“Is Bali good for beginner surfers?”
It’s one of the questions we get asked most often. Bali is legendary for world-class waves and crystal-clear water, but for many women the thought of surfing there feels intimidating.
Let’s set the record straight. With the right coaching and the right company, Bali is absolutely for you. Whether you’re catching your first green wave or perfecting your turns, the Island of the Gods offers the ideal blend of challenge, confidence and connection.
Yes, you’re experienced enough to surf in Bali. The island offers mellow reef and beach breaks, safe deep-water channels, and expert local coaching through the Women + Waves Bali Surf Retreat. Combine that with warm tropical water, small group instruction, and a supportive all-female community and you’ll progress faster than you thought possible.
Why Bali Tops Every Surfer’s Wish List
Bali is known as the Island of the Gods for good reason.
It has topped Trip Advisors most desired travel locations consistently and there are a million reasons why. The incredible climate, beautiful culture, blessed coastline, welcoming people and breath-taking waves being just a few.
You want to go there; everyone wants to go there! But deep down you have inhibitions about the waves, the reef, the sea life and the surfers. Are you good enough to surf in Bali?
Our own Hatty Cooper, Head of Partnerships, joined our Bali Island Retreat in March as a guest. Having surfed for the first time only ten months prior to the trip, she questioned her decision a fair few times! We asked her to share her journey.
Starting Surfing Later in Life
Starting surfing in your 40’s has its pro’s and con’s.
Creaking hips and lack of ability aside I was determined to take any opportunity I could to get in the ocean, experience the magic and find freedom in the waves.
My best friend was seeking winter sunshine, I was seeking a surf adventure and the Women + Waves newsletter landed in our inboxes promising surf and sisterhood in Bali. It took us all of five minutes to sign up.
Despite the fact I had only ever surfed on a foamie, in the white water, for a handful of months in English waters and my best friend had surfed once at The Wave in Bristol we were remarkably undeterred. We’d read the reviews and we had the wanderlust. Our ‘research’ involved watching the enigmatic Gerry Lopez blaze a trail through the 70’s surf community, discovering new waves and new ways of being in this Indonesian paradise.
A Warm Welcome to the Island of the Gods
We arrived in Bali to be greeted by a group of fabulous women from all over the world who like us wanted to find community and courage in the waves. We all had our reasons to want to find solace in surfing. Guided by the local Women + Waves team we had days and days of clean, uncrowded waves where we celebrated all the trials and tribulations of learning to surf. Put simply it was life changing.
The initial discovery of surfing in Indonesia is attributed to American Bob Koke in the 1930’s. Bob had learned to surf in Hawaii and, having fallen in love with Bali, had a surfboard fashioned out of local wood and the rest as they say is history. The unique topography of the limestone reefs coupled with the morning offshore winds, groom the endless Indian Ocean swells. They spin up from Western Australia and deliver some of the most perfect, big, tubing waves. These were not the waves I was after just yet. Bali is also home to some of the most mellow, user friendly waves in the world perfect for someone like me and my friend with barely any experience between us!
I want to stand on a pedestal and de-bunk the myth that Indo is for experts only. It really isn’t. It is for all of us too! I surfed every day of my trip with a group of women aged from early 20’s to late 60’s, from all backgrounds, fitness and experience levels and we all had a blast. At the beginning of the trip we had so many questions. By the end, we had the answers. Read on and put your fears to bed!
Is surfing in Bali dangerous?
Will I die if I fall off at a Reef break? No!
That’s exactly what I thought, but it simply isn’t the case. If you are a learner and you surf conditions that are out of your depth then yeah, you could get into trouble.
This is the reason I chose to go with a group who worked with local experts that guided us to the best waves and conditions for our abilities. We took a boat out to a reef break on my very first day in Indonesia and then everyday after that. In total I surfed 4 different reef breaks in 10 days. I didn’t hit the bottom once, no cuts, no terrifying experiences. We were taught that the reef shapes the wave to make it more predictable. Just because there is a reef under the water it doesn’t mean that it’s shallow and dangerous. And the big learning for me was that next to the reef is a deep-water channel and paddling out becomes SO MUCH EASIER as you don’t have to constantly negotiate oncoming waves. We had an amazing system with our instructors where at the beginning of the week our coach positioned us perfectly to catch a wave, explained which to choose and then giving us a gentle push. We started on ‘friendly’ slow moving, unbroken, waves. I’d only ever surfed white water waves before, so this was a big step up. But actually, it was way, way easier (and warmer) than surfing on the beach breaks of Devon and Cornwall.
Do I need to be able to stand up already to enjoy the waves?
We were split into ability groups. The process begins with a detailed enrolment form and concludes with pre-surf chats with our instructor team to ensure that we’re put into the right ability groups. We have a maximum of one instructor to three guests and that doesn’t include two extra Women and Waves instructors in the water giving us tips. Then feeding back on our every ride, basically being our hype queens and also riding the waves with us, shooting photos and videos! We had guests who had never stood on a surfboard and shortboarders looking to work on their cutbacks and top turns. We were all catered for perfectly on waves suited to our ability. We learned from the Indonesian, French and British instructors while at the same time learning from each other. It was a magical experience and one that I would recommend to anyone. All experience levels catered for, no one held back and no one pushed out of their comfort or experience zone unless they wanted to be.
Is there dangerous sealife?
Every day we were surrounded by a kaleidoscope of tropical fish and turtles as we surfed. We also snorkelled with Manta Ray’s and visited a coral reef restoration site, hosted by Women + Waves environmental partner Mossy Earth. It was amazing to see a vital initiative up close and underwater working to restore habitats damaged by blast fishing and critical to ensuring the health of our oceans. Another day we took a set sail on a snorkel tour to see the incredible Manta Ray’s. The undersea world is incredible in this part of south east Asia, many class seeing the Manta’s as the stand alone high light of the trip, you certainly won’t forget these incredibly graceful creatures once you see them. If you are wondering what else you can do while in Bali, check out our article on more amazing activities you can do in Bali.
What about other surfers, isn’t Bali busy?
Each day we were picked up from the front of our accommodation by our ‘surf boat taxi’. The only thing we needed to think about in advance was which board we wanted to use that day (there were a huge range to choose from, these were loaded onto the surf taxi for us). Then we would sail off to the offshore reefs and to the waves chosen for us by our instructors, with the best conditions and least number of people. There are 6 different spots within a 5-minute ride from our accommodation, so we enjoyed really fun waves every day. Crowds weren’t a problem. We were a mixed age, bunch of happy, stoked women, bringing huge positivity and support to every session. We come in peace! We made lots of friends in the water with other travelling surfers, men and women. It was a great vibe.
Life After the Retreat
After 10 days I was back on a plane returning to Devon. My Indonesian trip had come to an end. No more post surf coffees at our ocean front restaurant, staring at empty waves, backed by the incredible view of Mount Agung. No more video analysis sessions where we got to see footage of ourselves from the drone, from the water camera and land camera. I’d left my new found community of surf girls behind, but we already hatched a plan to regroup, next time on the Costa Rica women’s surf trip in 2026. So this was ‘see you soon’, not ‘goodbye’.
So, to answer your question, I can attest, the Bali Women’s Surf Camp is for beginners, for experienced surfers and everything in between.
This trip was transformative to say the least! I changed careers, realigned my goals and it has shaped my life going forward. What more can I say than that!
Join the Next Bali Women’s Surf Retreat
The Women + Waves Bali Island Retreat welcomes surfers of all levels, beginners, intermediates and experienced riders.
Every year the trip sells out quickly, and you can even bring a non-surfing partner for just £250.
FAQs
Is Bali suitable for beginner surfers?
Yes. Many Balinese reef and beach breaks are perfect for learners. With expert instruction and perfect conditions, it’s one of the best places in the world to start your surfing journey, or finesse your current skills.
Will I be surfing over shallow reef?
No. We choose deep-water reefs with safe paddle channels. The reef helps shape smooth, predictable waves ideal for progression. Your instructor team explain exactly how to get the most out of these user friendly reef breaks. Most of our guests mentioned in their feedback that they found it way easier than surfing beach breaks.
Can I join if I’ve never surfed before?
Absolutely. Many of our guests are first-timers. Our 1:3 coaching ratio ensures close guidance and steady confidence building.
What equipment is provided?
All boards, leashes and rash vests are included. You can use our equipment or bring your own favourite board. We have a huge range of boards and there is a real emphasis on using different boards throughout the trip to ensure you are on the right board for you.
What makes Women + Waves different?
Female-led coaching, small groups, and a focus on connection. Our retreats combine surf progression with wellbeing, adventure and friendship. Our days include in water coaching, video analysis, surf skate workshops and expert coaching about everything from surf technique to surf forecasting. We also ensure our guests get to visit the best restaurants and cultural highlights.
