Another Bali post...

[MTPockets]

Hi all - been reading through the array of discussions about bali, and looks like a great place to get some practice in for late aug/sep.

I'm still very much a beginner - had a few lessons a while back and now get down to saunton every month or so from london - so looking for somewhere where I don't need the 5mm suit, with mellow(ish) waves and consistent - and bali seems to tick the boxes.

From a bit or research, the kuta-legian area seems best for someone of my level (minimal kind of guy - can stand/do wide turns/duck dive at a push) as it's all beach break I think. But is there anywhere else on the island that's similar? Places like dreamlands look stunning but bit out of my league!

Also, there seem to be hundreds of places to stay in the kuta area, but does anyone have any personal recommendations? I'll be going on my own so be nice to stay somewhere pretty much on the beach and sociable, but I'm also past the backpacking days so bit of comfort is cool.

And if anyone will be there around that time be good to meet up.
Cheers. J

[FormosanSurfer]

I honestly think Bali is a terrible choice for beginners. Here's why:

Kuta, Legian while smaller and safer than most Bali spots is not a good place to learn due to the fact that the wave is SUPER FAST (because half the time it closes out...)

Other spots you can surf:
Dreamland
um Medewi on a small day (or big day depending on how much of a beginner you are).

Neither of these spots are that great because they tend to be crowded and a lot of the people that surf them are still keen surfers.

Not trying to get you down, just saying what I think. It will be fun no matter what. Its just that there are other spots in the world that cater more towards the beginning surfer.

[Hang11]

^^^I agree.

Legian isn't like Saunton. It's grunty, fast, gets crowded, and the water's dirty.

Most other spots on Bali, you need to be a confident surfer, at least able to paddle into a powerful wave, get to your feet, and make a bottom turn without falling off.

That time of year, have a look at the West Coast of France, plenty of good waves, nice culture and a bit more beginner friendly.

If you do go to Bali anyway, Sanur is nice, there's a good wave there, some nice places to stay. Kuta is manic. It's been a few years since I went there, so it might have changed.

[MTPockets]

Thanks for the replies - appreciate the honesty.

Being a stubborn sort, I may go anyway - need a dose of hot weather and a wetsuit free ocean - and looking to do a little island travel across to lombok, flores (relive the backpacking days) so france wouldn't be quite the same.

When you say water is 'dirty' in kuta - you mean polluted? Is that in a serious way as don't fancy spending 2 weeks sh!tting through the eye of a needle.

Cheers

[borneng]

If you do decide to go to Bali, try Canggu. It's pretty mellow for beginners. Having said that, it's probably best you go with a local surfer or a guide. The place is not very easy to find and it can get crowded during high season. It's best to go there early in the morning. You also have to brace yourself to paddle out about 200m to reach the breaks. Unfortunately no boat services in this spot.

Legian (Double Six) beach is the most accessible beach for beginners. It is mainly close out but it's surf-able for beginners. There's a surf school there and they teach students surfing right on that beach so it can't be that bad.
There are many budget hotels in this area so you'd be able to find something.

[MTPockets]

Cheers borneng. Sounds like I can leave accomodation until if/when get there then.

I'll chat to some locals and people who look far better than me to get idea of better/worse breaks and for tips on rips/reefs etc as heading away on my own and want to give it a proper go for 2/3 weeks.

Certainly a novice - as stuck in london - and the trip down to devon every two weeks just isn't enough to avoid 3 steps fwd, 2 back each time...until the visa comes through that is - and back to oz...

[drowningbitbybit]

Certainly a novice - as stuck in london - and the trip down to devon every two weeks just isn't enough to avoid 3 steps fwd, 2 back each time...until the visa comes through that is - and back to oz...

Ha ha, sounds familiar

[pat42]

Borneng!!!! How are you??? I was going to email you the other day to see what's up, but I got a bit distracted with something else

You living in Singapore yet???

When you say water is 'dirty' in kuta - you mean polluted? Is that in a serious way as don't fancy spending 2 weeks sh!tting through the eye of a needle.

Cheers

It's not really that bad if you're there the right season (March- Sept).........otherwise it's onshore at Kuta and the s h i t doesnt get blown out to sea...........just swirls around the bay

The whole stretch of beach from Kuta to Legian is perfect for beginners if it's not too big...........even if it's breaking big, there are spots where you can catch the reformed wave

A mate of mine who's been there since March has said there haven't been any major swells this year.

Check out Dreamlandd as well...........it's a big mushy slow wave with a channel between the two breaks so you can get out back without getting your hair wet

[andyb]

Hi, did you decide to go to Bali ? I'm there from 29 Aug to 8th Sept, if you want to meet up let me know, I'm also beginner level.

Andy

[MTPockets]

Hi

andy - yeah but I only arrive on eve of the 7th sep (until 17th). Shame as would have been good meet up as travelling there solo too. Sod's law

drowningbbb - well I'm told have about 6 months to wait on visa - damn frustrating process

pat - cheers mate