5 Best Surf Spots In Bali For Beginner Surfers

Bali is known for many things, like being a tropical paradise and its Kopi Luwak. It’s also known for it’s big surf culture, and if you’re just getting into surfing, it’s crucial to know where are the best surf spots in Bali for beginners. You don’t want to wander into somewhere that you’re not ready for!v

If it’s your very first time surfing, it’s a good idea to book a surf lesson instead of venturing out by yourself. There are lots of practical knowledge when it comes to surfing that is best learnt from an experienced surf coach.

All that said, here are some of the best surf spots in Bali for beginners!

1. Kuta/Legian/Seminyak

The most beginner-friendly surf spot has to be the stretch of beach from Kuta to Seminyak. As the heart of the tourist center, you can expect some crowds around town, on the beach, and in the water itself.

The sandy beach breaks and soft white wash make for the perfect first steps for beginner surfers. The currents can get quite strong sometimes, but you’ll be fine if you’re with an experienced surf coach. There are also plenty of lifeguards on duty, ready to help anyone that’s getting pulled into trouble (literally).

Many surf schools will hold their beginner surf lessons here. If they’re fully booked, you can always approach one of the friendly beach boys renting out surfboards on the beach. More often than not they’re experienced surfers themselves, more than equipped to coach in surfing.

2. Batu Bolong

Canggu is one of the most popular locations on the island, being the center for all things hipster. For beginner surfers, your best bet is Batu Bolong on the Southern edge of Canggu. A beautiful black sand beach with a fat, mellow and friendly left-hander wave makes this a perennial favourite surf spot for the longboarders and stand-up paddlers too.

The wave can give very long rides, but it can also be crowded with a mix of beginner and expert surfers. The waves are often messy and mushy when it’s low tide here, so it’s best to surf at mid to high tide.

3. Jimbaran Beach

Photo credit: windysunbalisurfschool.com

Typically smaller than other surf spots, surfing only works here when the swell gets too big for beginners anywhere else. Although Jimbaran Beach isn’t usually crowded, on bigger days you’ll find many surf schools here, where the waves here are much more manageable to conduct surf lessons.

This surf spot has different peaks, with both left and right hander waves. The bottom is sandy, but there are small sharp rocks and shells, so be careful. It also has a pretty gnarly backwash and shore break that everyone (not just beginners) should watch out for!

4. Echo Beach

North of Kuta, Canggu has waves for all surfers and therefore draws in an equally proportionate crowd. We recommend Echo Beach for beginners to intermediates, and when the waves are big, leave it to the experts instead. 

We should mention that there aren’t many lifeguards patrolling this area, so take note if you’re gonna head out for a surf by yourself! The left side of the beach also has plenty of exposed, uneven sharp reef, so try to avoid this spot at low tide. 

But if the tide is right on that day, this is a magical place to experience a sunset surf. It’s breathtaking to sit out in the ocean and watch the sun set behind the horizon.

5. Dreamland Beach

Located on the Bukit and north of Uluwatu is Dreamland Beach. A dream land indeed, you’ll find locals and tourists hanging out, as well as couples snapping wedding shoots here. 

Surf-wise, when the swell is small in other parts of the island and the tide is right, this sandy beach break is perfect for a beginner-level surf. Make sure to watch out for the shore break though! You’ll see a lot of local and foreigner surfers flaunting their skills on this seemingly innocuous wave, but in reality it packs a punch and can easily knock you off your feet.