In Bali there are several famous surfing spots but they may be a little intimidating for beginners as you get continually wiped out while trying to get your balance on the board, so to help you get your confidence and learn the basics here are the 5 best surf spots in Bali for beginners.
Kuta Beach
Kuta Beach was the first surf spot on the island when in 1936 locals began copying an American expat riding the waves here. Kuta remains as a favored spot for beginners as the long sandy beach has small swells that are ideal to learn on. It is best in the morning as the currents often change later in the afternoon. There are several surf shops located here and numerous kiosks where you can negotiate the rental of a board. The waves here offer some variety averaging from one to three feet.
Airport Lefts and Rights (Tuban Beach)
Close to the Ngurah Rai International Airport, you will find another great surf spot best suited for beginners where the airport’s runway juts out to sea about 1.5km south of the Kuta break. The surf spots are named Airport Lefts and Airport Rights. Lefts is located to the north of the airport while Rights is to the south and only accessible by boat from the Lefts by circling out round the end of the runway. The biggest swells are up to 5 feet that is beyond a reef and requires a boat ride. The best spot for beginners is close to the beach at Lefts with the easier ride-able waves close to the shore. Crowds here can be a little unpredictable but it is usually less crowded than at Kuta.
Legian Beach
You will find Legian Beach just to the north of Kuta and is accessible via Jalan Pantai or several other side streets to the north of Kuta’s large white beach wall. The waves here are varied, similar to those at Kuta although there are less places to rent boards here than at Kuta. There are, however, some notable surf schools operating from this beach and the surf school at the Legian Beach Hotel offers beginner lessons including wave riding courses from in front of its garden pool. Another similarity with Kuta is that the swells grow larger in size late in the afternoon.
Seminyak Beach
The beautiful white sands of Seminyak beach just to the north of Legian Beach offers plenty of swell that can be larger than at Kuta but are suited for beginners learning to ride a few waves of short lengths. Close by is another beach known as Petitenget Beach with a famous temple with breaks to the left and right. Another spot close-by is Dhyana Pura, it has some good ride-able breaks and is less crowded than other beaches. All along the coast here you will find surf schools and kiosks to rent boards from.
Echo Beach
Echo Beach is located at Canggu about a 30-minute drive from Kuta and known locally as Pantai Batu Bolong, with expat surfers giving it the name of Echo Beach. There are several small rocky crags hiding the beach from the road and parking areas. You can rent boards from the stalls close to the temple and you can find waves that are suitable for all levels of surfer here. With waves below six feet high, it is a good spot for beginners wanting to get a taste the next level of waves.