Padang Padang Surf Camp

Padang Padang Surf Camp has been running on Jl. Labuan Sait since 2005 and describes itself as coaching-first. It is deliberately small, with private rooms only and no dorms, and guests can arrive on any date rather than fixed weeks. Camp guests surf twice a day with a coaching session in between, which might be video review, land training, pool drills or surf skate.

You do not need to stay to surf with them. Beginner lessons use sand-bottom or gentle breaks chosen the afternoon before from the forecast, typically Padang Padang, Balangan, Dreamland, Toro Toro or Jimbaran, with groups capped at six. Surf guiding for independent surfers covers the Bukit reefs, including Uluwatu, Padang Padang, Impossibles, Bingin and the Nusa Dua and south-coast breaks, with no more than four surfers per guide and usually two or three. At the time of writing a single lesson for non-residents is £29, or £47 for two sessions in a day, including a board and long-sleeve rash guard.

Note that Padang Padang beach is reached by a steep staircase and you carry your own board. Book lessons through the website; WhatsApp is for messages only.