Surfing in Kuta; the fall and rise of a beginner

Surfing in Kuta was something that has always been on my mind and every time I saw the new-fresh surf pupils struggling with the waves, I couldn’t wait to have a try myself.

However I had a hard time deciding what to choose: the Big Kahuna surf school who offers surfing lessons from US$39 or just one of the many Balinese surfers who stand at Kuta beach.

My choice was made when I was sitting at the beach just before sunset. Right next to me an English guy was getting instructions on how to stand on the board. After a few ‘stand-ups’ and minor instructions he and his instructor went straight to the water.

The first thing I thought was... ‘Is that all...?’ And I guess it is, because the English guy was standing on his surfboard in no time.

I had to give it a go too...

The next morning my girlfriend, her friend Barbro and I met with the same instructor named John. He had placed three surfboards in the sand and was ready to show us the stand-up technique.

 

Our friend Barbro, catching every word

 

Once we had some idea on how to stand up on the board, John strapped the rope of the board around our ankles and we followed him to the big waves...

When we were further off the shore John said that I had to climb on the board and lie on my stomach. While we were waiting for the right wave, he held on to the end of my board.

Then, he yelled "start paddling!!", which I did and before I knew it I was moving forward fast.

I heard John yell: ‘Up!!!”. I tried but I guess too clumsy because I immediately ended up with my face in the water.

 

My girlfriend practicing the stand-up technique

 

Next try...John gave me some minor advice and when the right wave came I got up and remained standing...It was so cool! I was surfing!!!

 

Obviously I couldn't wait to get into the water

 

My girlfriend and her friend were able to stand too and for two whole hours we were getting up and falling off the surf board while John kept giving us instructions.

Towards the end of the two hours we were exhausted, getting sun burned and we felt we were on top of the world.

I am sure to do some more surfing in Kuta whenever I visit Bali...!!

The lessons with John were Rp 100.000 per person for one hour lessons and one hour surf-board rental. The prices can vary, and you might need to bargain but it should be around the price I just mentioned.

Will this be me after a couple of lessons...?

Hang loose... 

 

Our Second Surfing in Kuta Experience...

Once again we found ourselves on the beach of Kuta, gazing along the horizon and watching the surfers catch the perfect waves. It was time to do some serious surfing again ;-)

My sister was there to join us and because it was her first time we asked one of the many Balinese surfers at the beach to teach us the basic instructions. And like our first surf lesson, we were in the water in no time.

 

The waves were not that high making it easier to wade into the water with our boards. Each time a wave came the instructor would hold on to one of our boards till it was the right time to start paddling...

After several attempts my sister managed to stand on her board. My girlfriend and I were able to use our experience from the first lesson and were standing more often towards the end of the lesson.

After an hour the private lesson was finished but we were allowed to struggle with the waves one hour more. Despite the minor cuts and bruises we had a great time.

There is nothing better than standing on the board and cathing a wave. Especially if you do all by yourself...

Here's the evidence...

 

 

Surfing in Kuta is definitely on top of our list when we visit Bali. And I can imagine why people head to this island for just surfing alone.

Hopefully after a couple of more lessons we will be heading for the other famous Bali beaches with our surfboards...