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

How tides affect beginner surfing in Canggu

The tide changes how deep the water is, and that changes how the waves break. At Batu Bolong, where I teach most beginners, the difference is big: the water can go from deep to quite shallow within a few hours. In my experience, mid and low tide are usually the easiest for beginners there. Wave height and currents also play a part, so the best tide on one day isn't always the best on the next.

You don't need to become a tide expert before your first lesson. It does help to know the basics, so here's how the tide works for beginners in Canggu.

Why tides matter when surfing

A wave breaks when the water becomes too shallow for it to keep its shape. So when the sea level rises or falls, the point where waves break moves, and so does the way they break.

For a beginner, that affects almost everything: how far you paddle, where the whitewater forms (the broken foam you learn in), how powerful the waves feel and how deep the water is under you when you fall.

What low, mid and high tide mean

The tide is the regular rise and fall of the sea level, caused mainly by the moon. In Bali there are usually two high tides and two low tides a day, and the times move later each day, by roughly 50 minutes.

• Low tide is when the water is at its lowest.
• Mid tide is the stage in between, while the water is rising or falling.
• High tide is when the water is at its highest.

How far the water moves also changes through the month. Around the new and full moon, the difference between high and low tide is bigger. These are called spring tides. Around the half moon, the difference is smaller. Those are neap tides.

How the tide changes Canggu's breaks

Every surf spot reacts to the tide in its own way. A break that feels easy at one tide can feel completely different a few hours later, with the waves breaking in a different place or with more or less power.

That's why fixed rules like "always surf at high tide" don't work. You'll find guides online that give one best tide for each spot, and they often disagree. Part of the reason is that they simplify. The same tide can feel very different depending on the wave height and the currents that day.

Batu Bolong and the tide

Batu Bolong is the break most beginners ask me about. The tide changes the depth there a lot, from deep water to quite shallow, and you usually paddle out rather than walk in.

For beginners, mid and low tide are usually the easiest at Batu Bolong. That's my starting point when I plan a first lesson. Then I look at the wave height and the currents, because those can change the picture. More detail in my Batu Bolong surf guide.

Why the best tide depends on the day's conditions

The tide never acts alone. It combines with:

• wave height, which varies a lot from day to day, in both seasons
• currents, which can make paddling hard and pull you out of position
• the wind, which can smooth the waves or make them messy

A mid-tide session on a calm morning with smaller waves can be perfect. The same tide with bigger waves, a strong current and onshore wind (wind blowing from the sea towards the land) can be too much for a beginner. So I look at the tide together with everything else, then check the water with my own eyes.

Can beginners read a tide chart?

Yes, and it's easier than it looks. A tide chart is a wavy line showing the height of the water over the day, usually in metres. The high points are high tide, and the low points are low tide.

Three things are worth looking at:

• the times of high and low tide
• whether the tide is rising or falling during your session
• how big the difference is between high and low, which tells you whether it's closer to a spring or a neap tide

Knowing what the tide is doing is useful. Knowing what that means for a specific break takes experience, and that part comes with time in the water, or from asking someone who's there every day.

Does a good tide automatically mean good surf?

No. A good tide only helps when there are waves to work with and the wind is kind. With no waves, the perfect tide gives you a flat sea. With strong onshore wind, it gives you messy waves at the right depth.

The tide matters a lot at Batu Bolong, but it always works together with the waves, the currents and the wind.

How instructors choose lesson times

I don't use a fixed lesson time, because the tide moves every day and the waves and currents change too. Each morning I check the conditions and look at the water. Then I pick a time that suits the student's level.

For a complete beginner, I look for smaller waves and a mid or low tide at Batu Bolong. For an intermediate surfer, I might choose a different time, or go to Nelayan when the conditions suit. That's also why I always ask about your experience before we book.

Because my lessons are private or semi-private, I can plan the timing around you. If you come with a partner or friend, we choose one session time that works for both of you. More about my surf lessons.

Canggu surf tides: common questions

What tide is best for beginners in Canggu?

At Batu Bolong, mid and low tide are usually the easiest for beginners. Wave height and currents play a part too, so check with your instructor on the day.

How often do the tides change in Bali?

Usually twice a day, with two high tides and two low tides. The times shift later each day.

Do I need to check the tide before my surf lesson?

No. That's your instructor's job. It's still nice to know what the tide is doing, and I'll explain it on the beach.

Is the water deep at Batu Bolong?

It depends on the tide. The depth changes a lot, from deep to quite shallow, which is one reason the timing of your lesson matters.

Tides in short

The tide is one of the most important things to understand about surfing in Canggu, because it changes so much about how the waves break. Learn the basics, look at the chart, and let the water have the final say. It's also a good excuse to check the ocean every morning with a coffee in your hand.

You don't need to understand every tide chart before your first lesson. Send me a WhatsApp on +62 813-3684-866 and I'll choose a suitable time for your level. For more on timing, see the best time to surf in Canggu and the best surf spots for beginners.