Here’s everything you need to know about surfing on windy days and how to make the most of it. Windy surf sessions can still be fun if you follow these tips for surfing in windy conditions:
1. Pick the Right Surfboard
- Use a heavier board to help you stay balanced in strong winds.
- A slightly longer board (around 6’6”) with extra thickness can give you better control.
- A board with a pointy nose can cut through the wind more easily.
2. Find the Right Position in the Water
- Don’t sit too far out, or you might struggle to catch the waves.
- Stay closer to the peak of the wave instead of paddling too early.
- Keep an eye on the current—if the wind is pushing you, walk up the beach and let it drift you to the right spot.
3. Paddle Stronger and Smarter
- Paddle with more force and take extra strokes to catch waves.
- Keep your body low and close to the board to avoid being slowed down by the wind.
- Use long, deep strokes instead of quick, shallow ones.
4. Know When to Bail (Let Go of the Wave Safely)
- If you get stuck in the wave’s lip, kick your board to the side and jump feet-first into the wave.
- Stay in control of your board so it doesn’t hit you or others.
- Learn how to read waves to tell when it’s better to wait for the next one.
5. Keep Your Balance and Stay Focused
- Wind can cause sea spray, which makes it hard to see—wearing surf goggles might help.
- Bend your knees and stay low on the board to keep your balance.
- Use your core muscles to stay steady, especially when the waves are bumpy.
6. Choose the Best Waves
- Look for waves that have a clear peak and don’t break too fast.
- Avoid messy, choppy waves that close out quickly.
- Be patient—waiting for the right wave can make your session much better.
7. Try Something Different If It’s Too Windy
- If surfing feels too tough, try bodyboarding or kneeboarding instead.
- These options still let you enjoy the ocean without fighting against strong winds as much.
Just keep in mind that we don’t provide body and kneeboarding, so you’ll need to bring your own if you want to try them.
8. Handle Strong Offshore Winds Like a Pro
- When the wind is blowing hard offshore, waves take longer to break.
- Stay deeper in the lineup and time your takeoff carefully.
- Paddle faster to avoid getting stuck at the top of the wave.
How Wind Affects Surfing
The wind plays a big role in how waves form. Before you paddle out, check the wind conditions so you know what to expect.
Types of Winds and What They Mean for Surfing
- Offshore Winds
These winds blow from the land towards the ocean. A light offshore wind (under 15mph) is perfect for surfing because it shapes the waves nicely.
But if the wind is too strong (over 25mph), it can make paddling harder and slow you down. - Onshore Winds
These winds come from the ocean and push towards the shore. They break waves too early, making them weaker and harder to surf. - Cross-shore Winds
These winds blow from the side, messing up the wave shape and making them choppy. They can also push you out of position, making it difficult to stay in the right spot.
Why Surfing in Windy Conditions Can Still Be Awesome
Even though windy conditions can be tough, they help you build better surfing skills. Learning to surf in strong winds makes you a better paddler, helps you read waves more effectively, and gives you confidence in different surf conditions.
Plus, on windy days, there are often fewer people in the water, meaning more waves for you!
FAQs
Is It Good to Surf When It’s Windy?
Offshore winds (blowing from land to the ocean) help shape clean, smooth waves, making them great for surfing. Onshore winds (blowing from the ocean to land) make waves messy and harder to ride.
It doesn’t count for Bali though—here, we get waves from the swell only, so it’s best to have no strong wind at all for the best surf conditions.
Can You Surf in Strong Winds?
Yes, but strong winds can make surfing tricky. If the wind is too strong (over 15 mph), it can be hard to paddle, and the waves may be unpredictable.
Offshore winds are better, but if they get too strong, they can also make it difficult to catch waves.
What Wind Speed Is Best for Surfing?
The best conditions are light offshore winds under 15 mph. Stronger winds, especially over 25 mph, can make surfing tough.
How Difficult Is Wind Surfing?
Windsurfing takes practice because you have to balance on the board while controlling the sail. It’s easier in light winds, but stronger winds make it more challenging.
Ready to Surf? Book Your Surf Retreat With Us Today!
Windy days don’t have to ruin your surfing session. With the right approach, you can still have an amazing time catching waves.
Just check the wind conditions, adjust your strategy, and have fun! At Pelan Pelan Bali, we teach surfers of all levels how to handle different conditions, including windy days.
Join us or contact us for surf camp Canggu and improve your skills while enjoying Bali’s beautiful waves!
