Blog · By Gervas, surf coach at Nelayan Beach · 5 min read

The best surf spots in Canggu for beginners

For beginners, the best surf spot in Canggu is Batu Bolong. It's the area's famous learning spot, first lessons there often happen in smaller waves, and there are instructors and board rentals right on the beach. Nelayan, right next to it, is a quieter option that I sometimes use for intermediate surfers, depending on the conditions.

Which spot is best on a given morning also depends on the tide, the wave height and the currents. Here's how I think about it when I plan a lesson.

Quick answer: where should a beginner surf in Canggu?

Start at Batu Bolong, in smaller waves, at a tide and time that suit your level. That's where I teach almost all my beginners.

I meet my students at Nelayan Beach. Nelayan and Batu Bolong are so close that they feel like one beach, so it's an easy walk to where we get in the water. Canggu has more surf spots along the coast, but these are the two I teach at, so they're the ones I can give you first-hand advice about.

Batu Bolong for first-time surfers

Batu Bolong is where many people in Canggu catch their first wave. First lessons there often happen in smaller waves, and you'll spend most of your first session in the whitewater (the broken foam that rolls towards the beach).

Two things surprise first-timers. You usually paddle out to the waves here rather than walk in, which is different from some sandy beaches in Bali, like Seminyak. And the tide makes a huge difference: the same spot can go from deep water to quite shallow within a few hours.

It also gets busy. Surf schools, rental boards and experienced longboarders all share the water, and the line-up (the area where surfers wait for waves) can get crowded. As instructors, we do our best to find you a good spot in the line-up, so you can catch waves without worrying about collisions. More detail in my Batu Bolong surf guide.

Nelayan for intermediate surfers

Nelayan is a little quieter and less chaotic than Batu Bolong, while still being close to all the cafés and hotspots. When the conditions are right, I sometimes take intermediate surfers there, for example to work on positioning and wave choice with a bit more space around us.

For complete beginners, I usually stick to Batu Bolong. Nelayan is still worth knowing, though. It's a lovely place to relax after your session and watch the sunset with a coconut, and there are good cafés within walking distance.

Why the best spot changes from day to day

A surf spot isn't the same wave every day. A few things change it:

• Wave height. It varies a lot from day to day, in both seasons. A size that's perfect for a beginner one morning can be too much the next.
• Tide. The water level rises and falls twice a day. For beginners, mid and low tide are usually the easiest, but it also depends on the waves and currents.
• Currents. Moving water can make paddling harder and pull you out of position.
• Wind. Sometimes there's an offshore wind in the morning, blowing from the land out to sea, which keeps the waves clean. Later in the day it often picks up and the surface gets bumpy.
• Crowds. A good beginner wave is less fun when it's packed.

Online guides often give one fixed rule for each spot, and they don't always agree. Use them as a starting point, then check with someone who's in the water every day. More in how tides affect beginner surfing in Canggu.

How an instructor chooses the right break

Every morning I look at the waves, the tide and the currents. Then I think about the student: have you surfed before, how comfortable are you in the sea, and what do we want to work on today? That's why I always ask about your experience first. It helps me choose the right time and the right board for your level.

A complete beginner goes to Batu Bolong at a time when the waves are smaller and the tide is friendly. An intermediate surfer might go to Nelayan when the conditions suit. There's no fixed lesson time, because the conditions are never fixed either.

I teach private lessons, where my attention stays on you and your safety the whole time, and semi-private lessons if you’d like to learn together with a friend or partner. More on the surf lessons page.

Common questions about beginner surf spots in Canggu

What is the easiest surf spot in Canggu for beginners?

Batu Bolong, on a day with smaller waves and a suitable tide. That's where I teach almost all first lessons.

Is Batu Bolong too crowded for beginners?

It can be busy, especially mid-morning. Surfing at a quieter time helps, and so does an instructor who finds you a good spot in the line-up.

What is the best tide for beginners in Canggu?

Usually mid or low tide, but wave height and currents matter too. Your instructor should choose the time on the day.

Can I walk into the water at Batu Bolong?

Usually you paddle out, and the depth changes a lot with the tide. That's one reason a lesson helps on your first day.

Where should I surf after a few lessons?

Keep going at Batu Bolong until you can catch waves on your own and know the basic rules. After that, an intermediate session or a chat with the locals will tell you what suits your level. My guide to Canggu surf spots has more on progressing.

Best surf spots in Canggu for beginners, in short

For your first sessions, start at Batu Bolong in smaller waves, at a time when the tide and the crowd work in your favour. Save Nelayan for when you've got the basics, and use it for sunset in the meantime. Your first surf will already be hard enough on your arms.

Not sure what time works today? Send me a WhatsApp on +62 813-3684-866 and I'll suggest a time that suits your level and the conditions. Asking is free.