Made of over 17,000 islands, Indonesia is undoubtedly one of the best places to surf in the world. Indonesia is famously known for its diversity in cultures, animal and plant species, and unique ecosystems, and is the second country in the world to have the highest level of biodiversity. So, whether you want to go surfing for roaring currents or gentle waves, Indonesia has it all.
For seasoned surfers and beginners alike, finding the right type of surf school is paramount to your safety and quality of surf. It doesn’t matter how knowledgeable you are about the waves, because as any surfer will know, there’s always more to learn.
This is especially true if you plan on taking a surf vacation to another country, where the water territories are unknown to you.
Luckily for you, we’ve got you covered. Here are the 10 best surfing lessons and surfing schools in Indonesia!
If you’re planning a trip to Indonesia, odds are you’ll be visiting Bali at some point. Known for its world-class beaches and tropical beauty, Bali has quickly become one of the most popular vacation destinations in the world. Plus, Bali is home to some of the best surf schools in the whole of Indonesia.
Kamafari Surfcamp, based in Bali, is the ideal surf school for beginners and intermediate surfers. The surfcamp itself offers 180° views of Bali’s oceans and works both as a hotel and a surf school. So, even if you aren’t a resident at the surfcamp, you can still partake in surf lessons.
The price of the surf lessons are very affordable compared to other lessons around the world, with lessons occurring throughout the day for different skill levels. These lessons are led by a team of experienced and qualified surf instructors, who take their class to specific beaches depending on their skill level.
Padang Padang is a popular beach for beginner surfers due to the calm waves and minimal (plus predictable) currents.
Pros
Budget-friendly
Option to stay at surfcamp
Great for beginners
Cons
Experienced surfers might want something more challenging
If you’re a female traveler (solo or not) looking to – for lack of a better term – “find yourself” in Bali, check out Surf Goddess Retreats.
This retreat is exclusively created for women and works to create bonds amongst other female travelers through yoga, meditation, mindfulness, exploration, and of course, surfing. It doesn’t have to be all whimsical and relaxing if you don’t want it to be – sometimes the best way to clear your head is to try something new and exciting, like surfing!
This retreat lasts 7 days and 6 nights and is run by a group of experienced retreat facilitators to organize everything from yoga sessions to surf lessons.
The surf camp itself is run by women for women, which is ideal for solo female travelers who might feel uncomfortable around male instructors. The experienced instructors will take each class to specific waters depending on their skill level, so it doesn’t matter whether you’re a beginner or not.
Out of the water, the retreat offers an array of activities from yoga to spa sessions, allowing for a totally relaxing experience.
Pros
Women-only retreat
Positive for mental and physical health
Surf lessons suitable for all skill levels
Cons
Retreat doesn’t offer surf lessons for non-residents
If you’re looking for care-free, guilt-free, and pure-energized fun, check out Aloha Bali Surf. This surf school is ideal for surfers of all ages and skill levels – including kids and beginners – with the aim of increasing skills in the water and improving mental health. It’s silly, it’s light-hearted, and it’s all about creating that beautiful bond between the water and surfer.
While the prices of the surf lessons might seem higher than other surfcamps, the cost includes a 90/120-minute daily surf lesson, an adventure tour (choose between white water rafting and mountain biking), free guided yoga, daily breakfast and dinner, airport transfers, and far more. There are several packages to choose from depending on your needs.
With a blend of Californian and Hawaiian surf techniques and vibes, Aloha Bali Surf is appropriate for tourists as well as locals.
Pros
Laid-back atmosphere
Suitable for kids and adults of all skill levels
Other activities included in packages
Cons
Retreat doesn’t offer surf lessons for non-residents
Odyssey Surf School is a great surf school for both kids and adults who are fluent in either English, Japanese, or native Balinese. The qualified surf instructors can cater towards language preferences (as well as skill levels), making this one of the most inclusive surf schools in Bali.
Based just 10 meters from Kuta Beach, Odyssey Surf School is most appropriate for beginners and intermediate surfers. These waters are gentle and predictable (whilst often challenging), allowing for students to comfortably stand on a board within their first lesson. If you can’t manage it, the first lesson is free!
This surf school offers group, semi-private, and private surf lessons, as well as a free pickup service, showers, lockers, insurance, photography service, and a certificate of completion. While the prices are affordable enough as it is, we recommend booking a package of lessons to save money.
Pros
Great for beginners aged 7 to 65
English, Japanese, and Balinese fluent speaking instructors
Bali’s waters might seem only suitable for beginners, but fear not – Kima Surf is the place for intermediate and experienced surfers. Choose between six surfcamps across the coast, including beginner-friendly Padang Padang and thrill-seeking Canggu for advanced surfers. You can also choose between staying at the retreat or just opting for the surf lessons.
If you choose the retreat option, you’re in for a (re)treat. Residents will not only have access to daily surf lessons, but they’ll also be offered surfing analysis and videos to help their theory of surfing out of the water. Other activities include yoga classes, social gatherings, and a weekly BBQ.
If you’re an experienced or advanced surfer, we recommend visiting the Canggu surfcamp during the wet season when the swell is at its largest. However, you can visit any surfcamp during the year, and the qualified instructors will assign you to lessons and beaches according to your skill level.
Pros
Suitable for intermediate and experienced surfers
Chance to mingle with other surfers in the retreat
Surf lessons for non-residents available
Cons
Beginners might find some of these beaches and lessons difficult
For a more personalized surfing experience, make sure to check out Surf Buddy Bali. Run by Bali-native Buddy, these surf lessons are led by a team of qualified freelance surfers who know the water like the back of their hand. It doesn’t matter whether you opt for group or private lessons – it’s going to be a personalized experience regardless.
Buddy and his freelancers are qualified for providing surf lessons for beginner and intermediate surfers alike. As well as knowing everything about the water, Bali-native Buddy will take you to some of the most hidden gems in the area – including eateries not found on the internet and his native village of Medewi.
If you’re ready for it, Medewi offers excellent swirls and the occasional barrel wave for those wanting to challenge themselves.
Plus, if you opt for a group lesson, Buddy will often bring friends and other surfers to allow for a personalized experience for every student.
Ripcurl School of Surf is a great school when it comes to providing the ultimate safety for beginners.
For some travelers (especially those with kids), the idea of taking surf lessons run by Bali-natives might seem daunting and somewhat reckless, which isn’t always a bad thing – but sometimes you want the extra reassurance of safety. Ripcurl School of Surf understands this, to the point where they encourage beginners to wear helmets.
However, Ripcurl isn’t just about surfing. This surf school offers an array of other water sport activities, including paddle boarding, wind-surfing, wakeboarding, kayaking, bodyboarding, kite-surfing, and even diving.
While the prices are slightly higher than other surf schools in the area, these lessons come with a study book that teaches the student about the science of surfing, including how to read currents, swells, and tides. The price also covers the cost of high-quality equipment.
Pros
Safe practices for kids and beginners
Multiple water sport activities available
Based in the calmest, shallow waters in Jimbaran
Cons
Experienced surfers might want something more challenging
Rapture Camp is a surfcamp run by qualified Australian surfers who understand the art of surfing better than anyone. This surfcamp is a residential stay, featuring Balinese-style bungalows with access to Wi-Fi and hot water. This also happens to be a pretty popular worldwide surfcamp, with branches in Portugal, Morocco, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, and several in Bali.
If you’re an intermediate or beginner surfer looking to get more involved with the wider surfing community, Rapture Camp is the perfect place for you, as it encourages the involvement of international surfers. With four surfcamps in Bali, residents get the choice to surf at four of Bali’s most iconic beaches depending on their skill level.
Padang Padang is a favorite amongst beginners, while Green Bowl offers a bit more excitement for those who have found their feet on the board.
Plus, this surfcamp encourages residents to get involved with Bali’s communities and culture by having them stay in Balinese bungalows and villas. A nice change from the hustle and bustle of tourist hotels, that’s for sure!
Pros
Encourages tourists to get involved with international surf scene
Also encourages tourists to live like a local
Several Bali beach options depending on skill level
If you’re on a budget, UP2U is the surf school for you. While cheap, the lessons at this surf school are run by qualified and registered surf instructors that will provide you with all the knowledge and skills needed to stand up on a board and surf a few waves. If you’re a beginner, this is the best place to find your feet on the board.
Generally speaking, beginner lessons are held at the gentle Padma Beach, while advanced surfers with more experience have the option of going to more challenging local beaches.
The crew is the highlight of this surf school – run by a tightly-knit group of qualified instructors, students are more likely to feel as if they are part of a family of surfers rather than at a school. Plus, each lesson comes with classes on surf theory and science, which is invaluable to beginners.
Pros
Very affordable lessons
Family-like team of professionals
Good for all skill levels
Cons
Students have to rent boards, as the boards don’t come in the price of the lessons
If you feel like you’ve spent too much time partying in Bali, take all your energy and put it into the water with Endless Summer Surf School & Camp! With two surf camps located at two of Bali’s most famous beaches, Kuta and Canggu, students are immediately pushed into the local community – both surfing and not.
The key to Endless Summer is that the team of qualified instructors insist on taking their students to quiet beaches away from tourists. They want to show their students the real Bali without shoving them into overcrowded waters. It’s about quality rather than quantity, and they’d rather their students have the ability to stand on a board comfortably than feel intimidated by other surfers.
The surfcamp itself is an enjoyable experience, particularly for solo travelers, as it encourages residents to get involved with the other surfers. Endless Summer understands the importance of how confidence can be grown by socializing as well as surfing, so you’ll never be alone at this camp!
Pros
Very friendly, laid-back atmosphere
Focus on less-crowded beaches
Great for solo travelers
Cons
While offered separately, surf lessons for non-residents are more expensive than buying a week-long residency
