Blog · By Gervas, surf coach at Nelayan Beach · 3 min read

How much do surf lessons in Canggu cost?

Surf lesson prices in Canggu are fixed. The surf schools at Batu Bolong and Nelayan, which feel like one beach, all charge the same price, agreed within the local community. So the same kind of lesson costs the same whichever local instructor you choose. With me, a 2-hour beginner lesson costs Rp 350.000 per person semi-private or Rp 400.000 private, and an intermediate lesson costs Rp 450.000 per person.

That might sound unusual if you're used to comparing offers online and hunting for the cheapest deal. Here's how it works, and what you get for your money.

Why surf lesson prices in Canggu are fixed

The instructors and surf schools here share the same beach and the same waves every day. There's a price agreement within the community, and working together and supporting each other is a core principle for all of us.

For you, that makes things simple. You don't need to shop around or haggle, and you don't have to wonder if the person next to you paid less. You can choose your instructor on what matters: how they teach, how comfortable you feel with them, which language they speak and what kind of lesson they offer.

With me, that’s private and semi-private lessons for beginners and intermediate surfers, in English or Indonesian. In a private lesson it’s one student, one instructor, so my attention stays on you and your safety the whole time. In a semi-private lesson you learn together with a friend, your partner or a small group.

Here’s what a 2-hour lesson with me costs, per person:

• Beginner, semi-private: Rp 350.000
• Beginner, private: Rp 400.000
• Intermediate, semi-private: Rp 450.000
• Intermediate, private: Rp 450.000

The total depends on how many sessions you want: one to try it, a few spread over your trip, or coaching to sharpen your technique. To book, message me on WhatsApp or come and find me on the beach. The community is small, so if you ask for Gervas, people will point you in the right direction. I’m often at the beach from morning to sunset.

What is normally included?

A surf lesson with me takes two hours and includes:

• Theory on the beach. We talk about how the waves break, how to paddle out with a big board and how to fall safely.
• Pop-up practice on the sand. The pop-up is the move from lying on the board to standing. We practise it on the beach before we jump in the water.
• A surfboard that suits your level. For first lessons, that's a big soft-top board.
• A rash vest (also called a rashguard), a thin top that protects your skin from the sun and from rubbing on the board.
• Water for after the surf, because you’ll need it.
• Zinc sunscreen to protect your skin from the strong Bali sun.

Photos are available on request. Because I hire a photographer for that, photos come with an additional price.

There's more detail on the session itself in what happens during your first surf lesson, and I explain the difference between lesson formats in private vs group surf lessons in Canggu.

Surf lesson prices: short questions

Is it cheaper to book on the beach than on WhatsApp?

No, the price is the same. Booking on WhatsApp does guarantee you a time and a spot, though.

Can I negotiate the price of a surf lesson?

Not really. The price is agreed within the community, and that keeps things fair for everyone.

What does a lesson for two people cost?

In a semi-private lesson, you learn together with one instructor, and a beginner lesson costs Rp 350.000 per person. Prefer one-to-one coaching? A private beginner lesson is Rp 400.000 per person.

Do I pay extra for the board?

No. The board, rash vest, water and zinc sunscreen are included. Only photos cost extra, because of the photographer.

Want to book a lesson or ask a question first? Send me a WhatsApp on +62 813-3684-866. Asking is free.