Let’s face it, the ocean is one of the main reasons we all love Bali. Whether you are warming-up for your first lesson, just relaxing on the beach or watching the sunset, the Indian Ocean is the centre of every surf trip. But it’s easy to overlook the fragile reality beneath your surfboard. Because with thousands of travelers arriving every month to learn how to surf or explore Bali, the footprint we leave on the environment is becoming impossible to ignore.
Plastic pollution, changing climates, and the destruction of our reefs aren’t just future problems anymore. They are happening right now, right under our boards. It’s time for the surfing community to step up and start thinking about sustainability. While surfing is technically a low-impact sport, we still have to take steps to be truly eco-friendly. And you, as a beginner surfer, can have a huge impact in keeping our ocean a paradise.
On the surface, surfing is one of the most sustainable sports out there. It’s just you, a surfboard, and the energy of the ocean. No engines and no fuel. But if we’re being real, most surfboards today are made from epoxy or fiberglass. Which is great for speed and flex but not so great for the planet. Under that shiny finish is usually an oil-based foam core held together by chemicals like polyester resin and styrene.
The process of glassing a board releases VOCs (volatile organic compounds), chemicals that contribute to smog and can have real health effects. That’s why you’ll always see surfboard shapers wearing masks to protect their health.
The footprint doesn’t stop at the surfboard. Think about what you’re wearing. We all know that the (fast) fashion industry has a huge impact on the environment. Most swimwear and wetsuits are made from synthetic materials like nylon or neoprene, which are derived from oil and shed microplastics every time you wash them, paddle out or take a tumble in a wipeout. And most swimwear also can’t be recycled once worn down. Then there is the stuff we put on our bodies to protect our skin. Standard sunscreens are packed with chemicals that are proven to bleach and harm coral reefs, and surf wax is often made from paraffin, another byproduct that flakes off and settles into the sea.
Luckily, the tide is turning. Over the last few years, we’ve seen a shift in the industry as brands and local shapers in Bali have woken up to the reality of our footprint. And we’re happy to see eco-surfboards made from recycled foam or wood, swimwear created from recycled ocean plastic, and wax and sunscreen with organic, reef-safe options!
The good news? You don’t have to stop surfing to be an eco-friendly surfer. It’s all about the small choices you make every time you head down to the beach for your first surf lesson. You don’t have to be a diehard activist to help, there are some small changes that take zero effort but have a huge impact on the health of the island. Here are a few things you can do to help.
Your transition into a conscious surfer starts with the gear you choose. Start with supporting sustainable surf brands. Big surf brands like Billabong, Patagonia and Vissla are working hard to create sustainable products. Keep an eye out for labels like ‘Yulex’ (natural rubber) or ‘recycled polyester’ when picking out your next suit. And the best part? Many local surf shops around Bali are doing the same. We’re seeing more and more shapers in Bali getting creative, like making boards out of wood, recycled materials, or even upcycled plastic bottles.
When it comes to your skin, using reef-safe sunscreen or zinc is non-negotiable. If your sunscreen contains Oxybenzone or Octinoxate, it is actively poisoning the Bali reefs. Stick to mineral-based zincs that act as a physical barrier. They stay on your face much longer in the water (to protect you from that mid-session burn) and keep the coral healthy.
Check the wax you’re using on your board. Traditional wax is a petroleum mess, so switch to organic, beeswax-based alternatives. They provide the same stick without the chemical slick.
Standing on the reef hurts, but it mostly kills the coral. Part of learning how to surf is learning about reef awareness. Learn how to fall flat (the starfish method) to avoid hitting the bottom and learn what to do when the tide gets low. By respecting the underwater marine life, you are preserving the nature that creates the waves you can catch in the first place.
In the lineup, the surf etiquette consists of the unwritten rules that keeps everyone safe. But as a beginner surfer in Bali, etiquette also applies to nature. Places like the reef breaks near Seminyak are living organisms.
The easiest one? Stop using single-use plastic. Most quality surf schools in Bali and local cafes now have large water gallon dispensers. Bring a reusable bottle, refill it before your lesson and you’ve already saved the ocean from dozens of plastic bottles during your stay.
Another quick win is the ‘take 3’ rule. Every time you leave the beach after a surf, pick up three pieces of trash that aren’t yours. It’s a small price to pay for the free energy the ocean gives us to ride those waves. Another option, and fun activity to do with your friends, is to join a beach clean-up on your favorite beach in Bali.
Lastly, think about where you’re eating. Supporting local warungs that avoid plastic packaging and use locally sourced products. It’s another huge win for the environment and for your tastebuds!
At the end of the day, when you learn how to surf in Bali, you aren’t just learning a new hobby, you’re joining a global community of ocean lovers. And that stoked feeling is much easier to find when you know you’re doing your part to keep the water clean and the reefs alive.
Surfing is a gift from the ocean, and the best way to say thank you is to be a conscious surfer in the lineup today. Let’s keep the ocean healthy for the next generation of beginner surfers.
Ready to start your own journey? Join our Surf School in Bali and experience the magic for yourself. See you in the lineup!
