If you’ve been following my blog you know I tried to learn how to surf in Portugal in 2017. Back then I was scared of waves, I was lacking confidence in the water and I was definitely not thinking I’d ever surf again. Don’t get me wrong, I really enjoyed my experience at Rapture Surfcamp in Ericeira, but I was still feeling quite nervous in the water.
When I booked my flight to Bali I thought that maybe I could give it a try again… until I saw the waves. I had forgotten how big some of these waves can be out here. So, there I was, still avoiding waves and water even though the beach was part of my daily routine.
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Best Surf Camps in Bali
First, you should know that there are many surf camps, surfing hostels/hotels and surfing schools in Bali. Many travelers come to Bali to learn how to surf or simply for a surf trip. When it comes to learning how to surf you must think clearly, especially if you’re feeling scared.
Personally, I already had a great experience with Rapture Surfcamps in Portugal and I knew I could trust their team and especially their surfing instructors. My safety is my #1 priority and this is why Rapturecamps didn’t have to try to convince me again (they had to convince me in Portugal as I was super scared!).
Rapture Camps is more than just a surf camp, it’s a brand, it’s an experience and it’s suggesting a summer lifestyle that comes with great vibes.
In my opinion, it’s probably the best surfing experience you can get regardless of your level! You get family vibes, a great atmosphere, amazing food and the perfect place to relax between the lessons.
Rapture Camps have two camps in Bali. Both are located in Uluwatu; Bali Cliff and Bali Padang.
Bali Cliff is located next to Green Bowl Beach (which is an amazing spot by the way) and is super modern looking.
Bali Padang is located next to Padang Padang Beach and is super cosy looking.
This article should help you compare both camps.
You can consult the price list for Cliff and Padang. Also, note that they have 30% off until the end of April 2018. All prices include daily breakfast and five dinners (from Monday to Friday). It also includes daily surf guided trips from Monday to Saturday. Guiding surf basically means you’ll be with a group, but you won’t be getting any private lessons.
Surfing in Bali for Beginners
After 10 days I’m still considering myself as a beginner. I think every person is different when it comes to surfing. Personally, I spent many days just trying to overcome my fears. This means that for me it’s a longer process. Slowly, but surely!
If you’re a beginner and you’re looking into learning how to surf, Rapture is a top pick! If you’re feeling scared their team is there to make you feel safe and to keep you safe.
My First Surfing Lesson in Bali
I was pretty nervous but I was glad I had the instructor to myself. His name was Finda. I told him how scared I was and he was trying to make me feel comfortable with all his jokes. My first lesson was intense. He was basically trying to see what I was able to do, how scared I’d be and how willing I was to go for it anyway.
I managed to stand up (okay, I was barely standing up, the waves were quite big) but I was spending most of my time in the washing machine/getting smashed by the waves. After surviving these challenging waves I realized it wasn’t that bad. I was mostly scared of surfing because of the powerful waves and once I could handle it I wasn’t that scared anymore.
Surfing for 10 Days | The Progress
Every day I was handling my fear better. It was getting easier and more enjoyable but it was still hard for me. I was always surfing smaller waves than everyone else until I got enough confidence towards the end to go further and be around the others. I managed to give my trust to my instructor and let him push me to my limits when I was feeling doubtful.
The instructors were super patient with me. Their joy and optimism made me feel a lot more confident in the water. I can still remember their jokes and their positive attitude!
- Are you ready?
- I was ready the day I was born!
- Never try, never know!
- This is what we call PUUUURfect!
At the end of the camp, I had switched to a hardboard. I was a lot more confident in the water, I could even go for a swim in the waves without freaking out. My level of confidence was a lot better and I was definitely able to enjoy myself in the water and on the board.
On the last day, I hurt myself. The board flipped and the fins smashed my leg. I got lucky as the fins weren’t too sharped and I simply kept a memory; probably the biggest bruise of my life! At the end of that day I was proud of myself, I was glad and grateful for being alive and I had no idea if I would attempt surfing again in the future.
After the camp, I went to India, and when I came back to Bali I started feeling a craving. I was looking at the surfers wondering if I could actually manage to surf on my own. Then I got a message from the surfing crew like what they were coming to Canggu to surf one day. I decided to meet up with them.
Three instructors asked me I was surfing yet. Haha! I felt so guilty to say no, but then I started to think about surfing more and more.
For the next few days my friend would ask me to go surf every day. And every day I would find a different excuse. I was still feeling a bit nervous. One day, I decided; Okay, let’s try to do this. I went with my friend and although it was still very hard it was also very fun. I caught one wave (thanks to the instructor who was willing to help me even though I was not with them).
A few days later I decided to go again but on my own this time. I did catch a couple of waves and it was still very hard. It was all on me this time.
The fact that I can now go surfing on my own means that my level of confidence in the water has boomed. The fact that I’m going surfing on my own also means that somehow surfing has done its job with me. I’m loving it and hating it, but more importantly, it makes me feel good. So, I guess the love is winning here!
Why I Totally Trust Rapture Camps | Top Surf Camps
As you can tell with the previous story, I trust the instructors and I managed to overcome my fear which is a pretty good sign! I’d recommend Rapture Camp to anyone without a single doubt. For them it was maybe just a painful day trying to get that crazy hair chick to try. They were super patient with me and their patience gave me the confidence (and the push) I needed.
Rapture Camps have wonderful teams in Bali, Portugal and Nicaragua and their friendly staff members make a huge difference when it comes to your life, when it comes to fears. (Of course, you’re planning on staying alive, aren’t you?)
Getting Ready for your Surf Trip in Bali
Most people don’t need a visa to come to Bali but depending on where you’re from, you should look for the requirements. If you’re planning on staying for less than 30 days you can normally get it for free on arrival. Otherwise, if you’re planning on staying longer (up to 60 days), you’ll have to get the visa extension at the airport and go to the immigration while in Bali.
Surf Trip Packing List
When it comes to packing surfing essentials you don’t need to worry too much about your wardrobe as you will more than likely be wearing your swimwear most of the time.
- Surfboard (if you have one, otherwise you can always rent one!)
- Dry bag
- GoPro camera
- Sunscreen or zinc
- Reef booties
- Rash guard
- Quick dry towel
Travel Insurance for Bali
Make sure you get your travel insurance if you’re traveling to Bali, especially if you’re planning on surfing. Surfing is a challenging sport, and even if you try to stay safe, it is better to be safe than sorry. Also, you should make sure your travel insurance covers your possible surfing injuries.
Where to Surf in Bali | Beginners, Intermediates And Pros
Bali is a top surfing destination for beginners, intermediates, and pros! Here are a few suggestions if you’re planning on doing some Bali surfing trips around the island. Uluwatu is definitely one of the best spots for surfing. You could also check Padang Padang, Green Bowl, Bingin, Medewi, Impossibles, etc.
You could also consider Canggu, Nusa Dua (Mushroom and Black Stone), and Kuta, which also have great options for surfing.
Disclaimer: I was invited to Rapture Camps.
