Bali is not just a tropical island. For millions of people around the world, this word is synonymous with perfect surfing. Whether you’ve watched movies about ocean conquerors or have already rubbed your knees on board wax yourself, you’ve definitely heard about Balinese lineups.
But why did this Indonesian island become the main surfing capital of the world? Here are 5 main reasons to pack your bags, buy tickets, and go book a board.
1. There are always waves, and they are perfect
Thanks to its unique geographical location, Bali receives swells (waves coming from the open ocean) year-round. There are two distinct seasons here: dry (when the west coast spots like Uluwatu or Canggu are pumping) and wet (when the east coast wakes up — Nusa Dua, Serangan). The bottom line is one: there are no days without waves in Bali. The main thing is to know where to go.
2. Spots for absolutely every level
Many think that surfing in Bali is only huge barrels over dangerous reefs. That’s a myth!
- For beginners: the soft sandy beaches of Kuta and Legian are perfect for your first steps.
- For intermediates: Batu Bolong or semi-empty spots in the east will help hone maneuvers.
- For pros: legendary Padang-Padang, Uluwatu, and Bingin will challenge even the most experienced riders.
3. Warm ocean year-round
Forget about thick, movement-restricting wetsuits. The water temperature in the Indian Ocean around Bali rarely drops below 27°C. All you need for a comfortable session is boardshorts or a swimsuit, a lycra for sun protection, and a good layer of zinc cream on your face.
4. Unique surf vibe and community
Surfing in Bali is a religion and a lifestyle. The island is steeped in this culture: from cozy cafes with organic food where everyone discusses the morning session, to stunning sunsets that are traditionally seen off on the beach with a coconut in hand. It’s easy to find like-minded people, friends, and experienced mentors here.
5. Availability of top equipment
To feel all the magic of Balinese waves, you don’t necessarily have to drag your board halfway across the globe, risking breaking it on the plane. Premium equipment can be found on the island.
That’s exactly why we opened our rental. We brought the legendary Jimmy Lewis boards to Bali — a world-renowned brand famous for its benchmark quality, indestructibility (which is very important for reef spots), and perfect shapes.
Shaper Jimmy Lewis has been creating boards for over 50 years, and our arsenal has models for any of the spots we wrote about above: from stable longboards for relaxed riding in Canggu to sharp shortboards for barrels on the Bukit.
🌊 Ready to catch the wave of your dreams?
Go to our rental catalog, choose your perfect Jimmy Lewis board, and see you in the lineup!