Beginner Surf Lessons in Uluwatu, Bali
Your First Waves, Done Properly
Most beginners are riding waves on their first day. We make that possible by choosing the right break for your level, keeping group sizes to a maximum of six, and making sure there’s a coach in the water with you — not just watching from the beach.
Lessons are available whether you’re staying at the surf camp or based elsewhere in Bali.
What's Included
What A Beginner Lesson Covers
Every lesson includes in-water coaching, a rash vest, and the right surfboard for your level. Sessions are two hours. Most guests do two sessions per day — usually two mornings, or a morning and afternoon split depending on tide and conditions.
On the beach before each session, your instructor will cover the break, how to read the water, rips, currents, and what you’ll be working on. In the water, the focus is on the fundamentals:
- Paddling technique — how to catch more waves and conserve energy
- Wave selection — reading the ocean and choosing the right wave
- Pop-up — a clean, efficient technique from the start
- Stance and positioning — the foundation everything else builds on
Video review is included for guests staying at the surf camp. You watch your own surfing back on screen between sessions — one of the fastest ways to identify what’s actually happening versus what it feels like.
Where We Surf
The Right Break For Your Level, Chosen Daily
Spot selection is based on conditions and your ability — not a fixed rotation. For beginners that usually means slow-moving, forgiving waves with easy entry and exit. We choose the location the night before based on the forecast and adjust if conditions change.
Typical beginner breaks include Padang Padang, Balangan, Dreamland, Toro Toro, and Jimbaran. We’ve been checking these conditions in person every morning since 2005.
Lessons Prices
| 1 session | 2 sessions per day | |
|---|---|---|
| Staying at the surf camp | £20 | £35 |
| Non-residents | £29 | £47 |
Prices include surfboard rental and rash vest. Surf camp guests also receive daily video review between sessions and access to land and pool training as part of their stay. Lessons are charged separately from accommodation.
Surf camp guests book lessons as part of their stay — see the surf camp page for full details.
What Guests Say
In Their Own Words
I had never surfed before and by the end of my fourth lesson I was off the foam board and riding waves (albeit small ones!) on a fibreglass board, made possible by the excellent instructors, their attention to detail and sense of fun. The photo sessions in particular really helped me to improve – once you see on camera where you are making mistakes it hits home a lot quicker
Ian, USA, 2021
I took 3 days of surf lessons with these guys and went from never surfing before to catching waves like a boss! (Or at least that’s how it felt ha!) The staff here are the friendliest guys around and their surf knowledge is almost godlike! They are true masters of the sport. Any level surfer would get so much out of spending time here. Everyone out at sea knows these guys as the oracles of the waves, they know all the perfect spots and when to go.
Erin, Australia, 2022
I had two wonderful beginner group sessions. The coaches were friendly, invested and encouraging. I found the way they briefed us very reassuring. Once we were in the water both Hawaii and Sammy were very encouraging as well as attentive. They gave me some very helpful feedback on my pop-up, stance and general surfing and I feel like I gained a lot from the lessons. I felt very safe and confident with them and would highly recommend!
Saki, USA, 2024
Non-Resident Surf Lessons
You Don’t Need To Stay With Us To Surf With Us
Beginner lessons are available to guests based elsewhere in Bali. Book directly through the surf school booking form. Transport to the break is included; transport to and from the surf camp is not.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do I need to bring for my surfing lesson?
You will need to bring surfing shorts, sunscreen, and a towel. In other words, things you would normally bring to the beach.
You may bring your own surfboard or we will provide a board appropriate for you. Board hire is included when you take group surf lessons or private surf lessons. Our team will help guide you to choose the right board according to your skill level and the day's conditions.
No wetsuit is required due to the warmth of the Bali water year-round, but we do provide rash vests.
How long does each surf session last?
Our typical day is split into two surf sessions. There is no fixed duration, but each session is usually between 1.5 and 2 hours.
How do I book a surf lesson?
Surf lessons are available as an optional extra when you book to stay with us at Padang Padang Surf Camp.
For non-resident guests, we kindly ask that you complete our Surf School Booking Form.
Do I need to have prior surfing experience to take surf lessons?
No, you do not need prior surfing experience to take surf lessons. In fact, we specialize in teaching complete beginners with no prior surfing experience.
How do you handle varying skill levels in group classes?
We tailor our lessons to match the skill level of each surfer by splitting our group classes into 3 distinct groups for beginner, intermediate, and advanced surfers. This flexible approach ensures that everyone gets the attention they need to progress at their own pace.
Is there an age limit for your surf lessons?
While there is no strict age limit, surfing is a physically demanding sport. So we generally recommend that children be at least 10 years old. But we're happy to accommodate younger children provided they are comfortable in the water and accompanied by an adult.
Who are beginner surf lessons for?
Our beginner surfing lessons are suitable for anyone who has never surfed before, has very little experience with surfing, or it’s been a long time since you last surfed.
We also provide lessons for intermediate surfers and surf guiding for advanced surfers.
If you require help deciding if our beginner surf lessons are right for you, then please do not hesitate to contact us.
How do you determine which surfing location to use each day?
We constantly monitor the surf conditions, interpreting the wind, and tide, and making adjustments to your surfing destination based on the data. We are experts at interpreting the data and will choose the best location for you based on the daily surfing conditions.
We have a selection of favorite surf spots for beginner lessons and we choose the best one for the day.
Scheduling for the first session is done the night before and the second session is scheduled following the first session because this gives us the best data in terms of the expected surfing conditions, enabling us to make the most informed decision.
Can I take surf lessons at Padang Padang Surf Camp if I'm not staying there?
Absolutely! Our beginner surf lessons are available to guests staying outside of our surf camp. Regardless of where you stay, you are welcome to learn to surf with us.
For outside guests, we kindly ask that you complete our Surf School Booking Form.
How quickly can I expect to progress as a beginner surfer?
The rate of progress can vary for each individual. However, we aim to get you standing on your surfboard and riding the waves by the end of your first lesson.
Other Programmes
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Private Surf Lessons
Intermediate Surf Lessons
Surf Guiding – Advanced
