For guests who already know how to surf but want to experience as many different surf spots as possible, surf guiding and utilizing local knowledge, is a really good option.
Surf guiding should not be mistaken for a surf lesson.
If you still need help getting into waves, you need to book surf lessons instead of guiding. Surf instructors booked through Swell can all give beginner, intermediate or advanced surf lessons.
But if you already surf competently, our local Bali surf guides are all semi-pro or pro-level surfers with years of experience surfing Bali’s many different waves. If you take one of these guides, you will gain an immediate advantage over surfers in the water without a guide. Bali’s locals all know exactly when to go to a certain spot, how to paddle out, where to sit, which waves to paddle for and which to leave. They can help you select the best waves to suit your level of surfing and they know the different characteristics of the various waves. They know where the rips might be, about any hidden obstacles in the water and where and how to paddle-in safely after your surf session. With the instant respect these guys command in the water, quite simply, a surf guide will get you more and better waves.
A Bali surf guide and/or surf trips can be booked and planned before your arrival at Swell or on-site. Pricing varies depending on whether you are in a large group, a small group, or surfing solo. If you have any questions at all about surf guiding, do use the More Info/Contact Us page.
Please note: Surf guiding is only available for clients staying at Swell.
We are lucky that we are located in one of the best areas of the world when it comes to variety and quality of waves: Uluwatu, Padang Padang, Impossibles, Bingin, Dreamland, and Balangan are all within easy reach.
These are the spots that are world-class in dry season months, between April and November. In the wet season spots like Nusa Dua, Serangan and Pandawa are suitable for surfers of various surf levels.
It’s an advantage for sure but not essential to have a Surf Guide. If you want to surf by yourself, you can get all the surf forecast and surf spot information each early evening at Swell in our surf briefing + every day, tide and swell height information for the various spots will be listed on our surf forecast blackboard.
Depending on you and your fellow surfer’s skill level, a Surf Guide will find the best spot and tides/times for the day for you to go and surf.
To get the very best out of a guiding experience, it’s absolutely essential that you honestly describe your current surf experience and comfort level in various wave heights and types. That way, your Surf Guide can make the right choice of surf spot to suit you. There is little worse than being out of your comfort zone and fearful in the water.
The Surf Guides are not giving a lesson when they are out in the water with you. They will not be pushing you into waves.
They will though:
Our Bali surf guiding is not suitable at all for complete beginners or anyone who does not yet possess the skills listed below. If you don’t meet the criteria listed, you are strongly advised to take surf lessons.
Surf guiding is for people with a good amount of surf experience already, who want to make the very most of every surf session by using local Bali surfers with their wealth of knowledge and experience. We’ve already suggested that it is a distinct advantage to be in the water alongside a respected Bali local when getting into waves.
You are suitable for surf guiding if you can:
If you are not sure, or if you have any questions: send us a message.
PRICE GUIDE
Group surf guiding starts at $45 USD per person for a 2-hour session. Smaller groups and private guiding sessions are priced accordingly. Please send us an email, with your exact requirements for a custom quotation. Alternatively, you can speak to our in-house Surf Guide on arrival at Swell to see what the best plan is for your needs.
The ultimate surf destination
Year-round surf season. Bigger waves occur between May and October
Year-round warm air and water temperatures; bring plenty of sunscreen!
Something for everyone: beginners – intermediate and expert surfers
People that don’t want the hassle of travelling with their own surfboard, but do want to use a quality surfboard on their holiday.
Our surfboard rental pool is an ever expanding collection of quality surfboards.
Boards we have available
*Our boards are only available to rent for Swell clients.
Board availability can change as some might be rented out to other clients, or some might be unde rrepair.
A Swell bali surf holiday can only be booked through our own online booking system.
We do not sell our room rates on any other external website or via an agent, so you are guaranteed to pay the best price!
