Looking for a location for 3 month surfing

[Big H]

Excellent points....Lombok has a growing reputation for attacks, robberies and the like....this just recently:
http://www.theinertia.com/surf/3-touris ... in-lombok/


I'm not one to be scared away from a location for this type of news....born in DC and lived in NY and Chicago, these stories are tame to what I've seen on the subway....all the same, like Jaffa says, wipe the rose tint from your eyes and see clearly as possible to avoid being in this kind of situation as it isn't all loves and doves all the time here. For what it's worth, I've traveled extensively in Central America and Mexico and felt a lot closer to the dirty edge there than I ever have here.

[Lebowski]

If you're set on going to Indonesia, there is a place on Java near G-Land, called Pulau Merah (Red Island). I think there is one surf camp there (although I gather it has western prices). The waves were fairly poor when we were there unfortunately, but I understand it does get good and it was completely empty in the water. The beach however was packed with Javanese, as I believe there was some kind of public holiday during our time there. My blond haired friend was like a celebrity on the beach and we featured in many photographs.

There are accommodations 100m away from the surf if you'd rather do it yourself, although other than the waves there wasn't much in the area for a tourist. It was also a long slog from Kuta, Bali on the mopeds. I think the camp do a boat pick up.

[Big H]

My blond haired friend was like a celebrity on the beach and we featured in many photographs.

Hahahahaha.....I can just imagine....

[RinkyDink]

Rink....ever hear the expression "it's about the journey, not the destination". I know it's offered in the right spirit, but our OP has enough means that money isn't a concern; the quality of the experience, the total experience is the issue.

I'm all for the surf adventure. I do think that wave machines will have a place in the future. They will probably be an excellent and efficient way to train your skills. I'm talking about training (gaining skill) and not about adventuring, however.

(Listen to what she says at 1:14)

If anyone is thinking about going to a wave machine, I'd recommend grabbing a pair of these and getting your stoke on.

http://www.scuba.com/scuba-gear-287/019 ... loves.html

[Chris86]

hey guys thanks for all your tips and also your warnings regarding some dangerous areas. Great discussion! I'll need some time to think about all this.. but yes I'm looking for the "adventure" so as much as I see the pros of a wave machine I rather like to spend my time in the nature. Oh and I'm not blond so there might be no point to go to this Red Island, right? Haha just kidding. I'll check it out but also Sri Lanka since there will be more activties possible. Anyone else of you guys ever been to Sri Lanka?

[Bazzington]

I would go costa rica. Those guys on youtube have a surf camp and the breal looks sweet as less crowds and you are in central america!!! Look up surf coaches on YouTube you will see

[JaySayegh89]

Sorry Rinki I don't think a wave pool holiday session would be a good idea!
Others might, it just seem to be spending money unnecessarily.
Now we know where Chris I coming from Sri Lanka might be good option in the surf season and close to the beach. Sand bottom points and all the ingredients are there.
Can be slightly crowded, but nowhere near the stampede that Bali has become.

Hey Jaffa, what about Sri Lanka in Feb/March time? I've been reading all the comments about Bali and the crowds it generates but think I'll be keeping away June/July. What is Australia around that time of year?

If it helps I've been to Central America - it does get crowded in the touristy places - but I can't compare those crowds with Bali ones as never been. Even with dawnies, I thought not that many people would be there, always always loads! The swell does pick up around June-August so not sure the kindest for someone tyring to improve however.

What about Japan? I've been told you can surf there too

[Big H]

What about Japan? I've been told you can surf there too

Bring your wallet.

[BaNZ]

- There should be waves guaranteed as much as this can be guaranteed (traveling period: June/July/August/September), preferably different spots nearby
- The waves should be for beginners and advanced level
- Local surfing school would be a plus
- Living costs / food should be cheap as I will have no income in this time
- A lively town should be nearby in case I still wanna do something else then just surf, eat, sleep

Have you thought or heard of Taiwan? During summer, the waves are small for beginners. But if you're staying there for 3 months then you're definitely going to encounter some typhoons which generate huge swells for professional surfers.

I can help you arrange all of it if you want. Living cost is usually around $14 per night for B&B. If you're staying there for a long time then I can help you negotiate the price. Probably around $200 per month with your own room but no breakfast. It is clean and very safe. Food wise, it is dirty cheap. Few dollars per meal. $6-8 can feed you for the day.

I can also arrange transport for you if you know how to ride a scooter and you can carry the board with you.

Crowd wise, on weekdays you will encounter between 10-20 locals. They are all the same ones that are there every day. They are friendly and even better if you know someone local like me. They only surf at dawn patrol or at dusk. During the day they all work so usually you will be the only one there. Weekends is too crowded. Expect between 30-40 people all day.

Surf school, we don't have real surf schools. We have professional surfers that coach students. They usually do a maximum of 4 people per class. For around $30 per person.

Yes there is also a historic town nearby and also a lively tourist town.