Learning to surf on Kuta beach Bali
Today was the day I lost my surfing virginity.
Over the last 11 months I’ve seen thousands of people acting like surfers, talking about surfing and actually surfing. Its about time I gave it a shot and having Sean and my brother Chris here was the perfect opportunity.
We went down to BaliLearnToSurf located in Hard Rock Hotel and the friendly staff, Ferry from Java and Agung (female) from Bali got us set up with stretchy ‘rash vests’ and a good dose of suncreen.
The selection of boards was quite good and we were using a special version of a Malibu board with curved ends, rubber top and soft fins. This meant we could actually get onto the board, stay on it and not chop someone else’s ear off.
A 20 minute lesson in Hard Rock’s sandy pool included tips on how to paddle, get onto the board and stand up. All of us were wobbly but were looking forward to geting into real waves.
Hard Rock is located right across from Kuta Beach and a quick stroll across the street saw us tying on our leg ropes and heading into the warm water. Waves were small today which was perfect, not intimidating and giving us plenty of time to set up. Ferry and Agung came out chest high with us and got us lined up for the incoming waves. Being balanced on the board for paddling is crutial and a quick 10 second paddle timed correctly will get you going with the wave.
I was a bit scared to start with, the balancing thing is somewhat unnatural and standing up seemed the last logical thing I should do. However with coaching from Ferry I got going in a couple of waves, used the technique he suggested and very importantly bent my legs to give control. In my first hour I got to ride a wave for maybe 15 meters.
Surfing is a great exercise and I noticed the effort to get back out and line up meant I was slow to get my legs under me as time wore on. Chris and Sean were loving being out there and did get to stand up, Sean riding several waves. He did so well I’m going to start calling him ‘bra’.
Our lesson was 2 hours and we have another seesion on Monday. Classes go for $40. We are all talking about how great it was. Who knows you might see my dropping in on you in the pipe sometime.
For more information on classes see our Learn to Surf in Bali page and surf lesson booking form.
By Nick | Permalink
Related Posts
- Surfing Kuta Beach Bali-part II
- Our second surfing lesson on Kuta Beach Bali
- Surfing season getting closer
- Interview with Nene at Bali Learn To Surf in Kuta
- Checking in with a local surf school in Kuta Bali
Subscribe
|
Print
|
Share               |
Comments
Sounds like y’all will be ready to come to Hawaii and take on the North Shore soon.
Keep surfing!
Jason
Waikiki, HI
I was so excited to get my first ride that I tried to copy other surfers I’ve seen by jumping off he back at the end and I landed in about 1 foot of water on my tailbone…ouch!!!
G’Day Nick,
At last!. Great to read that you’re carving up the swells at Kuta. Next step - Ullawatu on a GOOD day!.
So when I return, I’ll have to bungy jump as well as get into the surf. Shit, it’s been 30 years since I was on a board!
Got any good pics of you surfing?
Hey Jason,
I’m just trying to imagine Nick ‘locked-in’ at Sunset or ploughing down the face at Waimea!.
Nick,
I once bailed out on a wave and did the same thing, thinking the water was deeper but it was very shallow.
I landed on my leg funny and twisted up my knee pretty badly.
Luckily, it healed up OK, but yeah, you gotta bail out horizontal style or you’ll land on the bottom and mess things up.
And watch out for those ear infections - I got 3 of them just from those filthy waters in Kuta - or perhaps they’re cleaner now ???
Barrie - it’s fun to see anyone take on Sunset or Waimea. I’ve seen Nusa Dua get Sunset Beach style on occasion - it can get heavy out there.
So Nick, when you’re ready, grab your rhinochaser and take on Nusa Dua when it gets HUGE!!!!!
Jason
Waikiki, HI
Sounds……….
No photos??? I want action shots! : )
Jason and anyone with recurrent “swimmer’s ear”– You can avoid future ear infections by filling your ear canal with simple solution of white vinegar and alcohol (50/50) as soon as you get out of the water. You can keep this in a small plastic squeeze container with your equipment. It is cheap and available anywhere. The alcohol helps dry the ear, melt the wax (which is the basic cause of otitis externa) and the vinegar acidifies the skin making it an enviornment that bacteria and yeast will not care to set up housekeeping. When there is wax and dead skin in the canal, water, dirty or clean gets trapped in the canal the skin inside gets macerated (wrinkly & white) and it loses it’s protective seal & voila! Swollen, red, painful ear and expensive trip to doctor’s for treatment. Prevention is better than cure.
Aloha Cathleen,
I wish I knew that before!!!!!
The pain of a Bali ear infection - I can’t even describe it. Thanks so much for that tip.
Jason
I was in Bali this past summer and also took a lesson with bali learn to surf! We had Eddie and Ferry as our instructors, and they were awesome! Unfortunately, we only had time for the one lesson. I sure did get a work out though…it’s really tough on the upper body when trying to stand up eh?
If anyone’s up for some surfing in Hawaii, my door will be open for visitors come late january…at least I’m hoping that’s the case. The interview for my travel nursing gig in HNL happens this monday. Everyone keep your fingers crossed!
Agghhh…winter in Hawaii
Nice post bra.