One of the best ways to enjoy the ocean, be active and get in touch with nature is surfing. But exposure to sunlight and saltwater may damage your skin, hair and your eyes. At Surf School In Bali we believe that protecting your body is as relevant for your body while surfing as learning to read the wave or to pop-up. With only a few simple steps you can protect yourself and keep yourself comfortable, healthy and ready for your next surf session. Here are some helpful tips for every surfer, if you’re learning to surf in tropical Bali or anywhere else.
The tropical sun in Bali is strong from mid-morning to later in the afternoon. When you’re in the water for hours, you are getting UV rays from all angles and it’s easy to forget how much you are absorbing.
Sunscreen is your best friend when it comes to protecting your skin. Find a broad spectrum sunscreen or zinc that is coral reef safe with a SPF 30 or more. It must cover UVA and UVB rays. Don’t forget to apply it liberally to all exposed areas, including your ears, neck and tops of your feet. And don’t forget tricky spots like the back of your knees and neck.
Reapply every two hours or more if you wipe salt water off your skin or towel dry. During your five-day learn to surf program at our Bali surf school, sunscreen is a must. You’ll be in the sun a lot, and staying protected keeps your skin healthy and safe.
Rash guards are not just for preventing rashes from your board, they also shield your skin from UV rays. Lightweight, fast-drying and perfect for daily surf sessions. When you’re warming up, paddling, waiting in the lineup or exercising on land. A rash guard keeps your skin safe and helps to avoid sunburn. Our Learn to Surf School in Seminyak offers rash guards for your daily surf sessions.
Saltwater and sun can dry out your skin quickly. After surfing, rinse with fresh water and apply moisturizer to keep your skin soft and healthy. Using one with SPF can give you extra protection against the sun’s rays.
Saltwater and sun can give your hair that beachy look, but it may also cause some damage. Making it dry with tangles. Here’s how to keep your hair happy, shiny and healthy during your surf.
Always rinse your hair with fresh water. Salt and sand attach to your hair and they will eventually affect your hair in a negative way and make your hair dry and will lead to hair breakage. Rinsing with fresh water will remove the salt and will prevent your hair from being dry.
A little coconut oil or a good leave-in conditioner before or after you surf will prevent saltwater on your hair and keep it moister. This also makes it easier to comb through and helps keep salty ocean hair off your head!
A surf hat would be a great investment in preventing your hair from sun and salt damage. Wide-brimmed hats provide shade for your head, face and neck and help keep salt and sun off your hair.
As saltwater can damage your hair, it is best to avoid heat styling tools like blow dryers and curling irons after hitting the water. Allow your hair to air dry naturally, and apply moisturizing treatments or masks to repair it.
Your eyes are very sensitive and can be easily harmed by UV from sunlight, salt spray and simply from the reflection of the water. Protecting your eyes can prevent long term problems and diseases.
Every surfer, or beach goer for that matter, needs a decent pair of shades here in Balinese heaven. They reduce glare from the water, the beach and can also be very stylish. You want to look for sunnies that have 100% UV protection and are comfortable. Sunhunters is a great sunglasses brand with lots of different frames that are 100% UV and super stylish and trendy.
Every surfer, or beach goer for that matter, needs a decent pair of shades here in Balinese heaven. They reduce glare from the water, the beach and can also be very stylish. You want to look for sunnies that have 100% UV protection and are comfortable. Sunhunters is a great sunglasses brand with lots of different frames that are 100% UV and super stylish and trendy.
Even if you are spending a lot of time in the water, it is still very important to stay hydrated. To make sure your eyes do not go dry and become irritated. Surfing can be a physical workout and quite taxing in the hot heat of Bali, so keep drinking water. Lots of water before, and after your surf sessions.
Good sun protection is not difficult. Use quality sunscreen, wear protective clothing, wash off salt water and wear sunglasses or a hat. Your body will thank you! If you’re ready to start your surfing in Bali join our Learn To Surf Program and we can make sure you feel confident, safe and ready to surf the waves.
