NEWS
EVENTS
Surfing Bali
Wednesday 12th June 2013 | Annalisa
Bali is one of those places that tends to feature fairly high up on most people’s list of places to visit – and with good reason. This Indonesian island, south of the Equator has a lot going for it; visually it’s pretty close to paradise. Bali’s rich and fertile land is thanks to various volcanoes, including Mount Agung which is still active. Lush emerald rice paddies border the roadsides and you’ll find the country blooming with orchids, hibiscus, jasmine, lotus and frangipani flowers. And did I mention the beaches? It isn’t just tropical beauty that draws visitors to the island; Bali has a rich history with Indian, Chinese and Malaysian influences, and is famed for its performing arts and craftsmanship.
Now, when you aren’t shopping, or sunning, in a place like Bali you may well be surfing. With big name breaks like Uluwatu, the Impossibles and Padang Padang, even if your surfing is too rusty to risk the sharp reefs, it’s very easy to spend the day on the beach watching pros and locals nonchalantly catching ridiculous waves and looking super cool.
If you’re new to the sport then Kuta beach is a great way to ease yourself in; the perfect place for beginners to get addicted, with warm sea and warmer sun you’ll find it a very pleasant way to spend the day, catch a healthy looking tan and add a bit of natural sunkiss to your locks. Whilst you’re getting to grips with the waves you can feel smug in the knowledge that you’re also giving yourself a serious work out. Surfers tend to be an easy going bunch of thrill seekers, and when it’s too dark to surf you’ll find toned and tanned surfer boys and girls chilling out over a Bintang beer with surf movies playing in the background. It’s not hard to buy into the laid back surf culture and before you know it you’ll want more.
If the airfare alone blows your budget but you still need to get your surf fix then look closer to home. Although it’s wetsuits rather than bikinis (sorry boys) the surf culture in Britain is thriving, and with groups like www.londonsurfbreaks.com it’s now easier than ever to swap the city for the shore for the weekend. Trips leave on the Friday evening and get you home by Sunday in time for a school night bedtime, and it’s the cheapest way of doing a surf weekend without your own car. If just a weekend won’t do, they can tailor longer trips for your group according to your needs and surfing ability. Lessons can be arranged for beginners, and for advanced surfers they’ll check out where the waves are working best and take you off down the coast on a surf safari! Get on board!
