Bali's coastline provides an ideal place for
surfing. varying conditions, reef and
beach breaks create great waves for both veteran surfers and beginners. The
southwest of the island with its arid and rugged area, is composed of limestone
cliffs that provide some of the best views in the world, well known surfing
breaks among the surfers and paradise beaches such as Balangan, Dreamland,
Bingin, Padang-Padang, Uluwatu and Green Ball. It is a magic long coastline of
white sand dotted with beautiful sandstone cliffs overlooking the ocean at high
tide.
Balangan beach is located on the western side
of the Bukit, just one km north of Dreamland, turn left on the main crossroad
with jalan Uluwatu. Balangan is basically a left hand suitable for intermediate
surfers but also for beginners. The waves get perfect when the wind direction
is south-east and with mid tide, it is not a crowded spot. If you walk to the
right side of the beach you will find the Pura Balangan, the local temple.
Uluwatu, as all the western side spot, works
during the dry season, from April to October. There are 4 different surf spot:
Temples, a long wave that works on the mid to hight tide. The Peak, just in
front of the warungs. Racetrack, a super fast wave. Outside Corner wich won’t
even break if the swell is not in the 8 range. Uluwatu can get very crowded
especially during July and August. It has the same name of the famous temple,
it is a spot only for good and serious surfers and it is at the top of the
surfer’s destination list.
Padang- Padang only works when there is a big
swell. It’s a particular wave, surfers come from all over the world to ride it,
and it is not for evryone. It’s name Padang-Padang refers to the balinese
pipline. It has the best waves of Bali and it i salso the most dangerous spot
of the island. In Padang-Padang you can meet some of the best surfers of the
world, especially in August during the Rip Curl competion wich select the
professional surfers that will participate at the contest.
Bingin is the next reef after Balangan beach.
The spot works better doing the dry season, from April to October with a swell
direction from south and size 3-5 ft. There is only one small take off area and
it gets really crowded during July and August, you will have to fight to get a
good wave. It’s a fast wave with barrels, this is probably why it has become
more popular among surfers, it is not a long wave but it’s pleasent and easy.
Dreamland , unlike the other spots, is a beach
break, it has right and left hand waves perfect for beginners and not crowded,
it is not too shallow and has decent shape.
Green Ball works well with a swell direction
from south, with mid tide and 4-6 ft. It is a little hard to reach as you have
to follow a stair case of around 500 steps but once you bet there the waves are
amazing. Just be carreful with the strong corrent there, it could take away
your board.
In this tropical paradise you will have the
chance to surf with professional surfers, admire their skills and even take a
couple of tips for observation or for a meeting in one of the beach bars and
restaurants at the end of the day.
