenty of time to practice without getting overly tired.
A Few Final Tips
- Don’t rush progress: every beginner falls. The key is to keep trying and have fun.
- Celebrate small wins: whether it’s standing up for a second or catching your first wave.
- Most importantly, enjoy the ocean: Surfing is as much about feeling good as it is about technique.
Ready to Catch Your First Wave?
We’re all about creating a calm, supportive space to learn surfing, away from the busy crowds. While you’re staying with us at our riverside retreat, we’d love to help you get started.
Book your beginner surf lesson with us today.
