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July 25, 2025

Ita Permatasari (Sari)

Ita, aka Sari. DHM Surf Camp co-founder and director. Sari is a leader and environmental and hospitality enthusiast.


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How to Prepare for a Surf Camp in Bali: Fitness, Gear & Mindset Tips

There is nothing quite like the thrill of catching your first wave in Bali. This place is known for its warm waters and consistent surf experience. This Indonesian paradise is a place that you cannot miss. But before you plunge into the ocean, you need to prepare well. If you are planning to join a Bali surfcamp, this blog will help you. Today, we will tell you ways to get ready physically and mentally. This will help you enjoy every moment of the ride.

Build Surf Fitness Before Bali Trip

Surfing may look easy, but it demands strength. It needs balance and stamina. You will paddle a lot and pop up quickly on the board. You have to keep your balance while riding the wave. That is why good surf fitness before a Bali surfcamp can make a big difference.

Start with exercises. This helps in strengthening your shoulders and arms. Swimming is great as it improves your paddling skills. You can also try push-ups and planks. It is necessary to build strength. Flexibility helps you avoid injuries and improves your balance. So, to make your body flexible, you have to to include stretching and yoga in the routine.

Try to train at least 3 times a week, a month before your trip. Even a short workout can improve your confidence and performance in the water.

What to Pack for a Surf Camp?

Knowing what to pack for a surf camp helps you avoid anxiety and enjoy your adventure. You do not need to carry too much stuff. But you should pack wisely.

You must have swimwear that fits well and stays in place. Bring at least two swimsuits so you always have a dry one. If you have your own surfboard and wetsuit, you can bring them. But most surf camps provide gear. Still, bring your own rash vest. It will provide protection to your skin from the sun and the board.

Don’t forget to pack reef-safe sunscreen and a reusable water bottle. You should also keep your travel documents and health insurance in one pouch. Remember to carry flip-flops and casual clothes. A rain jacket might come in handy.

Choose the Right Surfcamp in Bali

Not all surf camps are the same. Some focus on beginners, and there are others that give lessons to more advanced surfers. When looking for the best surf camps in Bali for beginners, check reviews and safety standards. You also need to check group sizes and instructors’ experience.

Lombok is a great place with great beginner-friendly waves. Some camps also include yoga sessions and meals. They also provide airport pickup and cultural tours. Make sure the camp’s vibe matches what you want.

If you are still wondering how to get ready for a Bali surf camp, choosing the right camp is a great place to start. A good surf school will help you feel at home. It will teach you at your own pace and help you through every step.

Start Your Bali Surf Trip Preparation Early

Proper Bali surf trip preparation doesn’t begin a day before the flight. It should start weeks ahead. Check if you need a visa. Make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 more months. Book your surf camp and accommodation early. Some places fill up fast during the season. Also, look into travel insurance that covers surfing. This is very important, especially if you are trying the sport for the first time. Get your travel vaccinations if needed, and carry any medicine you usually take.

Get your body and mind ready. Watch videos and learn basic surfing terms. It will make things easier when your instructor explains techniques on the beach.

Enjoy the Experience, Not Just the Waves

Going to a surf camp in Bali is more than just surfing. It is about meeting new people and eating fresh food. It is about checking out the island and learning a new skill. Don’t get too caught up in becoming perfect. Focus on appreciating every part of the trip. Walk around local markets and try Balinese food. You can even visit nearby temples and waterfalls. Most camps have rest days and extra activities. Use that time to relax and for sightseeing.

By the end of your camp, you may not become a pro. But you will come back with stories, memories, and probably a new love for surfing.

Mental Prep for Surfing in Bali

Learning something like surfing can be fun. But you may also feel scared.

So, a bit of mental prep for surfing in Bali can help you feel ready. Remember that everyone starts as a beginner. No one expects you to be perfect. It is ok if you fall, as it will help you to learn. Try breathing exercises and meditation a week before your trip. This will help you stay calm when you face strong waves and feel nervous.

Also, keep an open mind. You will meet people from different cultures and with different surfing levels. Stay positive and enjoy the trip, not just the surfing part.

 

Conclusion

Preparing for a surf camp in Bali? It takes a bit of time and effort. But it’s worth it. Before your trip, you have to focus on surf fitness. Also, you should prepare mentally. This way, you set yourself up for a fun and memorable experience. A Bali surfcamp is not just a holiday. It is a chance to challenge yourself and grow. For an amazing but safe surfing experience, book your package with us at “DHM Surf Camp”.

FAQs

1. Do I need to know how to swim to join a surf camp?

Yes. You should be a confident swimmer (especially in open water). Surf camps usually expect basic swimming ability.

2. Will I need my own surfboard at a beginner surf camp?

Most of the time, surf gear and boards suitable for beginners are provided. But you can bring your own if you prefer.

3. Which months are best to join a surf camp in Bali?

The best months are April to October. During the dry season, the waves are more consistent. Also, the weather is sunny at this time.

4. How many lessons should I take at a beginner surf camp?

Most packages have around 5–7 lessons. The number of sessions depends on which package you choose. Our packages have sessions that give you enough time to learn the basics and improve steadily.

5. Can I still enjoy a surf camp if I’m not very fit?

Yes. But improving your fitness before you go will help a lot. You will enjoy the experience more and recover faster after sessions.

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Anthony Gird
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Amazing team, so warm and welcoming. Food was so good and so fresh. Rooms were lovely. Surf coaches were super. Also really great to be situated just beyond the craziness of the main strip in town.
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Nöldi Bachmann
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Just amazing and chill🤙🏻
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Hailey Martin
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What an incredible experience at DHM surf camp. The accommodation and home base in its entirety is stunning (looks so much better in person than the photos), nestled in a quiet part of Kuta but close enough to still have access to all of the best parts of the city too. The people who work there are incredible - nothing is too much to ask, they are all so friendly and more than happy to help in any way they can. The food is delicious, and the two meals a day are a great way to stay fueled for the two surfs a day. The surf coaches are incredible - not only highly skilled, but also just lovely and engaging people who are really focused on ensuring you both enjoy and improve with your surfing. They’re often the loudest and most encouraging coaches out in the waves, and create such a great atmosphere for everyone. You’ll get to know Lola (resident cat) and enjoy the yoga in an incredible location. I can’t wait to return to Kuta and will definitely be staying at DHM again 🏄
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Wojtek Cichocki profile picture
Wojtek Cichocki
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We spent 2 weeks at the DHM Surf Camp. The accommodation was top‑notch — we loved the clean and comfortable rooms with AC and appliances like a TV, fridge, and kettle. Every day we received fresh towels, refilled water bottles, and a thoroughly cleaned room and bathroom. And I mean really clean. There was also a swimming pool and several common areas for relaxing or eating, equipped with a pool table, books, refreshments, and music. There is also a working restaurant service with breakfast, dinner and snacks. The staff — both the accommodation team and the trainers — were VERY helpful, communicative, and genuinely caring about whether everything was okay during our stay. If you need anything they will magically make it happen. A big shout‑out to Javi, Pian and most of all Kai, our instructor, who had a constantly positive attitude, more patience than all of us combined, and always believed in us. He gave us great advice throughout the whole course. Surf students get an individual approach, photo analysis sessions, may participate in gym classes and yoga classes, which we highly recommend. DHM can make a surfer even from someone as hot-headed and wooden as me. All in all, we had an unforgettable time with DHM. We hope to come back there one day 😉
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Céline Delheye profile picture
Céline Delheye
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Een surfkamp waar je je echt thuis voelt en warm ontvangen wordt! Iedereen was super vriendelijk en vrolijk. Extra dank aan Afvila voor haar gastvrijheid & snelle communicatie via whatsapp! We werden hier verwend met lekkere verse maaltijden en drankjes, waarbij we zelf konden kiezen of we dit voor/na het surfen wilden. De surf training en yoga les waren leuk als aanvulling en goed geregeld via hun transport. De surflessen waren op verschillende spots, wat een goede variatie gaf in golven. Het is ook ideaal dat we dezelfde coaches hadden doorheen de week zodat je progressie goed opgevolgd kan worden. Ze waren geduldig en probeerden ons zoveel mogelijk goeie golven te geven. Bedankt aan Bruno en Gus hiervoor 😉 De foto’s werden telkens ook snel geüpload en waren zowel leuk als leerrijk om te zien!! Ardi is een echte topper! Als laatste waren wij ook superblij met het comfort in de kamers en de heerlijke ligbedden aan het zwembad, ideaal voor een dutje na het surfen!
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Felipe van Braak
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Great staff, looking to go to less crowded places
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Marsel profile picture
Marsel
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Spend one week in DHM. Had a lot of surfing sessions and really increased my level. service personnel is polite and responsive. I had good time there.
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Sam Robinson profile picture
Sam Robinson
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This place is unbelievable. I came here as a Aussie on my own for a seven day stay and it really did exceed expectations on every level. All of the staff are great, always A great vibe and so happy to help. Afvila Is amazing and very friendly she helped me learn some Indonesian and took care of everything for me from day one. My surf Coach was Khay, He helped me improve so much over the trip. He takes his job very seriously and make sure to get you on plenty of waves with some form of instruction after every wave. super happy with his coaching and my progression over the course of my stay. Special mention to Pian He’s just the greatest vibe. He put me onto a few really good waves as well And never failed to have a smile on his face, absolute superstar. You’d be doing very well to get either of these guys as your coach. They are super knowledgeable and passionate about helping you to improve. My room was cleaned immaculately every single day. There’s always someone around Should you need anything and The food is exceptional. they really do cater to anything that you need. This is no ordinary hotel I will definitely be Back and recommend to all of my friends and family. Thank you very much to the whole team at DHM. I already can’t wait for my next trip.
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