Talking to the staff at Bali Learn To Surf at Kuta Beach Bali

Many people who come to Bali look out and see people surfing the waves off of Kuta Beach.

‘What a great way to spend an afternoon,’ many people might think, ‘I’d like to try but I have reservations.’ To put some of those fears to rest I visited the staff at Bali Learn To Surf on Kuta Beach to try and answer some of the questions people might have.

Owner: Matt Scarff

Aged 31 from Byron Bay, Australia

Nick: Matt how many years have you surfed?
Matt: I’ve been surfing for 18 years.

Nick: How long have you been teaching surfing?
Matt: I’ve been teaching for 9 years here and in Oz. I have coached pro’s.

Nick: How long have you been teaching surfing in Bali?
Matt: I’ve been in Bali 5 years.

Nick: Why should people coming to Bali consider learning to surf?
Matt: Bali is a surfing mecca, one of best places to learn and surf, reef breaks, beach breaks.

Surfing is good for fitness, de-stressing. Kuta Beach is world famous and is where surfing started in Bali. There’s a wave everyday, you can find boards and surf everyday.

Imagine telling your mates at home you learned to surf in Bali.

Nick: Why choose Bali Learn To Surf over other schools?
Matt: We’re were one of the first schools here, the only accredited school in Bali, Australian (ASA), also VTEC (Level 1 for both).

We use the best equipment on the island. Our boards are specially made for safety with a soft top, rounded edges and flexible fins. Our beginning boards are in a Malibu and Mini Mall shape. We have over 30 boards, all sizes and shapes, kids boards and a 11ft tandem board.

We are the only company with girl coach. A many women like learning from other women. Jasmine is the second best female surfer in Bali.

Nick: Matt what is unique about your location in front of the Hard Rock Hotel?
Matt: We start off in the pool inside Hard Rock Hotel to give people a sense of how the board is before hitting the waves.

Nick: What is special about your teaching methods?
Matt: Other schools have copied my methods. I use a 3 step method�safety priority, fun, learning.

We provide the best information and learn to surf techniques. People learn about ocean and surf safety too as well as surfing. We teach people how to look for ‘rips’ and safe places to swim, we give them confidence.

Nick: Besides the board what other things do you provide?
Matt: We also use Quicksilver rash vests and shirts that give 100% UV protection. Customers are given plenty of high quality sunblock, drinks, free transport, towels and showers and access to Hard Rock pool.

Nick: Some people might be a bit scared of going into the water, do you have to be a great swimmer?
Matt: No you don’t. Kuta Beach has a very gentle slope, we only go to waist height. We’ve taught 2 girls who couldn’t swim. I’ve taught blind people to surf by putting them on the front of the tandem board and I steer from the back.

Our coaches are always in the with the clients in the water and we teach on the safest place on Kuta Beach. This part of the beach is protected that’s why I chose it, no rips.

Nick: What is a leg rope?
Matt: A device to stop you chasing your board. It also protects other surfers from your board.

��

Jasmine

Aged 18 from Borneo, Indonesia

Nick: How long have you been surfing?
Jasmine: I’ve been surfing 4 �5 years.

Nick: How long have you been in Bali?
Jasmine: I’ve been in Bali 6 years.

Nick: What do you like about surfing
Jasmine: Perfect waves, practicing with tricks, its fun.

Nick: How long have you worked at Bali Learn To Surf?
Jasmine: I’ve been here for 2 years.

Nick: What’s it like working here?
Jasmine: Its fun.

Nick: What’s best thing about working here?
Jasmine: Teaching other people how to surf.

Nick: Why should someone choose this surf school over the others that are out here?
Jasmine: Safety is our priority and we have very friendly staff,

Nick: What tips would you give a beginning surfer?
Jasmine: Carry your board on the side of you. Try to maintain the correct position on the board.

Nick: What would you say to a new customer?
Jasmine: Learning to surf is great fun.

��..

Otonk

Aged 26 from Banyuwangi, Indonesia

Nick: Otonk how long have you lived in Bali?
Otonk: I came to Bali in 97.

Nick: How long have you been surfing?
Otonk: I’ve been surfing for 7 years, and body boarding 5 years. I prefer body boarding because I snapped 2 surfboards already.

Nick: How long have you worked at Bali Learn To Surf?
Otonk: I’ve worked here for 3 months. I like it here because there is more dicipline than on the beach.

Nick: What would you say to someone thinking of taking a surf lesson?
Otonk: Just do it because you don’t know if you don’t try.

Nick: Is surfing hard?
Otonk: Not with longboard, it easy to ride. The short board is difficult.

Nick: Do you have any tips for beginners?
Otonk: You need to practice how to have balance and control. If you do that it’s easy to stand up.

Nick: Why Bali Learn To Surf better than other schools?
Otonk: Good equipment, pool training and close to the lifeguards.

……………………………………………………………………………………………

Learn to surf here.