Nias Island for beginners

[stellamarinaa]

Hello, I am almost a total beginner (I took some lessons last year but could not take off) and would love to know if Nias Island in Indonesia is a suitable place for such a low level in September.
Otherwise what would it be the best period to enjoy beginners waves?
would it be dangerous for a woman alone?
Are there better places in Indonesia for beginners in September-October not too crowded?

Thank you

[jaffa1949]

Hello, I am almost a total beginner (I took some lessons last year but could not take off) and would love to know if Nias Island in Indonesia is a suitable place for such a low level in September.
Otherwise what would it be the best period to enjoy beginners waves?
would it be dangerous for a woman alone?
Are there better places in Indonesia for beginners in September-October not too crowded?

Thank you

Hi Star of the Sea, I thought I'd very quickly let you know that Nias is not a wave that is suitable for a newbie, or even a basic surfer, it was a little kinder a few years ago before the Boxing Day Tsunami but the reef is now much more punchy and unless you can ride a right hand barrel of intense perfection.
Honestly FORGET IT , you would be bound for severe bodily harm on the coral reef.
September across the entire Indonesian Chain is a premium month as the storms push across the bottom of the Indian Ocean.
That promises swell and there are spots in Bali and other areas that have beginner waves. They are all going to be crowded as all the beginners are thinking like you ( but not about Nias).

About women alone, Bali is the safest.
As you go beyond into the areas where you have to transit to places like Nias and the off shore islands of the Mentawais, the ports of Padang, Medan, Banda Aceh are all strongly Muslim, a young woman alone and who dresses in western ways is seen as being suspect in her morality and is likely to be targeted and treated badly and little or no help would be forthcoming if you were molested or harassed.
Unfortunate events are seen as a consequence of immorality.
Some of the surfers who are on feral trips to the islands can be predatory too.

I've been going to all parts of Indonesia since the 70s most of the people are great and welcoming, there are some scams and traps for the newcomer and unwary.
Why do people go to Bali for their first experience?
Because it is quite safe unless you do something really stupid and it still is not totally spoiled and is unique in its culture.

If you want a little more adventure but a chance to be secure with a beginners wave and a resort that doesn't have crowds I can make a recommendation.
PM me and I'll give you the website and you can check it out for yourself.

[singgyh]

hi stella, if you looking for better place and save for alone you must be go to Red Island, its close from Bali just 5 hours from Dpsar Airport by car. Red island is uncrowded and still nature also beach break. you can cek in my facebook "red island surf" or "pulau merah". feel free to email me ill send more information..thanks.

[stellamarinaa]

thanks to everyone for your replying me.
I think I might be going to Barbados, sounds good for beginners in August-September.

[johnrichard]

Yea..its better to move to Barbados if you selected that time period rather than considering to move to Red Island.

[travelzomg]

jaffa - what is a place in Bali you would recommend for a intermediate surfer?

I am planning a big trip (one month + - depends on work) to indo for next year, where i want to start in java and then move on to bali (and maybe lombok).. i actually dont want to go to a surf school again but travel around and surf in my own tempo and mood..
yet i dont really know anything about bali surfing besides what i got on the net, but would prefer to hear from someone who has actually been there...
can you point me in the propper direction..?

(would have PMed you about it, but it seems, i am not (yet) allowed to... )

[jaffa1949]

jaffa - what is a place in Bali you would recommend for a intermediate surfer?

I am planning a big trip (one month + - depends on work) to indo for next year, where i want to start in java and then move on to bali (and maybe lombok).. i actually dont want to go to a surf school again but travel around and surf in my own tempo and mood..
yet i dont really know anything about bali surfing besides what i got on the net, but would prefer to hear from someone who has actually been there...
can you point me in the propper direction..?

(would have PMed you about it, but it seems, i am not (yet) allowed to... )

Thanks for the compliment.

Strangely I don't have much experience of Java other than G-land and that is a straight down the line scary experience not for intermediates .
Bali I'd look at the the area around Medewi and Baliana and if I had to go into the thick of it (Kuta) I surf the Kuta beachies and and look at out on th Bukit peninsula at Dreamland and Bingin, the waves out towards Uluwatu get progressively harder hitting and more barrelling but definitely worth seeing .
Lombok I'd look at Grupuk and possible Heaven on the planet Resort for inside Ekas and an amazing sandbar break just below the resort.
Lakey's and outside Ekas and Desert point I'd wouldn't consider until you are really sure of your skill, Proficient to expert level.
None of these spots are secret and certainly they attract lots of intermediate surfers (can be chaos) Indo exposes your level of surfing with southern ocean power.
BTW anyone, young male surfers reading this do not wear green board shorts or rash shirts in Indonesian surf breaks, spiritual warning

There is an Indonesian surf Guide book available and has basic Bahasa Indonesian conversation and phrases great to get you overland and I think Stormrider has a guide out on the Indian Ocean breaks including Indo
Have a look at the surf spot map here too.

But whatever you are in for a great life changing experience if you are alert and accepting.