Ability Level: Intermediate

We were up before the dawn this morning to get an early start at Bali’s premier surf break. It was well worth the effort to beat the crowd and get some epic waves before breakfast. Perfect tide for the Racetrack and overhead clean waves breaking all the way down to the big rock. A few barrels to be had, lots of turns and some very fast sections. Light offshore wind and partially sunny. Tomorrow another solid swell is forecast to light up all of Bali’s breaks.

Our goal this morning was to score some more great waves at Uluwatu before the big swell arrives. Tomorrow the waves will be massive and Uluwatu will be only possible to surf for experienced big wave surfers – guaranteed a great show to witness!

Today though, shoulder to head-high sets offered plenty of opportunities to catch waves for our advanced intermediate guests. Long, clean left-handers rolled in and everyone who caught one of those paddled back with a big smile on their faces. It is hard to go in after catching the wave of your life. “Satu lagi” or “one more” is a very well-known phrase you hear out there on a daily basis.

The rain this morning was a good excuse not to get out of bed. But not for us! The ones who stayed strong and made it up early were rewarded with great waves and a relaxed line-up at Uluwatu. There is always a bright side to a rainy day in Bali.

The waves were shoulder to head-high and perfectly glassy. Even though they were not very big, they had enough power to be able to generate a lot of speed to race down the line and perform quality turns. The current was forgiving and paddling back to the line-up was like a walk in the garden. Lots of waves were ridden today, breakfast was well deserved and we are already looking forward to the afternoon session.

Balangan was showing itself from its best side this morning. Fun, long left-handers were breaking gently across the reef. The strong offshore wind helped to get around the fast-breaking sections a little easier. Some of the longest waves were ridden today by many of our guests.

Due to the high tide, you don’t need to worry about the reef as it is deep enough. You can enjoy the ride as long as you can and if you are lucky, even make it all the way to the beach. Often it is easier to walk back to the beach and enter the line-up where you first jumped in. The current can be relentless and string arms are required to paddle back out. A great early morning exercise to start the day!

There was no reason to sleep in today as Uluwatu was on fire this morning! Perfectly breaking, long, head-high left-handers were peeling over the reef at this world-famous surf spot.

Our early bird group got lucky and scored some amazing rides before the crowd came. Getting a good wave at the beginning of the surf session sets up your mood for the rest of the day. Especially at Uluwatu where catching waves can be difficult, getting one perfect wave is often enough to make you smile all day long.

“Honeymoon” is a special place to go surfing. When the swell is big and the tide low, this wave comes to life. A long, clean left-hander is breaking next to the cliff where you can jump off to get in the line-up. This alone already makes it worth going there.

Everyone is excited to jump off the cliff. Although it can be scary at first, once you muster up some courage to take the jump, you are ready for the waves. The take-off can be tricky, the waves start behind the cliff, and you need to make sure to make it around the edge of the rock. Surfing here is something you won’t ever forget. This is one of the surf spots and sessions that you will always remember as one of the most exciting and fun.

What could be a better way to start the weekend than scoring perfect waves in Bali?! That’s right, not much! Offshore wind conditions and head-high sets delivered perfectly shaped left-handers at one of our favorite surf breaks, Balangan.

Race down the line or try to hide underneath the lip, there are many ways you can surf this wave. More often the waves are breaking very fast and it is important to get enough speed to make it to the open face. When you do, be ready for a long paddle back, because you might surf it all the way to the beach. On long waves like this, you can do bottom and top turns and really enjoy the ride.

Finding an uncrowded surf spot in Bali can be a difficult task. Knowing all the spots and the best times when to go surfing is a huge advantage. With the help of our local surf instructors, this gets much easier.

Going to Balangan today was the right choice. The waves weren’t that big, but shape and consistency are more important. Long, clean left-handers offered plenty of surf time. Paddling back to the line-up was easy and many waves could be caught. A day well spent in the water and on the beach. Now it is time to enjoy the afternoon and coming sunset.