Last updated on November 20th, 2023 at 10:53 am
In this post we listed the best surf spots in Indonesia for beginners, where you can learn and practice your surfing skills without danger.
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Although this is not the typical destination for novice surfers, there are actually plenty of beginner surf beaches in Indonesia. This country in Southeast Asia is so famous for its perfect barrels over shallow reefs that it’s hard to imagine a newbie on a soft board dealing with this kind of waves. However, not all the breaks here are fast and hollow. In fact, if you know where to go, you can find many beginner-friendly waves to suit any skill level. Remember, there are so many islands and beaches in Indonesia that any surfer can find exactly what he is looking for here.
In detail, these are the best surf spots in Indonesia for beginners:
Kuta, Bali
The Island of Bali is definitely the most popular surf destination in Indonesia and probably in the whole world. Thousands of surfers come here every year to enjoy the perfect waves, the nightlife scene, and to have the ultimate surf vacation. Sure, it is super crowded, and most of the breaks here are suitable for experienced surfers only. However, along the island, there are several good spots for beginners as well. Kuta Beach, for example, offers a great beach break with soft and gentle waves. It has multiple peaks where you can learn and practice on small waves over a sandy bottom. It is also the most popular place to take a surf lesson with one of the local instructors. Then, if you feel you are ready, you can try your luck on the more challenging waves on the outside break at Kuta Reef.
Kuta is also the heart of Bali’s touristic scene. This is where you can find the best parties, restaurants, shops, and any activity you have in mind other than surfing.
For details about beginner surf camps in Bali, please click here.
Old Man’s, Canggu, Bali
Canggu, just north of Kuta, is a favorite spot for those who wish to escape Kuta’s noise and craziness. Here, the vibe is much more chill and relaxed. Therefore, if kicking nightlife is not what you are after, and you prefer a glassy morning surf session, Canggu will fit you perfectly.
As for the surf in Canggu, it is relatively user-friendly but still pretty powerful. As a novice surfer, the most recommended spot for you is Old Man’s Break at Batu Bolong Beach, on the very south end of Canggu. This beautiful right-hand wave has a mellow break and extremely long rides. Although it breaks over a reef, it is not a dangerous one, so as long as you know how to pop up on a board, you will be just fine. Due to the soft break at Old Man’s, it is also a favorite spot among longboarders.
If you are more of an intermediate surfer, you can also head further west to another great spot, Medewi. Here, you can ride some slow and long left-handers with very few people in the water.
For details about more beginner surf camps in Bali, please click here.
Fish Fingers, the Mentawai Islands
The Mentawai Islands are a beautiful archipelago with 70 small islands just off the Coast of Sumatra. It is known as a surfer’s playground, with perfect waves and hollow barrels. To clarify, this is not the place for beginners. The drops here are steep, and the reefs are sharp and shallow. In fact, the waves can actually be challenging even for the best surfers out there.
That being said, there are several exceptions to the above, so not to worry; even in the Mentawais, there are several good surf beaches for beginners. The most suitable one for learning and practicing is Fish Fingers in the North Pagai area. You will find it just a short walking distance from the famous Macaronis Resort. The waves here are always weak, and the bottom is sandy. Therefore, even if it’s your first time on a surfboard, you can easily ride this wave. Moreover, as small as this wave is, on a good day, you can get here some pretty long rides.
For details about beginner surf camps in the Mentawai Islands, please click here.
Lombok Island
Lombok is another Indonesian Island just east of Bali. Unlike its famous neighbor, Lombok is much less touristic and, therefore, less crowded as well. It is primarily famous for hosting one of the best surf spots in the world, Desert Point. However, besides this one, most of the breaks on this island are beginner-friendly. It actually got its reputation as a small wave island, and for that reason, many novice surfers prefer to spend their time here instead of in Bali.
If you are a complete newbie and just learning to pop up on a surfboard, the best spot for you is Selong Belanak. This is a long beach strip about 30 minutes from Kuta. Here, you can calmly practice on a longboard over a soft, sandy bottom. If you feel ready, you can head toward some more serious waves along the island, such as Ekas and Gerupuk. Remember, even when the swell is big, you can simply sit and wait for your waves on the inside sections, where the waves are smaller.
For details about beginner surf camps in Lombok, please click here.
Batu Karas, West Java
This black sand beach is probably one of the best surf spots in Indonesia for beginners. It is a beautiful right hand point break with long and mellow waves. Due to the shape of the bay here, most of the swell doesn’t make its way to shore; therefore, the waves here are always smaller than anywhere else. Therefore, it is a favorite beach, mostly among longboarders and beginners. The only problem with this beach is that it is pretty hard to get here. But if you make the effort, you will get some perfect long rides.
For details about beginner surf camps in Indonesia, please click here.
What Should You Bring for a Beginner Surf Trip to Indonesia?
Here is a complete gear list for the perfect beginner surf vacation:
1. Sunscreen– For tropical sun, use no less than EltaMD UV.
2. Surfboard Bag– If you bring your own surfboard, you must have a good bag to protect it. Check out UCEDER, for example, which offers great value for money.
3. Surf Hat– To keep your head in the shade, try O&E Ocean and Earth Surf Hats.
4. Travel Insurance– For the best insurance by World Nomads, please click here.
5. Surf Shorts/Surf Bikinis– Check out Hurley for new shorts and CUPSHE for surf Bikinis.
6. T-shirts and beach wear– Look for the new collection at Hurley.
7. Rash Guard– Protect your body with a good rash guard like BALEAF for men and AXESEA for women.
8. Surfboard Wax– Check out Sticky Bumps on Amazon.
9. Surf Booties– You will need a good pair of surf boots only if you surf over a sharp reef or in really cold water. Check out O’Neill Split Toe Booties.
10. Surfboard Leash– It is always good to have an extra leash just in case. Check out Ho Stevie Surf Leash.
11. Towel/Poncho– If you want a nice poncho, look at SUN CUBE Surf Poncho.
For more gear options and greater selections, look for our surf gear guides.
Prepare Your Body for a Surf Trip With Online Surf Training
As a beginner surfing in Indonesia, you are going to face several challenges. The waves breaking on your head, the currents, and the unstable surfboard can sometimes be tough to handle. Therefore, to make it easier on yourself, preparing your body and mind for the challenge is crucial. Here is what you can do to ensure you are in perfect shape and ready to face the ocean:
1. Take an online surf course– You can practice specific online surf exercises to work on the relevant muscles and improve your surf fitness. Check out Surf Strength Coach and Surfing Made Simple; both are great online surf programs that can help get you ready for your surf trip to Indonesia.
2. Sign up for a surf camp– Why deal with the ocean alone when you can be surrounded by people just like yourself and get advice from professional surf instructors? To find the best beginner surf camps in Indonesia, click here.
Conclusion- Final Thought
To summarize, these are our top 5 surf spots in Indonesia for beginners. Obviously, this is just the tip of the iceberg. Indonesia is probably the best surf destination in the world, and as famous and popular as it is, most of the breaks here are not even discovered. It is the ultimate surf paradise, and the waves here are truly perfect. So whether you just learned to surf or you already know how to catch a wave and make a basic turn, there is no better place to practice your skills than here in Indonesia.
Before you leave, don’t forget to check out our post about the best surf camps in Indonesia, or the one about surf resorts in Indonesia.
