When you hear “Bali,” it’s almost synonymous to “surfing.”
It’s no secret that Bali is famous for being one of the best surfing destinations in the whole world, for several reasons:
- A year-round surfing destination. With a tropical climate, Indonesia has two seasons: the dry season (April to October) and the monsoon season (November to March). So it’s not constrained to any particular season, like summer or winter.
- A thriving surf culture. A growing hotspot for surfers all around the world, you will find a surf shop in every corner with every big brand available. Surfers were one of the first tourists to visit Bali, so they’ve also integrated into the lifestyle and culture. Plus, the local Balinese love surfing!
- An ideal place to learn how to surf. Take advice from not just qualified instructors but from locals who've surfed all their lives. With over 100 surf spots – some of which are world-famous – Bali is open to surfers of all levels, beginner to advanced!
To top it all off, Bali has a unique culture and religion, impressive natural sights and a world-class cuisine, making it complementary to being the best place for any (future) surfer.
Where to learn?
For beginners, the beaches in Seminyak, Kuta, Bingin and Baby Padang.
For advanced surfers, the beaches in Uluwatu and Padang Padang, where the waves are powerful, fast and soaring high.
(I remember having lunch in a restaurant on the coast of Uluwatu and looking down to see the swell of the waves. The scorching sun, the high-rise tides, the surfers gliding… it was incredible. And definitely for the pros.)
Take it from me: I learned surfing for the first time with Up2Surf, a surfing school based in Kuta. My instructors were patient, very clear with directions and were jokesters; but they also taught me to believe in myself a little more. To trust my gut and to trust the waves. Those few lessons ended up being therapeutic for me as I was trying to overcome my fear of the ocean.
Which brings us to the subject at hand.
The sea, a cure for everyone
The ocean has long been thought to have therapeutic qualities.
And it’s now been scientifically proven that any interaction with the sea is good for one’s mental wellbeing.
According to a study by a team of researchers at University of Exeter, people felt calmer, more relaxed and more reenergised when around coastal areas rather than rural and urban spaces. A survey from families in Southwest England also stated that there was an increase in social and family interaction and the desire to be physically active.
These recent studies show that living close to the sea leads to lower levels of mental stress, fighting against anxiety and depression.
But it doesn’t stop there – seawater also contains physical health benefits. It’s rich in minerals such as chloride, potassium, magnesium, iodine and sulphur, which are important in protecting the skin from inflammation and skin problems such as dermatitis and psoriasis. Vitamin D from sun exposure protects us against cancer and diabetes as well.
A solution for our mental health
Surfing can actually be healing.
Surfer Today states that catching waves helps to deal with negative thoughts, anxiety and bipolar disorders, insomnia and self-destructive behaviors. Not only does it act as an emotional stabilizer, but those who’ve tried surfing know that it could drastically boost your mood.
In extreme cases, it can even help overcome loss and grief.
Moreover, patients suffering from PTSD have reported improvements in their sleep after getting into surfing and other wave-riding activities. According to PTSD UK, a charity dedicated to raising awareness of the disorder, the act of surfing forces you to break out of your cycle and put you in a new environment, erasing numbness and staleness in your life. It wakes you up.
Since you'll be in the vast sea, only surrounded by water, it also helps us to put our lives into perspective and find out what really matters for us.
Many NGOs today are working to advocate surfing as a solution to mental health, such as Surfers Healing, The Wave Project and Waves of Wellness Foundation. Hospitals and medical centers are also promoting surf camps so that patients can have the opportunity to heal in this unique way.
Surf camps & retreats in Bali
With spirituality and self-healing already being ingrained in Balinese culture, there are many wellness programs to be found around the island that almost always consist of surfing lessons. The wide range of surf camps and retreats show that they take surfing as a healing power very seriously.
Here’s a short curated list to give you an idea:
-
The Lighthouse Bali: https://www.thelighthousebali.org/surf-retreat/
-
Escape Heaven (specifically for women): https://escapehaven.com/revive-package/
-
Ocean Soul Retreat: https://oceansoulretreat.com/
All of these retreats offer surfing lessons taught by qualified instructors, as well as other underwater activities (ex. snorkeling, freediving). These sessions are meant to invite guests to connect to the ocean.
Since these retreats are directed towards mental health, many of them offer other services such as yoga retreats, mediation sessions and some with more luxurious benefits like nutritionist consultation, breathing work and cultural workshops. There's also specific programs called “sober surfing” meant for individuals struggling with alcoholic tendencies or searching to expel their body from certain substances.
With each different service, you have all the tools for self-improvement, self-reflection, healing and resonate with the more spiritual side of yourself.
So get out there, pick up a surfboard and live the dream.
Just like I did.