Ability Level: Beginner

Our Beginner group surfed Black Stone again after the amazing day they had yesterday. The swell has picked up in size to 4.5 ft. at 16 seconds, producing overhead set waves at Black Stone, and well-overhead sets at the more exposed breaks in the Nusa Dua area. The wind blew nicely offshore before the rain showers came. The low tide of -0.3 meters was at 7:25 AM, pushing our session back to late morning.

It is helpful for beginners to experience a long-period swell as it changes the characteristics of a break. With a long-period swell, the energy contained within the waves begins to drag along the contours of the bottom of the ocean at a much deeper level. The waves also travel at a higher speed. This results in waves that develop longer, powerful lines that have more energy contained within them.

Our beginner group surfed at Blackstone again this morning as the west wind is still blowing and the swell is in the moderate range. The Uluwatu area is still seeing seasonal onshore wind and rain. The swell has dropped to 4 ft. and 12 seconds from 213 degrees, with a new, long-period swell expected to fill in throughout the day, which is forecast to peak tomorrow at 4.5 ft. at 16 seconds.

At Blackstone, our surfers enjoyed overhead set waves groomed by offshore wind. The surfers worked on developing the fundamental skills of riding left and right along the face of the wave, and how to manage the effect of the wind blowing up the face of the wave against their surfboard. The morning low tide of .21 meters at 7:21 AM pushed the session back till late morning, giving everyone time to relax and enjoy their breakfasts.

Having had a relaxing and enjoyable Christmas day, our committed beginner surfers paddled out at Blackstone this morning. The weather has improved after three days of strong wind and rain. The swell is holding steady at 5 ft. at 13 seconds, coming from 214 degrees. The morning low tides have returned and are predicted to progress later into the morning over the next few days. The waves were clean, offshore, and head-high with larger set waves, and our surfers enjoyed the lighter crowd. Everyone got excellent waves and made improvements with their surfing, positioning, and paddling strength.

At Padang Padang Surf Camp, we are focused on surfing. We are out there every day having fun and making better surfers out of our guests. We work hard to improve our guest’s level of surfing, and no one leaves this camp disappointed. Come surf with us!

The seasonal west wind and rain continues to make its presence known on our side of the Bukit, leaving the entire west side of the island with blown-out conditions. Not an issue for us however, as our beginner group was off to Mushroom Rock again where they found head-high waves on the outside, smaller waves on the inside, and offshore conditions. The swell has eased slightly in size, dropping to 5 ft. at 13 seconds. Having surfed the break a few times, our surfers now have a better understanding of which waves are best, and they each found several great rides!

When learning to surf, there is no alternative to time spent in the water. Studying other surfers, practicing movements on land, and using visualization techniques are all helpful, but you must spend time in the water to make lasting improvements.

Our Beginner group was off to Mushroom Rock again where they tested their strength and courage in the challenging conditions. The swell was coming in at 5 ft. at 16 seconds from 215 degrees, and the wind was blowing moderately offshore. The waves breaking on the outside were in the overhead range while the inside offered waist to shoulder-high, slowly rolling waves. Our surfers chose to surf the less-crowded outside break where they tested their ability to get to their feet with stability and control.

Mushroom rock is a fun wet season wave for the beginner surfers when the swell is up as the west wind is blowing. When the wind blows strongly like today, it often blows offshore all day, keeping conditions good for beginners. On days like today, you can choose to surf the outside or inside section, depending on your ability and preferences.

With a strong wind from the west and a moderate swell, all of our surfers headed to the Nusa Dua area. Our Beginner group surfed Mushroom Rock, in the heart of Nusa Dua. The developing surfers found The swell is coming in at 4ft. at 13 seconds from 217 degrees. There was a light offshore breeze which kept the waves clean and organized. Great day for the beginners!

The long-range forecast suggests that the strong west wind, which shows up every January and February, has arrived. This wind is onshore for the west coast of Bali, but offshore for Nusa Dua, the east coast, and parts of the southern coastline of the Bukit. This means our camp will be heading to Nusa Dua and the Southern Bukit frequently over the next two months. Also, a new road has opened, which reduces the travel time to Nusa Dua from our camp.

The onshore-west wind picked up quickly this morning despite the clean conditions at first light, and the forecast predicting that the wind would remain offshore through the early morning session. Our beginners were still out there bright and early to test their skills in the challenging conditions. The larger swell, coming in at 5ft. at 14 seconds, produced head-high set waves with workable wave faces despite the unfavorable wind.

As a developing surfer, it is beneficial to surf in all conditions. The choppier sea state often means you must pop up quickly to avoid nose-diving. Once this is learned, you can apply the new skillset to days with clean conditions. When you are able to get to your feet at the top of the wave, you can benefit from the control gained from being in the functional stance while sliding down the wave face.

The swell has continued to pick up overnight, and all of Bali is seeing excellent surfing conditions! The forecast reads 6 ft. at 14 seconds, which is a great size to test your courage and skill without the waves being dangerous. Our beginner group headed to Padang Padang while our advanced group headed to airport rights. Our advanced group reported that they scored world-class right-handers! Days like today are why surfers travel half-way around the world to come to Bali.

Our Beginners had an excellent morning of surfing at the protected peaks of Padang Padang. The wind blew offshore, which holds up the faces of the waves for longer. The offshore breeze also keeps the sea state clean and the lines long. Our surfers utilized their practice from yesterday to paddled into the larger waves while developing the skills to glide down the line.