The 5 Best Beginner Surf Spots in Bali

Bali is a paradise for beginner surfers.

It’s the perfect location to learn to surf.

Here you’ll find waves to suit all levels of experience.

There are many great spots to choose from, with gentle waves and sandy bottoms.

In this post, you’ll find out the best surf spots in Bali for beginner and novice surfers.

1. PADANG PADANG RIGHTS (AKA “BABY PADANG”)

Padang Padang Rights (Baby Padang) is the perfect beginner wave.

The waves at Padang Padang Rights are protected from the ocean swell by a headland, resulting in smaller and less powerful waves compared to other surf spots in Bali.

This is the surf spot where our surf school has helped countless beginners learn to surf.

Padang Padang Rights is a soft reef break that breaks both left and right. So it’s great for novices looking to practice going both ways when riding a wave

Total beginners can start off riding the broken white water waves. Novice to intermediate surfers can practice riding the unbroken green waves.

What makes Baby Padang truly special is the slow-moving pace of its waves, moving along the reef at the perfect speed for you to hone your skills while enjoying long rides.

Of course, Baby Padang should not be mistaken for its big sibling, Padang Padang Lefts. Padang Padang Lefts is an advanced-level wave.

One of the unique features of Baby Padang is its channel.

Beginner surfers can often get frustrated when learning to surf at beach breaks because they need to battle against continuous rolling white water waves to get back to the lineup. This is especially challenging for new surfers with large surfboards that can’t easily duck dive under the waves.

At Baby Padang, the channel provides an effortless paddle back out with the help of the prevailing current. When you catch a good right-hand breaking wave, the current will bring you back into the channel, allowing you to easily cruise back out to the lineup for another wave.

Baby Padang can handle swells of most sizes. Plus, it is sheltered from the wind by the nearby cliffs.

Baby Padang provides ideal conditions for beginners throughout most of the year. However, when the swell picks up, it’s advisable to enlist the assistance of knowledgeable guides to ensure a safe and enjoyable surfing experience.

Check out our full guide to surfing Baby Padang here.

2. DREAMLAND

Dreamland is a beautiful beach. It’s called Dreamland for a reason and is a must-visit for anyone traveling to Bali.

Dreamland is also a great surf spot for beginners.

One of the advantages of Dreamland for beginners is that it’s a beach break with a sandy bottom. It’s the only break in Uluwatu that breaks primarily over sand.

The absence of reefs or rocks reduces the risk of injury and provides a safer learning environment.

When you’re learning to surf, it’s common to fall or wipe out. This is simply part of the process of getting better.

Beginners at Dreamland can practice with peace of mind that mistakes won’t result in serious harm because it’s a beach break. So you can focus on improving your surfing without worrying about potential hazards.

But there are some rocks on the inside of Dreamland that you’ll want to be aware of.

Dreamland offers a wide-open beach area with several spots that work well for beginners, depending on the tide.

The ample space at Dreamland allows for more room between surfers and reduces the risk of collisions. So you can feel more at ease.

But beginners will want to be especially mindful of the hazardous shore break wave.

You’ll notice a lot of local and visiting surfers showing their surf skills on this seemingly safe wave. But this shore break wave packs a punch and can knock you off your feet if you do not give it respect.

3. KUTA BEACH

Kuta Beach is located in the heart of Bali’s tourist hub.

It’s an ideal spot for beginners looking to learn to surf on unbroken green waves.

Kuta Beach consistently produces waves suitable for beginners.

The gentle gradient here allows for the white water to run for a considerable distance, even in shallow water.

So you can get a lot of ride time. And more ride time equals more progress.

Kuta Beach also boasts a sandy bottom. So you can focus on improving your surfing without the worry of harming yourself on a reef.

Kuta is perfect for beginners at mid-tide.

The main downside of Kuta Beach is that it can be very busy. This is one of the busiest beaches in Bali.

Learning to surf in a busy area can be beneficial for beginners because it creates a sense of safety, and the energy of other surfers can enhance the experience.

Surfing in crowded conditions also helps beginners to develop useful skills such as board control. Dealing with the challenges of a crowded lineup is important for a surfer’s overall progression.

4. JIMBARAN

Jimbaran is a sheltered bay with soft sand and even softer waves. On a big swell, this is a perfect spot for beginners looking to try surfing for the first time in Bali.

Jimbaran is another surf spot in Bali with a sandy bottom.

As you know, this is great for beginners, since the sandy bottom at Jimbaran means that mistakes (such as wiping out) won’t result in serious harm.

Jimbaran is known for receiving less swell compared to other surfing locations in Bali, making it the ideal choice for beginners when facing large swells.

So when the swell is too big for beginners anywhere else on the island, Jimbaran is the place to go.

When you’re feeling hungry after a day of surf lessons, then you can get a delicious seafood dinner literally on the beach at Jimbaran.

There are not many places in the world where you can learn to surf and have a seafood dinner at the same location.

5. BATU BOLONG BEACH, CANGGU (AKA “OLD MAN’S”)

Batu Bolong Beach is located in the vibrant surf town of Canggu.

You can find some powerful barrelling breaks at Canggu.

But beginners will want to avoid those in favor of Batu Bolong.

The waves at Batu Bolong are more mellow and manageable, which is perfect for novices to practice their surfing skills and build confidence.

Batu Bolong has a flat reef bottom, which can result in soft reformable waves. This is ideal for beginners riding longer surfboards and can allow for longer ride times.

The gentle breaking waves here allow you to learn good techniques and improve your balance without feeling overwhelmed.

Just like in Dreamland, novice surfers need to be cautious of the shorepound, especially on a big day.

Batu Bolong benefits from being close to the surf hub of Canggu. Beginners here can easily find surfboard rentals and beachfront cafes that cater to surfers.

CONCLUSION

Bali is well known for its advanced surf spots such as Uluwatu.

But Bali also has a lot of excellent beginner spots with gentle waves that are great for learning to surf.

Once you’ve moved out of the beginner stage and you’re looking for more challenging waves, then you can check out some intermediate surf spots.

Now, if you’re a beginner and you’re looking to take your skills to the next level, we invite you to join our surf school at Uluwatu’s top surf camp.

Our experienced instructors have helped countless beginners learn to surf.

We offer beginner surf lessons tailored to your individual needs and ensure a safe and enjoyable learning environment.

Looking for more attention and a personalized approach? Consider private surf lessons tailored to your style to help you progress more quickly.

Let’s ride the waves together.