If you’re planning a trip to Bali to finally learn how to surf, you’re probably already dreaming about the warm water, the palm trees, and the feeling of your first successful pop-up. But there’s a secret to a great session that happens before you’re even on the plane. And that secret? It’s music!
For beginner surfers in Bali, the mental game is just as important as the physical one. And music is the best way to get you into the vibe. The right playlist will hype you up, help to calm those nerves and sharpen your focus. In a place as vibrant as Indonesia, where you hear music at every corner of the streets, the soundtrack to your trip is what turns a simple holiday into an unforgettable surfing adventure.
Here is why and how to create the perfect playlist for your time at our Surf School In Bali.
We’ve all had that moment. You’re sitting behind your desk, months after your trip, and a certain song comes on. Suddenly, you aren’t at work anymore, you’re mentally back on the beach in Bali, feeling the tropical heat on your skin while relaxing on the beach after your first surf session.
Music has a powerful way of anchoring memories. Think about that one song that makes you feel invincible. When you listen to it on your way to Seminyak beach, where our Surf School takes place, your brain starts releasing dopamine before you even touch the water. This priming is essential for beginners. It replaces the “can I really do this?” nerves with “I’ve got this, let’s go!” confidence.
Just like the way surfing changed over the last decades, so did surf music. It used to be all about the fast, twangy guitars of the 60s, like the song Wipe Out from The Surfaris. But that’s shifted. About 20 years ago, artists like Jack Johnson and Donavon Frankenreiter changed everything. They moved away from the stereotypes and brought in a laid-back, acoustic sound that became the anthem for surfers everywhere, from California to the shores of Bali.
Today, surf culture is more global and digital than ever. We all see the same clips of pros doing massive airs on Instagram or TikTok, but the real soul of surfing (and music) is still found in the local variations. You’ll hear the reggae beats in a Balinese beach warung or the indie folk playing in cafes, the music reflects how the lifestyle has grown. It’s a shared feeling that connects surfers all over the world, regardless of what’s on their playlist.
Now that we know why music is so important, let’s get into the groove. Some songs just sound like surfing, even if you’re miles away from the coast. These are the tracks that make you think of salty hair, sandy feet, scooter drives with boards on the racks, and that happy tiredness after being in the water all day.
From high-vibe tracks to wake up your nervous system to mellow indie acoustics and reggae to unwind after your sessions, here is our breakdown:
These are your go-to tracks for the drive to the beach. They have that classic energy that gets you stoked to finally get in the water.
This is for the adventurous side of Bali, perfect for watching the sunset at a beach club or getting focused before your lesson.
For beginner surfers, staying relaxed is key for a great pop-up and turning techniques. These mellow tunes help you find your focus or help you unwind with a post-surf meal.
Reggae and island life go hand-in-hand. This is the sound of the local warungs and the relaxed island life.
To make sure your soundtrack actually works for your trip, here are a few tips we’ve picked up from years of riding waves and making music on the island:
We’ve put together a surf playlist on Spotify just for you! You can listen to it before, during, and after your surf adventure in Bali to keep the stoke alive. Hopefully it will improve your quality of life and maybe your surfing a bit too!
Whether you are a total beginner surfer or looking to fine tune your skills, we are here to help you find your flow. So, grab your headphones, start creating that surfing playlist, and get ready for the first ride of your life!
