Month: September 2023

Sep
29
2023

Advanced surf guiding at Dreamland

A new swell has come in hot with well-overhead surf pulsing across the island. The ocean was calm and beautifully clean at first light, with just a few surfers out early. The quickly rising tide provided a buffer from the larger swell, which made it easier to handle the bigger waves. The A-frame served up fast lefts with a steep take-off and softer rights that handled the size beautifully. The offshore wind picked up in strength through the session, which helped keep the left open. The surfers worked on building confidence in the bigger waves, which they can carry forward to future sessions.

We have a new moon today on the Balinese calendar, which is when the Balinese pray for forgiveness and cleansing. Many Balinese will be attending ceremonies all across the island today.

Sep
28
2023

Intermediate surf guiding at Uluwatu

Fun surf this morning at Uluwatu! The surf has dropped to a manageable size compared to yesterday, perfect for all of the non-big wave surfers out there. There were a few well-overhead set waves but most of the waves remained in the overhead range. The shorter period of the swell caused the lines to be peakier than they usually are, which split the break into additional sections. The wind was dead calm at first light, picking up to light offshore as the session progressed. The surfers worked on building their confidence in the steeper takeoffs, something that is easier done under the careful guidance of an instructor. We are approaching the time of the year that is particularly good for the airport reefs- plenty of swells and no wind in the morning.

Sep
27
2023

Beginner Surf Lessons at Padang Padang

Fun waves, tropical conditions, and good vibes for the beginners this morning! A new, long-period swell has filled in, providing pumping surf throughout the island. Our beginner surfers enjoyed shoulder-high, slow-moving waves on the inside of Baby Padang, as a few larger sets broke on the outside. The inside waves moved at the perfect pace for beginners to gain confidence riding the waves and finding control of their surfboard. The conditions were glassy at the beginning of the session; however, the wind turned light onshore towards the end.

The season is changing right now. We are beginning to see the all-day offshore Tradewind breakdown, making way for shifting and less predictable weather patterns. For the next few months, we are looking forward to perfectly glassy mornings all around the island.

Sep
26
2023

Intermediate surf guiding at Balangan

Dreamy surf conditions at Balangan this morning! Mornings like these are what draw people to this magical island. The swell has dropped in size and intensity over the previous few days, which saw a very long period swell. The swell period has returned to a more normal reading for this time of year, which is helpful for our intermediate surfers. The overhead left-breaking waves were particularly clean this morning, which is expected as we approach the end of the dry season. The surfers marvelled at how much fun the session was, with everyone getting their share of waves.

The surfers worked on getting drive from their bottom turns, which is done by applying pressure to the rail of the surfboard while maintaining balance with an arm over each rail.

Sep
25
2023

Beginner Surf Lessons at Padang Padang

Fun beginner surfing at Padang Padang this morning! Our developing surfers rose bright and early to get their share of waves before the tide dropped out. They were rewarded for their efforts with fun lines, clean conditions, and plenty of turtles swimming about! The last of the extra-long period swell was still present, which resulted in bigger sets breaking beyond the lineup. Our surfers mostly stuck to the inside reform wave, where they were able to practice getting to their feet and riding along the wave as it broke along the reef.

The inside reform wave is about one-third the size of the outside breaking wave, and it is the perfect option for developing surfers to find their balance and practice their functional stance when the well picks up.

Sep
22
2023

Intermediate surf guiding at Dreamland

Pumping surf this morning at Dreamland! Our intermediate surfers enjoyed excellent surfing conditions! Plus-sized walls, long lines, and offshore wind! This is the perfect wave and the perfect size to step up your game in bigger conditions. The wave is not so challenging or intimidating when overhead. This affords an intermediate surfer the time and space to develop their bottom turns and improve their top turns. Additionally, the A-frame offers left and right-breaking waves, so a surfer can have their pick at what they would like to work on. Developing surfers can build upon the confidence they gain in mornings like these.

Our morning high tides are finally returning! From tomorrow, more breaks will be accessible for first-light surfing. The trend of morning high tides will hold through the end of the month.

Sep
19
2023

Intermediate surf guiding at Dreamland

Flawless conditions at Dreamland this morning! A predawn rain shower flattened the surface of the ocean, leaving us with glassy waves and no wind at first light! The swell has picked up in size and consistency with waves in the overhead range. This morning was a great morning for intermediate surfers to improve their confidence in overhead surf. When overhead, the waves at Dreamland are not as intimidating as waves at more the more powerful breaks such as Uluwatu and Balangan. Both the left and the right of the A-Frame were offering fun walls. The right breaks at a slower speed than the left, but long rides could be had going both ways.

we have plenty of swell incoming for the remainder of the month! The dry season is ending with a bang!

Sep
18
2023

Beginner Surf Lessons at Padang Padang

We had a beautiful morning at the surf camp’s favourite wave! The clouds parted just in time for the beginner surf lesson. The swell has backed off in size considerably, with up to head-high set waves coming in. The wind was perfectly offshore, which is the coveted condition that all surfers are after. The water was warm and tropical, everyone had smiles on their faces, and all had a great time.

The beginner surfers worked on getting their body into the correct position on the surfboard. It is essential that you have: your feet centered over the center line of the surfboard, your arms over each side of the surfboard with your elbows bent, your knees bent with the back knee tucked in, your hips loose and low, and your chest pointing forward.

Sep
17
2023

Advanced surf guiding at Dreamland

Excellent surf at Dreamland this morning! The tide was perfect for early morning waves! The swell has dropped significantly in size since yesterday; however, the waves were still up to double overhead on the largest of sets, with most sets in the overhead range. The offshore Tradewind picked up early this morning, which held the left and right walls up nicely. Our intermediate surfers chose to surf the A-frame, where they all had many fun rides. The rights were working particularly good this morning, as the lefts were running a bit fast.

Dreamland is a great place to surf when the swell picks up on a low tide. the wave is not so heavy outside of the impact zone at the A-frame, even on bigger days. See you out there.