The Ultimate Guide To Surfing Old Man’s

Old Man’s surf break in the Canggu area sits beside Batu Bolong, central to Canggu’s vibrant surf zone and is an essential part of Bali’s longboard culture. The two breaks share the same easygoing rhythm — steady, soft waves that line up best on a mid to high tide. It’s a welcoming spot for beginners learning the basics and for experienced longboarders showing style on clean, rolling faces. The beachfront is always active, with surf schools setting up each morning and a mix of cafés, bars, and restaurants overlooking the action. From skilled locals to visiting surfers, everyone comes together here in a lively, often crowded lineup that captures the essence of Canggu’s surf scene.

Old Man’s surf spot information

About 200 meters north across a channel from Batu Bolong sits Old Man’s, a slower and less powerful wave that attracts beginners looking for more space in the lineup. The reef here is deeper, resulting in smaller, softer, and less frequent waves compared to its neighbour. It’s a forgiving spot, ideal for those just getting comfortable in deeper water or learning the fundamentals of surfing, such as the functional stance, steering and turning a surfboard, and how to paddle a surfboard (hot tip: check our beginner video tips and tutorials!)

On a high tide, the takeoff zone focuses into one main peak that breaks over a shallow rock shelf before rolling gently toward the shore, much like a mellow version of Dreamland’s A-frame. The wave mostly breaks left, though slow, mostly straight to the beach rights can also be found. A smaller inside left offers very soft rides, perfect for learners or relaxed trimming. During a mid-tide, multiple peaks appear and spread the crowd, but the wave stays slow and cruisy. Because of the deeper water, Old Man’s tends to be smaller than Batu Bolong, making it a good alternative when the swell starts to rise.

Safety Tips for Surfing Old Man’s

The biggest hazard at Old Man’s is being hit by a longboard — either your own or someone else’s. Some longboarders surf without leashes, while many beginners or weaker surfers can’t hold onto their boards and often let them go when a wave comes in crowded conditions. Others simply lose control mid-ride or during wipeouts, creating a real risk of collisions. The water can also get dirty after heavy rain, though Old Man’s is generally less affected than breaks near river mouths or areas with major drainage flowing into the surf.

How to Enter the surf at Old Man’s

The best way to enter the water at Old man’s is to ride the channel out to the lineup on the south end of the beach.

How to Exit the surf at Old Man’s

Paddle straight in most days. Be mindful of a shore pound that can form during periods of heavy beach erosion, though under normal conditions there’s usually little to no shore break.

Can beginners surf Old Man’s?

Old Man’s is one of the most approachable waves in Canggu for beginners. The mellow takeoffs and soft shoulders make it a comfortable break for first-time surfers and those still learning the basics. Unlike the wave at Batu Bolong, there is a clear channel for paddling out like at the beginner surfing paradise of Baby Padang.

Can intermediates surf Old Man’s?

Old Man’s is a great surf break for longboarders, mid-length, and fish riders of any ability. If you are into smaller boards, Berawa is a better option.

When is the best time to surf Old Man’s?

The ideal time to surf Canggu — and especially Old Man’s — is during the shoulder seasons, when winds are light and conditions calmer. These windows typically fall between November–December and March–April, just before and after the strong southeast trade winds dominate. During this period, mornings are often smooth and glassy with clean, well-formed waves before the wind picks up later in the day.

Through the dry season (April–October), Canggu receives steady Indian Ocean swells and reliable offshore mornings created by cool air flowing from Bali’s interior. By late morning, the southeast trades often shift sideshore, softening the wave quality until the breeze fades again near sunset.

The wet season (November–March) is more changeable, with winds mostly onshore from the west or southwest. Even so, calm mornings and light-wind days appear regularly, and the surf typically stays in the shoulder-to-head-high range. Smaller, slower waves and fewer crowds make this an inviting time for newer surfers, though January and February often see stronger, more persistent onshores.

All of Canggu’s beaches face a similar direction, meaning wind conditions affect the whole area equally. Still, Old Man’s offers surfable waves throughout the year — from clean, lined-up mornings in the dry months to softer, user-friendly surf through the wet season. Read our guide to Bali’s seasons for more on Bali’s seasons.

Where to stay near Old Man’s.

Old Man’s is located in central to the Canggu area, with accommodation options to suit every type of traveller — from luxury villas and boutique resorts to simple guesthouses and homestays. Staying close to the beach is highly recommended, as Canggu’s traffic can turn a short drive into a long wait. Choosing a spot within walking distance or a quick scooter ride from the surf makes catching the early morning glass-offs much easier.

Where to eat Near Old Man’s

Canggu offers an impressive range of dining options, with new cafés and restaurants opening all the time. The Lawn is a standout spot for lunch or sunset drinks, offering ocean views right in front of the surf. Compared to nearby Batu Bolong, there are fewer early-morning cafés in this area, but plenty of great choices for lunch, dinner, and drinks overlooking the waves.

Where to do for non-surfers at Old Man’s

For those not surfing, there’s plenty to enjoy around Old Man’s and Canggu. The Lawn sits right in front of the break and is perfect for relaxing with a drink while watching the surf or catching the sunset. Times Beach Warung is a laid-back morning spot with beach chairs and umbrellas right on the sand. Away from the beach, Canggu and nearby Berawa are Bali’s centres for beach clubs and nightlife, with Atlas Beach Club and Finns Beach Club drawing crowds every evening.

Conclusion

Old Man’s and Batu Bolong together define the centre of Canggu’s longboard surf scene, offering reliable, mellow waves that suit both learners and experienced riders. Old Man’s has a lively, beachside atmosphere. The best windows for clean surf come during the shoulder months, though both breaks work year-round. With beach cafés, surf schools, and accommodation all within walking distance, this stretch of coast blends convenience with Bali’s signature surf culture — ideal for anyone wanting to surf, watch, or simply enjoy the rhythm of Canggu life.

If you’re a beginner or  intermediate surfer looking to surf Bali’s best waves, join our surf school at Uluwatu’s leading surf camp. Experience this wave with expert guidance and personalized coaching. Contact us today to book your stay or join surf lessons in and around Uluwatu.

Written by Garrett – Surfing Old Man’s since when there were still warungs on the beach
Updated: Dec 12, 2025