Surfing is now more popular than ever. And definitely one of the best activities you can do, especially in Bali’s paradise. If you know some of the basic surfing rules and how to read the ocean before your journey even starts, you are one step ahead of most beginners.
Also, you can avoid many accidents and common beginner mistakes. How do you stay safe in the water? And what are important safety measures you should think about? As exciting as surfing can be, safety should always be the priority, especially for those just starting out. We put together a list with 8 important tips so you can protect yourself and others in the water! while catching those first waves!
Here’s how you protect yourself and others in the water!
Lucky for us, because Bali is home to a lot of surf spots that are perfect for beginners. Taking beginner surf lessons in Bali is fun, but learning to surf in the right spot is even better. So what does a beginner surf spot look like? You want to look for a break with gentle rolling, white water waves. Preferably a sandy bottom where it’s easy to stand or a spot with a deep reef. These are great for learning how to pop-up, practice your balance and avoid beginner mistakes.
Our lessons take place at Double Six, a surf spot in Seminyak. Along the whole coast of Seminyak you can find spots that are perfect for practicing your skills!
Spots that you should avoid as a beginner? Surf breaks with strong currents, busy lineups, large waves, or heavy wind. If you get better at surfing, you can try more advanced surf spots.
The ocean is a beautiful piece of nature and at the same time, really powerful. It’s easy to underestimate a calm looking ocean. This is where reading the ocean and its waves comes in. This skill comes with time and experience, the more time you spend in the water and the more you surf different types of waves the better you will be at it. Before actually learning how to read a wave you must learn about surf breaks and the waves. The types of surf breaks, how they work, and what type of wave they can create. An A-frame, a right wave, left wave, close outs and a point break. Then you can learn about the different parts of the wave like the peak, shoulder, the lip and the impact zone.
Understanding rip currents is another super important factor in reading the ocean. Rip currents are powerful and possibly dangerous and can carry even the most experienced surfers away from the shore. As a beginner, it’s important to learn how to identify rip currents and know how to escape them. If you find yourself caught in one, remember to stay calm. Swim parallel to the shore until you are free of the current, and then make your way back to the beach at an angle.
Being able to read the surf forecast is also super important in order to be at the right surf spot at the right time. With your phone in your hands, you can pretty much understand what will happen in the next week and prepare yourself to be out there on the best day possible. We’d recommend the surf forecast of Surfline or Windguru.
So yes, surfing also has some theory, which is important to catch the waves and ensure your safety in the water.
Now that you are finally in the water and surfing your first waves, it’s really important to learn, understand and follow the surf etiquette. These are unwritten rules about surfing and respecting each other. Here are a few important etiquettes you should know:
Sometimes it’s hard to know what to do when you are in the heat of the moment. Our surf guides will always help you out and a simple smile or hand gesture does wonders.
Always stay alert while surfing, especially if you are surfing with more people in the lineup or with other group lessons. Pay attention to other surfers around you and any changing conditions in the water. Before paddling out, always take a moment to observe the conditions of that day.
Make sure to position yourself safely, away from the crowd and potential accidents in the impact zone. Especially if you’re a beginner still learning how to control your movements on the surfboard.
Surfing is one of the best sports around as you have the option to go alone or go with friends. Though we love our surfing alone time to enjoy our quiet time and work on our own things, we all know surfing is always better with friends! It’s not only safer if something happens, it’s also a great learning opportunity and much more fun to have someone to share the stoke with!
When you get as addicted to surfing as we are, you will likely spend a lot of time in the ocean. Catching waves, learning the basics, having fun with your new surf buddies. But spending a lot of time in the ocean also means you will be spending a lot of time under the sun. Even if it’s cloudy, the UV in Bali is quite strong, and you don’t want to look like a lobster on your evening out. So make sure you use a high SPF water resistant sunscreen or zink before you jump in the water and reapply when you get out the water. Please note that some sunscreens contain harmful chemicals like oxybenzone and octinoxate, which have been linked to coral bleaching when they come off into the water. So please, choose an ocean friendly sunscreen with minerals such as zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. Wearing a surf shirt or rash guard also provides extra protection from the sun.
Don’t put too much sunscreen on your belly or upper legs, otherwise it will get very slippery on your surfboard. Another way to protect your skin and body against dehydration is drinking a lot of water before and after your surf session. Happy body, happy mind, happy surfing!
A beginner surfboard is key for a safe surf and fun session. Usually a soft top foamie is the best beginner surf board. A board that is easy to float and helps you to balance on the waves. These boards are forgiving if you fall off and easy to pop-up, paddle out and turn on the waves.
During our 5 day Learn To Surf Programme, we offer a range of high-quality soft-top surfboards from Ocean & Earth, designed to make your learning experience smooth and fun.
Last but not least, don’t panic, ever! If you are doing something new in life it’s easy to get a stress reaction when you fall off your board or if you get pushed under the water. Lots of beginners think they get stuck underwater for 30 seconds or a minute. It may feel like a long time, but if you are surfing beginner waves you shouldn’t get stuck underwater for more than 3 or 4 seconds. When you feel tension or panic in your body, try to use controlled breathing techniques so you calm your nervous system.
So, relax your body under water as much as possible and you’ll be on your board again before you know it!
So, by following these safety tips, you can protect yourself and others while making the most of your surfing journey in Bali. Ready to give it a go? Join our Surf School in Bali for a beginner surf lesson, and ride those waves with confidence!
