Canggu Surf Sports
Five beaches, endless breaks, and Bali’s surf scene
Once a quiet fishing community, Canggu today welcomes more than 500,000 surfers each year. From Echo Beach’s barrels to Batu Bolong’s gentle waves, its black sand beaches provide reef breaks for surfers of all skill levels. Families and remote workers coexist alongside surfers. Canggu, which is within walking distance and features views of rice fields, warungs, cafés, and co-working spaces, combines Bali’s surf culture with contemporary conveniences and communal living.
Best Spots for Beginners to Pros
- Batu Bolong (Beginner)
- Berawa Beach (Intermediate)
- Echo Beach (Expert)
Year-round waves and vibrant beach life
The seven kilometers of Canggu’s volcanic coastline are home to five different surf beaches: Echo, Batu Bolong, Berawa, Pererenan, and Nelayan. Each offers different conditions, ranging from strong reef breaks to gentle sand-bottom waves. Clean, head-high barrels are revealed by morning mid-tides, and year-round surf sessions are sustained by warm waters and seasonal swells. Beach clubs, board storage, and post-surf smoothies are all within easy reach of most breakers, which are accessible by scooter.
Dry season brings the cleanest swells
Canggu offers two seasons of magical waves with a surf schedule that synchronizes with the tropical monsoons. For intermediates and pros, the dry season (May–October) offers reliable 4–8 foot swells and clear offshore winds. There are less people, warmer waters, and waves that are 2–4 feet friendly during the wet season, which runs from November to March. Before the afternoon rains arrive, astute surfers get up early, consult tidal charts, and take advantage of the smooth morning conditions.
Shallow reefs, big crowds, and hidden rocks
Canggu’s surf is rewarding. A fantastic session might become dangerous because to packed queues, strong rip currents, and sharp reefs. Recognize your risks: paddling wide maintains calm on crowded peaks like Batu Bolong, while reef shoes are helpful for shallow takeoffs like Echo Reef. Observe local customs by waiting your turn, apologizing frequently, and not snapping. Every lineup respects safe surfing.
From calm shores to big waves
There are eight different surf areas on Canggu’s five beaches, from barreling reefs at The Ledge to gentle rollers at Batu Bolong, suitable for surfers of all skill levels. While experienced surfers pursue swift, shallow rights at Rivermouth, beginners enjoy the sandy takeoffs. Bring the appropriate board, be aware of your tides, and observe the flow of the crowd. To get the best waves, use local charts and early mornings.
Ideal for surfers of all skill levels
Banjar Canggu has four surf zones for all skill levels. Early mornings are perfect for surfing here. Surf schools are near Batu Bolong Beach, and Echo Beach is great for photos. After surfing, try smoothie bowls at Crate Cafe, just a short walk from the beach.
Triple Threat Waves
The Echo Beach Canggu surf scene is exciting. Beginners start at Stairs for easy waves. Advanced surfers love Rivermouth’s barrels during southwest swells. At mid-tide, the Sandbar’s A-frame peaks are perfect for practicing. Don’t miss the sunset photos from the southern rocks.
Types of dives:
- Beginner
- Intermediate
- Advanced
Longboarder’s hidden playground
Batu Bolong surf is known for its consistent waves. Mid-tide is the best time to surf here. Longboarders enjoy the calm inside section near the temple. Surf schools teach lessons here. Be careful of rips during outgoing tides.
Types of waves:
- Beginner
- Intermediate
Beginner to Expert, All in One Spot
Berawa Beach surf has zones for all levels. Start at The Peak for easy waves. Then, move to Middle Reef for faster waves. Experts head to The Bombie for big swells. Paddle out early to get a spot near Finns Recreation Club. After surfing, check out the board shops along Jalan Pantai Berawa.
Types of waves:
- Beginner
- Intermediate
- Advanced
Perfect for longboarders and first-timers
Batu Bolong is the best place for novices to learn in Canggu, where gentle surf meets volcanic rocks. Old Man’s Beach, which is just south, serves as a natural surf school, with knee-to-chest-high waves that break softly over soft sand, making it ideal for beginners. This beach is popular with surf schools because of its warm waters, gentle crashes, and angled takeoffs. To avoid the crowds and take advantage of the best learning environment, arrive before 7 AM. As abilities advance, local teachers advise adhering to lineup etiquette and switching to hybrid boards for greater control.
Your Wave-Riding Classroom
Old Man’s Beach is Canggu’s beginner haven, with mellow knee- to chest-high waves breaking over soft sand, perfect for learning. Surf schools love it here: angled takeoffs teach control, soft wipeouts ease nerves, and warm water keeps you going. Arrive before 7 AM to beat the surf camp crowds and catch clean “golden hour” waves. Respect the lineup, upgrade to a hybrid board when ready, and keep the aloha spirit alive.
Types of waves:
- Beginner
- Intermediate
Gentle currents, colorful reefs, and beginner-friendly dives
Canggu’s coast offers something for every skill level, from gentle beginner rollers at Batu Bolong to barreling rights at Echo Beach. At Batu Bolong, local teachers and 9’0″ foamies help beginners gain confidence. During incoming tide, intermediates move forward on funboards at Berawa’s top. At Echo’s Rivermouth, experts use shortboards and wetsuit tops approved by Jordy Lawler, to chase low-tide barrels.
Find Your Wave
Batu Bolong is perfect for newbies. Its waves are gentle and waist-high, giving you time to practice. Mojo Surf Canggu offers lessons here, with instructors cheering you on. Start with a 9’0″ mini-mal from local surf board rental shops. It’s stable and easy to handle. Lessons include GoPro footage to help you improve fast.
Level Up
Berawa Beach‘s peak break is for those ready for more. It offers 4-6ft rights that are great for practicing. Surf here during the last two hours of the incoming tide for better waves. Try a 7’2″ funboard for better control. The surf hotel in the Canggu area means you can surf early without crowds.
Expert Playground
Echo Beach‘s Rivermouth is a challenge at low tide. It’s known for its hollow rights that require skill. Australian pro Jordy Lawler says it’s great for learning heavy barrels. Use a high-performance shortboard and a 3/2mm wetsuit top for protection.
Skip the traffic, ride smart, and stay close to the surf
Ngurah Rai Airport is just 13 miles from Batu Bolong. You can hire a private driver (IDR 350K/day) or rent a scooter (IDR 100K/day) for surf independence. To avoid traffic, arrive before 7 AM or after 9 PM. Stay at Lapoint Surf Camp for easy access to the beach, rentals, and board repairs, Drifter Surf Shop has you covered. Always wear a helmet and have cash on hand for parking.
FAQ
Why is Canggu considered Bali's top surf destination?
Canggu is known for its amazing waves and lively coastal vibe. It has black sand beaches with waves for all levels. You can find everything from powerful reef breaks to calm beach breaks, all near modern amenities.
When is the best time for beginners to take surf lessons in Canggu?
The best time for beginners is November to March. The waves are gentler then. Surf schools like Mojo Surf and Canggu Surf School offer lessons in the morning when it’s calm.
What safety precautions are essential at Canggu's surf breaks?
Always wear reef shoes at Echo Reef and Rivermouth. Check the tides to avoid rocks at low tide. Respect the rules at busy spots like the Sandbar. Lifeguards warn against strong currents at Echo Beach.
Which Canggu surf spots work best for longboarders?
Batu Bolong is great for longboarding with its gentle waves. Pererenan has right-hand walls for noseriding. But The Ledge is better for shortboarders and experts.
How do tides affect surf conditions at Berawa Beach?
Berawa’s breaks change with the 2.8m tidal range. The Peak is best at mid-tide. The Bombie’s barrels are for advanced riders at high tide. Surf camps like Odyssey Surf School give daily updates.
Where can I find beginner-friendly surf camps in Canggu?
Batu Bolong Beach has top surf camps for beginners. Rapture Surf Camp and Old Man’s Surf School offer great coaching and gear.
What makes Echo Beach's surf breaks unique?
Echo Beach has two breaks. Stairs is for experts with its barrels. The Sandbar is for intermediates. Enjoy coconut water and grilled mahi-mahi at “Tempo Doeloe” after surfing.
Are there surfboard rental shops near Canggu's main breaks?
Yes, Drifter Surf and Canggu Boardriders rent near Batu Bolong. For Rivermouth, bring your own or rent from Deus Ex Machina’s Temple of Enthusiasm.
How do I avoid crowds at Canggu's popular surf spots?
Surf early, from 6 to 8 AM, to avoid crowds. Try Pererenan’s right-handers or secret spots like The Ledge. Many surf schools offer discounts for early sessions.
What reef protection gear is recommended for Canggu's breaks?
Wear Rip Curl reef shoes at Echo Reef and apply Streamer zinc oxide for UV protection. A 2mm neoprene top offers extra warmth and wind resistance. Local shops also sell gear bundles with quick-dry towels.
Escape to West Sumbawa with Mocean
West Sumbawa is the place to go if you want more natural surroundings and quieter queues. For all skill levels, Mocean Beach Resort provides guided boat excursions to secluded beaches. In a calm, tropical environment, surf pristine waves, unwind with seaside dinners, and get professional coaching. It’s a surf journey influenced by community, tranquility, and nature rather than merely a vacation.