Bali Surfing Guide for Beginners – What To Expect As A Solo Female Traveller? And Why I Didn’t Like It

The island of the gods is often said to have it all. And I was ecstatic to try my hand at surfing in Bali.

Well I will be honest and tell you right off the bat. I actually did not enjoy surfing in Bali at all. I absolutely hated it

Full disclaimer, I am a newbie surfer. And this is why I made sure to say this was a beginner Bali Surfing guide.

Nevertheless, I was so disappointed. After having tried surfing for the first time in Portugal, I couldn’t wait to go surfing again.

But as it turned out, surfing in Bali was a whole entire different ball game. Let me tell you some of the reasons why surfing in Bali didn’t measure to my expectations and why I did not like it.

So let’s dive in, shall we?

Uneven Ocean Floor

the black sand beach at Udara Bali — I know it looks sandy but there are lots of big rocks underneath

If you are an advance surfer now this wouldn’t be that much of a big deal to you. But then again, this blog is talking to fellow surfing beginners like myself.

Now I will be honest, this isn’t that much of a big deal because after all you came here to surf.

I just wanted to bring that up so that you’ re not caught by the element of surprise and you’re ready if you decide to give surfing a try.

Extremely Rocky & sharp edges

Stef Barti drinking Coconut water at the beach before surfing in Bali — Fueling up before surfing

Now this was a major big deal for me.

Especially as a newbie, I don’t have the confidence enough in my surfing skills.

For example, one time, the waves were so strong that I got pushed a little bit too close to a cluster of big rocky and sharp edges.

Naturally so, all the instructors kept shouting for me to come back.

Of course I was trying to go back and get away from the cluster.

But I couldn’t do it fast enough with the strong current and that made me panic a little bit.

To make matter worse, I noticed I was so much more stressed and not as comfortable to get on that board and fall.

Now when I’m comparing my experience to my time in Portugal, I was so much more relaxed and so much willing to chase those waves because I felt safe.

Bali Photographer by the beach. I think he was probably recording a fellow surfer

Again, not trying to scare anyone, just want my fellow beginner surfers to be ready for their Bali surfing adventure.

Very Crowded

This is just something that comes with Bali. There are crowds everywhere. Some beach are a bit less crowded than others.

So you might want to play around and see which place appeal more to you. The general rule of thumb is the more convenient a location, the more crowded it will get naturally.

beach dog chilling in Bali — (surfing shack dog) He gets it! We should all strive to embrace a soft life, learning to go with the flow

Experienced surfers can be a bit Snobby

This is something I just had to learn the hard way. Surfing is such a fun sport but I won’t be naive about it.

At times, there can be a bit o f snooty attitude from more experience surfers. On the bright side, there are equally helpful people and friendly.

Also, you most likely won’t even have to deal with the snooty bunch as a newbie, especially if you have your own instructor.

group of girls surfing in Albufeira Portugal — awesome surfer ladies ( Portugal surfing)

Quality of Surfing instructors: hit or miss

Talking about instructors, please make sure that you research yours. I have first hand experience on how much of a difference this can make.

For example during my time in Faro, I had the best instructor one could ask for.

Watch this video on YouTube

surfing in Faro vlog

Then for whatever reasons, I assumed that was going to be the benchmark of instructors all around ( yeah I know a bit naive of me ).

Then I got a major reality check in Bali. You really want an instructor that has charisma but also great methodology and teaching skills.

Trust me this is so much worth your investment.

Major lack of autonomy

THe beautiful waterfront at Udara Bali. Also a scenic backdrop for surfing

Now I do realize it might have been that I jsut got unlucky. But I abserved this both in my private sessions and also the other ongoing sessions around me.

What do I mean by “lack of autonomy”?

I mean the instructors would try to put you on the board as fast as possible and then push you when the wave is arriving.

As opposed to taking the time to go over technical terms with you and be patient and allow you to do things yourself, at your own pace.

This was such a massive difference compared to the amazing surfing lessons I had in Faro, Portugal.

Summary

Now that was my personal surfing experience. The thing in life is that we all have different experiences. So I am not telling you not to go surfing.

Stef Barti posing with surfing instructor from supalbufeira surfing school — I will never forget my first surfing experience

You never know, you might fall in love with it. So I still encourage you to follow your heart.

I just wanted you to be as ready as possible and know what to expect, especially as a beginner surfer.

This was my Bali surfing experience. Next time, I hope to try another place with a smoother terrain, for example Lombok. 🤗

That said, happy surfing & keep living an exciting life!

🫶🏾

More Bali Resources

Balinese delivering water on a scooter — Next level skillset

Solo Female Travel Resources

Women Self Love Wellness Retreat

I am so passionate about women empowerment. Everything I do is based on this.

I want to see more women embrace their authentic selves.

Trust me life gets so much better. That’s the main focus of my self love women retreat. In this Wellness retreat, we go deep.

I really love to connect with my fellow sisters. That’s why I only do small groups of 10-12 women.

This retreat is an invitation to embody your feminine and to dive into radical self love. Growth and shedding past limiting beliefs are the focal points.

We do this through various workshops, wellness practices such as breath work and lots of somatic movement.

picture of stef barti dancing in garden and happy

As a dance teacher, of course we will also be using the power of dance and music to process, release and shed things that are holding us back so we can be born again.

Welcome to our transformational retreat where the focus is all on YOU.

Not only that, but we do it in style and comfort.