Best Beaches in Bali for Beginner Surfers
Because of the many different beaches, suitable for all levels of surfers, it’s good to know which beach you should go to if you want to learn how to surf in Bali.
In this guide, we’ll take you through the top beginner-friendly surf spots in Bali
Old Man’s (Pantai Batu Bolong) – Canggu
Located on Bali’s southwest coast, near our surf and yoga retreat, Old Man’s is one of the best spots for beginners. This black lava sand beach has a semi-beach break with both right- and left-hand waves, making it versatile for all surfers.
This might sound difficult if you have never surfed before, but Pelan Pelan’s surf guides will help you to choose the perfect wave for your surf level.
In the beginning, we will teach you how to stand up and ride straight on the white-water (foam/broken waves). Once you control these movements, we will help you to catch green waves (unbroken waves) and to learn how to make a turn onto the wave.
Why Old Man’s is Great for Beginners:
- Fat, mellow, and slow-breaking waves, allowing time to position yourself before takeoff.
- Perfect for learning to ride white-water waves before progressing to unbroken green waves.
- A relaxed, fun atmosphere with plenty of space to catch waves.
Since Old Man’s is a popular spot, it can get crowded, but the waves break and reform multiple times, giving everyone a chance to catch waves. After your surf session, grab a Bintang beer or a delicious meal at one of the beachfront restaurants. Don’t miss Happy Hour (5-6 PM) for two-for-one drinks!
Just don’t go too wild if you want to go surfing the next day, which we are sure you will!
Seminyak Beach
Just 40 minutes south of Canggu, Seminyak Beach offers another excellent surf spot for beginners. This white-grey sand beach has both left- and right-hand waves with a forgiving beach break.
Why Seminyak Beach is Ideal for Learning:
- Mellow, slower waves that are easy to paddle into.
- Shorter waves than Old Man’s but perfect for practicing your pop-up and balance.
- Great location for beginner-friendly surf schools.
With its vibrant atmosphere and stylish beach clubs, Seminyak also offers plenty of post-surfing relaxation options.
Baby Padang (Padang Padang Right) – Uluwatu
Padang Padang is located in the Bukit Peninsula, on the South coast of Bali. Padang Padang is famous for its advanced waves, but its little brother, known as Baby Padang (also called Padang Padang Right) is the perfect spot for beginner surfers.
Why Baby Padang is a Must-Try for Beginners:
- Easy paddle-out and a lineup that allows for a smooth entry.
- Right-hand waves guide surfers into a deep channel, making paddling back easy.
- A great location to practice catching multiple waves in one session.
This spot in Uluwatu is a fantastic place to hone your surfing skills while enjoying breathtaking ocean views.
Nusa Dua – East Coast Surfing
As you might know, Bali has two seasons: dry season (April-October) and wet season (November-March). Although there might be a bit more rain during the monsoon season, Bali has hot and humid temperatures all year round.
From November to April, the winds can change direction from Westerly to Easterly, which might have an influence on the surf conditions on the West coast.
Nusa Dua has 3 surf spots: Black Rock, Mushroom Rock, and Nikos Beach. Black Rock is the most beginner-friendly, because of its long rides and multiple peaks.
Why Nusa Dua is Great for Beginners:
- White sand beach with a semi-reef break.
- Best beginner-friendly spot: Black Rock (long rides and multiple peaks).
- Easy access to local warungs (small cafes) for post-surf snacks and coconuts.
After surfing, you can enjoy a refreshing coconut or a snack at the beautiful beach or in one of the Warungs (local restaurant or café), or you can even do some shopping.
Since there are also a few breaks for more experienced surfers, you can watch them play with the waves and dream about how you will be able to surf that way one day.
If the conditions aren’t great on Bali’s west coast, head to Nusa Dua for excellent beginner waves.
When to Surf at These Beaches?
After choosing the beach you would like to go to, it is good to know which conditions are the best and when the best time is to paddle out.
Here’s a quick guide:
- Best Swell Size: 3 to 5 feet
- Old Man’s & Seminyak: Best at mid or high tide
- Baby Padang & Nusa Dua: Best at high tide (to ensure enough water over the reef)
If you want to learn how to analyze surf conditions yourself, check out our guide on how to read a surf report. Choosing the right surfboard is also essential for progression, so take a look at our tips on how to choose the right type of surfboard before hitting the waves.
Come ride with us and discover the joy of surfing!
Beginner Surfer Instruction Video to Get You Started
Now that you know which beaches to go to to learn how to surf in Bali, when the best time is to paddle out, and which surfboard to use, below you can find an instruction video that will show you the basic rules of how to catch a wave.
This will definitely make you even more excited about catching your first waves with the surf guides of our surf retreat.
Join Our Canggu Surf Camp
Everyone starts somewhere, and there’s no better place than our Canggu Surf Camp to begin your surfing journey.
Whether you’re looking to learn the basics or refine your skills, our expert surf guides at Pelan Pelan Bali are here to support you every step of the way.
Why Pelan Pelan Bali?
Ready to ride the waves? At Pelan Pelan Bali, we don’t just teach you how to surf—we offer a complete wellness experience. After a day of surfing, unwind with a rejuvenating yoga session or treat yourself to a relaxing spa treatment.
Our retreat is designed to help you reconnect with nature, recharge your energy, and leave feeling refreshed and inspired.
Book your spot today and join us for an unforgettable surfing adventure in Bali.
See you soon at Pelan Pelan Bali!
