Bali Reefs

Information about specific locations and surf spots. Share your useful surf travel tips and stories. Local shapers, surf shops, camps, where to eat and stay...

Bali Reefs

Postby thefatboy » Mon Sep 24, 2012 1:46 pm

Hi Guys, I am planning to go Bali for a week or 2. I'm still pretty much a novice and have never surfed a reef. In fact I'm pretty confident that I will wipe out on around half the waves I try to catch. Furthermore I am trying to get my turns down and might be more likely to be riding straight to shore rather than along the face. Is it safe to attempt to practice on the reefs or should I stay completely clear of them? If its safe can you advice which are less shallow?
thefatboy
New Member
 
Posts: 4
Likes: 0 post
Liked in: 0 post
Joined: Tue Jul 24, 2012 2:30 pm

Re: Bali Reefs

Postby surf patrol » Mon Sep 24, 2012 3:35 pm

Hi thefatboy, welcome to Surfing Waves.

Many of Bali's reef breaks are live coral. A wipeout over a live coral reef could result in serious lacerations and infection. I'd advise that you stick to beach breaks for your trip, and leave the reefs for a future visit.
User avatar
surf patrol
Site Admin
 
Posts: 3973
Likes: 0 post
Liked in: 0 post
Joined: Sat Oct 11, 2003 3:26 am

Re: Bali Reefs

Postby Surf Hound » Mon Sep 24, 2012 3:41 pm

fall flat. Reef rash is gonna happen sooner or later but I would guess since you are still at the beginner stage the waves are not going to be that powerful thus tossing you about. Unfortunately the shallow water and the reef are vital parts of quality waves so the ability to not fall becomes even more important. Know your limits and fall flat and dont try to stand up after falling - rather swim shallow to the board and avoid the sea erchint like the plague!
User avatar
Surf Hound
Local Hero
 
Posts: 219
Likes: 0 post
Liked in: 0 post
Joined: Mon Feb 15, 2010 7:06 pm
Location: Los Gatos, CA

Re: Bali Reefs

Postby jaffa1949 » Tue Sep 25, 2012 10:58 am

Hi and welcome thefatboy , Bali is a bit of a challenge if there is any swell running that is above learner heights the beach breaks of Kuta are hard as is the fine grey coral sand.

On small days there are individual banks but be warned genuinely there are savage rips and the surf can pum up in less than an hour, my suggestion hang around near (but not too near a surf school) better yet enroll in one of the more advanced ones.

Bali is a great destination but each year some learners or swimmers drown along the Kuta stretch, usually because they think they can handle it.

Take care and know your limits :!:
I've taken up troll hunting just for fun, instead of a rifle I'll just use a pun! 冲浪爷爷
User avatar
jaffa1949
Surfing Legend
 
Posts: 8182
Likes: 0 post
Liked in: 0 post
Joined: Thu Jul 08, 2010 12:01 am
Location: The super secret point breaks of Ober Österreich ( how many will notice the change)

Re: Bali Reefs

Postby thefatboy » Thu Sep 27, 2012 1:53 pm

Thanks so much for the advice guys. I've decided to go with a surf school given I'm traveling alone. Will be good if someone knows where I am in the water
thefatboy
New Member
 
Posts: 4
Likes: 0 post
Liked in: 0 post
Joined: Tue Jul 24, 2012 2:30 pm

Re: Bali Reefs

Postby zyrabontia » Wed Oct 03, 2012 1:45 am

I agree with the surf school! Good luck!
zyrabontia
New Member
 
Posts: 1
Likes: 0 post
Liked in: 0 post
Joined: Tue Oct 02, 2012 11:36 pm


Similar topics

Return to Surfing Travel Tips, Spot Locations and Info