Bali is famous for its beaches, and surfing is popular here. Beginners need a good place to start. Where is the best surf spot in Bali for new surfers? Finding the right wave helps you learn.
We’ve put together a guide to the best surfing beaches in Bali that are perfect for newcomers. As a bonus, many of these locations are also conveniently close to luxury tent rentals in Bali, offering a comfortable and unique place to stay with easy access to the waves.
In this article, we’ll explore the top beginner-friendly surfing beaches Bali has to offer.
Best Surf Spot in Bali Which Are Beginner-Friendly
Here are some gentle surfing spots that will be perfect for your level.
1. Balian Beach
Balaian Beach is a cool place to learn how to surf compared to the busy south of Bali. The waves here are usually soft and do not break very powerful, which is great for beginners to paddle and stand. In addition, if you want a good place to live nearby, Bali in the middle gives luxurious Bali beach glamping and provides easy access to these early waves.
However, Balian is ahead of the main tourist areas such as Kuta and Legian, so the drive can be long. You will get surf schools and rent, but maybe there are not many alternatives like the south.
Originally, Balian is a good option if you want a cool place to start surfing without too much of an audience. Soft waves and sand floors are good points. Just remember that it is a bit out, and the currents can sometimes be strong.
2. Kuta Beach (Legian Beach)
Kuta and Legian beach are probably the most crowded places to learn surfing in Bali. They both have very long sandy beaches, and the waves are usually small and regular, perfect for learning. It’s very simple to find surf schools and rent boards right on the beach. The area is also bustling with plenty of restaurants and shops.
As much as it’s favored by new surfers, Legian and Kuta may become very crowded, both on the beach and in the water, especially during holidays. This is too much for some new surfers and calls for vigilance around other humans.
Overall, Legian and Kuta are very convenient with loads of surf schools and gentle waves to practice on. Just be ready for crowds and take care when swimming against the currents.
3. Seminyak Beach
Seminyak Beach is slightly more relaxed and stylish than Kuta/Legian, but there are some waves that are beginner-friendly in certain spots. It’s a broad sand beach, and while the waves are occasionally bigger than Kuta, smaller waves close to the water’s surface are okay for learning.
One thing to remember is that the most perfect spots for beginner waves might not necessarily be in the same spot, and the conditions can vary during the day. There are not quite as many surf schools along the beach as there are in Kuta, so you might have to look a little harder. Rentals and food also tend to be more expensive in Seminyak.
Seminyak is a good option if you want a slightly more upper-end beach experience and can still access beginner waves.
4. Batu Bolong Beach (Canggu)
Batu Bolong in Canggu is becoming a very well-known beginner area. The waves are long and gentle there, giving you a longer time to practice how to surf. In Canggu, the mood is relaxed and hip with numerous surf shops and cafes, which makes surfing super fun. You can rent a board and have lessons on the beach in seconds.
But Batu Bolong gets very busy, especially if the surf is good. You’ve got beginners and experienced longboarders, so it gets congested trying to get a wave. And rocks and a reef out there as well, so beginners have to stay in towards the beach and watch the tide.
Briefly, Batu Bolong is a good place for socialization and having fun learning how to surf with its often long and soft waves. The surf environment and facilities are great. Just be prepared to have crowds and watch out for the rocks when it is low tide.
5. Berawa Beach
Berawa Beach, in Canggu as well, will have some beginner waves, especially if the waves are small. As the waves are more spread out here, it might not be as crowded either. There are surf schools present here as well, and Canggu’s trendy atmosphere extends to Berawa.
The negative aspect of Berawa is that the newbie waves are inconsistent. Sometimes they are quicker and more powerful waves than in Kuta and potentially difficult for those new to the sport. Potentially, they can have currents and some rocks to contend with. You possibly won’t find as many surfing schools right along the beach like you would for Batu Bolong or Kuta.
In short, Berawa is fine for beginners if you prefer to look for a not-so-crowded Canggu spot. But the waves are not necessarily perfect for absolute beginners all the time, and you should watch out for currents and rocks.