Ability Level: Beginner

Oct
29
2023

Beginner Surf Lessons at Padang Padang

There is fresh, new life in the Indian Ocean this morning! Our beginner surfers enjoyed beautiful surf conditions- clear, warm water and perfect beginner-friendly waves. The waves were in the head-high range, the wave faces were particularly clean, and the wind was very light offshore for the duration of the session. The bump in wave size allowed the waves to run along the reef for longer, making for some exceptionally long rides. What a session everyone had!

The surfers worked on controlling the extra speed derived from the bigger and cleaner wave faces. To control this speed, a surfer must learn to keep their weight centred over the centre line of the surfboard, and their centre of gravity low- all of which are elements of the functional stance.

Oct
26
2023

Beginner Surf Lessons at Padang Padang

Another great day at the world’s best beginner wave! Our surfers enjoyed a bump in wave heights over the previous few days. The waves rolled in at around the shoulder-high range, and the wind remained light throughout the session. The sky was slightly overcast, which did not dim the smiles of our surfers. The surfers worked on wave selection and catching green waves, which is the next step after a surfer has developed the ability to pop up in the functional stance and control the board at a basic level.

Wave selection, positioning, and paddling technique (with proper weight distribution) are keys to catching a green wave. Learning to catch green waves can be frustrating at times, but having the right instructor will make things easier and more fun.

Oct
24
2023

Beginner Surf Lessons at Padang Padang

Fun day on the water today and a great day for beginner surf lessons! The waves are smaller than yesterday, yet are still at a great size for beginner surf lessons. The knee-to-waist-high peeling waves were breaking nicely across the reef, and the surface conditions were clean and smooth. The wind was calm, keeping the sea state clean throughout the session. Everyone made great progress and had a fun session!

When the waves are breaking this easily, a new surfer can improve by leaps and bounds in a short time period. The repetitive nature of the waves breaking at a slow pace over the reef is the ideal environment for learning how your movements and weight distribution affect the flow of the surfboard through the water. See you out there!

Oct
22
2023

Beginner Surf Lessons at Padang Padang

Our beginner surfers enjoyed a perfect session this morning! A new swell arrived yesterday, resulting in a bump in wave heights over yesterday morning. The surf conditions were perfect (as you can expect this time of year), with no wind, shoulder-high waves, and long rides on offer. The surfers all made noticeable improvements given the ideal conditions. The surfers worked on popping up into the functional stance, which they practiced on land before the session, which is the bedrock of everyones’ surfing ability.

Now is the perfect time of year for beginner surfing! The waves are smaller than in the dry season (April-October) yet still come very consistently. The Tradewind fades as a light and variable wind takes over. Additionally, morning temperatures are just a bit warmer.

Oct
14
2023

Beginner Surf Lessons at Padang Padang

Our beginner surfers had an excellent day in the line-up this morning! The waves have picked up in size and consistency since the day before.
Dryseason-like conditions have returned this morning with an early-arriving Tradewind grooming the surf. The waves remained in the shoulder-high range, with the occasional larger set wave. There was the perfect amount of swell for the surfers to enjoy long rides across the reef going both directions without the waves being too big. This is with the added bonus of the convenient channel assisting you back out to the line-up after a long ride.

Many consider October and November the best months of the year. We still enjoy a mix of dry season and pre-wet season conditions; there is still plenty of swell and just a few less people around.

Oct
12
2023

Beginner Surf Lessons at Padang Padang

Fun beginner surfing conditions this morning! The swell has backed off since yesterday, which is perfect for a day of beginner surf lessons! The waves were in the shoulder-high range with a few bigger sets. The wind blew lightly offshore, and the ocean was smooth and calm. The light offshore wind (wind blowing in the opposite direction the waves are travelling) ensures a smooth wave face and keeps the wave open for longer. As an added bonus, the surfers enjoyed the many turtles swimming around nearby.

The beginner surfers worked on standing up in the functional position, something that is learned with time and repetition. Once a surfer is able to ride the wave in the functional position, the surfer will learn to control the board and maintain their balance.

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
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
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.