Best Surf Spots in Bali for Beginners & Intermediates
πββοΈ How Long Does It Take to Learn to Surf in Bali?
A Beginner Timeline + Expert Tips from Ocean Freedom Surf School Canggu
One of the most common questions we hear at Ocean Freedom Surf School in Canggu is:
βHow long does it take to learn to surf in Bali?β
The good news?
Thanks to warm water, consistent waves, and beginner-friendly beaches, Bali is one of the fastest places in the world to learn surfing.
Most beginners stand up and ride their first wave within 1β3 lessons when learning with a professional surf school.
Below is a realistic beginner surf timeline, so you know exactly what to expect.
π Beginner Surf Learning Timeline in Bali
ποΈ Day 1 β Your First Surf Lesson
On your first lesson, youβll learn:
-
Ocean safety & surf etiquette
-
How to paddle correctly
-
How to pop up on the board
-
How to balance and ride white-water waves
π Most beginners stand up in their first lesson β especially with expert instruction.
ποΈ Lessons 2β3 β Confidence & Consistency
After a couple of sessions:
-
Youβll catch waves more independently
-
Your pop-up becomes faster
-
You start riding longer waves
This is where surfing becomes fun, addictive, and exciting.
ποΈ 1 Week of Surfing β Real Progress
With 4β7 lessons in a week:
-
Better timing and balance
-
Learning how to turn left and right
-
Introduction to green (unbroken) waves
Many surfers choose a surf-and-stay package in Canggu so they can surf daily and progress faster.
ποΈ 2β4 Weeks β Independent Beginner
With consistent surfing:
-
You understand wave selection
-
You can paddle out confidently
-
You start surfing without constant instruction
Youβre officially a surfer β still learning, but confident in the ocean.
β±οΈ How Many Surf Lessons Do You Really Need?
| Your Goal | Lessons Needed |
|---|---|
| Stand up on a wave | 1β3 |
| Catch waves confidently | 3β6 |
| Ride green waves | 6β10 |
| Surf independently | 10+ |
Progress is faster when you:
β surf consistently
β choose the right surf spot
β learn with qualified instructors
π΄ Why Bali Is the Best Place to Learn Surfing
Bali offers everything beginners need:
-
Warm water (no wetsuit)
-
Soft, forgiving waves
-
Sandy beach breaks
-
Affordable surf lessons
-
Friendly surf culture
Canggu is especially popular because beaches like Batu Bolong and Old Manβs are ideal for beginners and intermediate surfers.
π Tips to Learn Surfing Faster in Bali
β Take lessons with a professional surf school
β Surf early mornings for better conditions
β Use the correct board size (bigger = easier)
β Learn ocean safety first
β Stay patient β progress comes quickly
π Perfect for International Travellers
Many of our students travel to Bali every month from Australia, India, Singapore, the UK, the USA, and Europe.
Booking your surf lessons in advance helps secure your preferred dates β especially during busy seasons.
β Learn Faster With Ocean Freedom Surf School Canggu
At Ocean Freedom Surf School, we help beginners and intermediate surfers progress safely and confidently.
Why surf with us?
β Instructors who have surfed since childhood
β Over 10 years of teaching experience
β Small groups & private lessons
β Daily surf spot selection based on conditions
β Beginner-focused and intermediate coaching
β Surf & Stay packages available
Whether youβre visiting Bali for a week or longer, weβll help you catch waves and build real confidence in the ocean.








