Learning to surf in Bali is something you don’t want to miss. And just as most sports, surfing has many different skills to learn. So before you start catching your first rides, there are some essential techniques you’ll want to learn. And trust us, once you get these right, with practice and patience your confidence and skills will grow quickly.
At our surf school in Bali, we teach all of these techniques to people just like you. So let’s explore the main beginner techniques and some tips to help you get started!
Paddling might look easy, but it’s one of the most important parts of surfing. If your paddling isn’t strong and efficient, getting to the line up and catching waves will be harder. It also helps you save energy for other surf sessions in Bali.
Start by lying flat on your board with your chest centered over the middle. Your feet should be hanging off the tail, aligned comfortably with your hips. A good body position is needed for effective paddling and balance. When a wave comes near, your goal is to paddle with strong, aligned strokes. Enter the water with your hands, pull back towards your hips, and engage your core. Don’t just splash around, really use your arms and whole body to generate power.
To paddle effectively, think of each stroke as a purposeful effort. It’s better to do a few strong strokes than lots of weak, random ones. When you’re paddling out in Bali, a smooth, efficient technique saves energy. It also helps you catch more waves during your first surf lessons. Focus on quality strokes, and you’ll notice a big difference.
If you’re just starting out in Bali learning to surf, the basic pop up is where most beginner surfers begin. It’s a simple, straightforward four step move and great to get you on your feet when a wave rolls in.
To begin, lie flat on your board with your chest placed over the middle of your board. This position will help you for an easier pop up. Next, put your hands flat next to your chest and push yourself up. Avoid grabbing the rail (the sides of the board) or using your knees, this will just make it easier for you to fall.
When you feel like the board has speed and you feel balanced on the wave, you push yourself up. Then start bringing your back foot forward, a bit in front of the fins,then quickly bring your front foot up between your hands. As soon as your front foot is on the board, you release your hands.
Engage your arms for balance and look where you want to go, your eyes will lead the way. Practicing this pop up on land 10-15 times before your sessions helps to build muscle memory. In the water, also practice your timing. Start to pop up just as the wave lifts you and stay focused on where you want to go. A smooth pop up makes your rides in Bali’s beginner spots much more fun and confident.
When you’re comfortable standing on your surfboard, it’s time to learn how to turn. Turns help you control your ride and navigate waves better.
Slowly lean into the direction you want to go, press your heels for a right turn and your toes for a left. Use your arms to guide the board, reaching out or pulling in. Start with small, gentle turns in the whitewater to feel how shifting your weight works. Over time, your turns will become sharper and feel way more natural.
Always keep your eyes on where you want to go, your head leads your body. Try to practice turning on land first to build muscle memory and remember, your surf guides are here to help you every step of the way.
After practicing the first basics, learning how to control your speed is the next step. A smooth rider is a happy rider.
To go faster, lean your weight slightly forward, pressing into the nose of your board. To slow down, shift your weight back toward the tail. Keep your surfer stance centered for steady, consistent speed. Practicing this in the whitewater will help you to get a feeling for how your body affects the speed and balance of your surfboard.
By learning how to control your speed, you’ll stay in the wave longer and have more control over your ride. This skill is important to have as you progress from a beginner surfer to an intermediate surfer in Bali.
As you progress in our Learn To Surf School, you’ll learn how to paddle out beyond the whitewater and into the line up. Sometimes, waves break right on your head and to avoid a wipe out a turtle roll will be your best friend.
To do a turtle roll, paddle hard toward the wave, then hold on to the sides of your board and flip yourself and your board upside down just before the wave hits. The wave will pass over the underside of your board, protected from the crashing water. Make sure you keep hold on your board and keep your body close to the board. Once the wave has passed, flip yourself and your board back, then paddle out again. Practicing the turtle roll in Bali’s calm waters or in the pool will help a lot.
Understanding surf etiquette is really important as a beginner surfer. Knowing these unwritten rules help to keep everyone safe and will make your time in the water more fun. One of the most basic rules is about priority. The surfer who is closest to the wave’s peak can take off first. Also, if someone is already riding a wave, wait your turn. You definitely don’t want to collide or crash.
Small signs like a nod or wave can help to keep a positive vibe. Always show respect to other surfers and ask your surf guides if you’re not sure about something. We’re all here to learn and enjoy the ocean!
Understanding how to read the waves is just as important as learning the other basic techniques. It can be the difference between catching a wave and missing out or getting hurt.
Watch how the waves roll in, are they gentle and smooth or steep and powerful? Find the peak (the part where the wave begins to break), since that’s usually the best spot to catch it. Also, look at the shoulder, the part of the wave that’s not broken yet. This area often gives the smoothest rides and best chances to catch your first waves. Your instructors at our Surf School in Bali will help you practice reading the ocean and choosing the right surf spots and waves. The better you understand the ocean, the more confident you’ll feel in the water.
Learning how to surf in Bali is an adventure. You won’t become a pro overnight, but with plenty of practice, these techniques will soon feel second nature.
Ready to learn these skills and have fun riding the waves in Bali? Join us at Surf School In Bali and let’s make your surf journey unforgettable!
