Gili Trawangan is one of three Beginner Surfing Gili Islands off the coast of Lombok, Indonesia. Gili Trawangan has a fantastic beginner surf break located in the village area at the northern end of the island. This wave is best for beginners because it breaks over a shallow coral reef. It is perfect for practicing basic surfing skills without any danger of being taken by surprise by bigger waves breaking on reefs that are just below the surface. The other two islands, Gili Air and Gili Meno have some great spots too. But they are more challenging to get to with difficult entry points. So if you’re looking for somewhere where your kids can learn how to surf in safety then this might be your spot!
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Why choose Gili Islands for your first time?
- The waves are small and shallow with no undercurrents
- There is a wide range of affordable accommodations in the village for all budgets
- Food, drinks and water sports here are cheap!
- Carefully selected instructors who will inspire you to have a good time
- A really laid-back atmosphere which makes learning easy!
Things to know before going on a surf holiday or vacation
- Bring a rash vest or long sleeve wetsuit
- A spare pair of goggles is essential for beginners!
- Some surf schools offer free equipment, bring shoes if you have them, but barefoot is fine too.
- Don’t forget your sunscreen and sunglasses!
- Surfing is physically demanding so stay hydrated by drinking lots of water throughout the day.
- Enjoy your time as a family away from all distractions and have fun!!!
Tips and tricks for beginners.
- Don’t fall over! Just keep practicing and you’ll get it eventually.
- Relax your shoulders/ arms and try not to use your body too much, let the board do most of the work.
- Don’t forget to breathe!!! You will freeze up if you are not breathing properly.
- Try to catch a wave by going out past the breakers, don’t paddle straight for them.
- Don’t get disheartened if you don’t get it at first, surfing takes time to learn and everyone has to start from scratch.
- Remember that patience is key! It will happen in your own time so enjoy the experience and have fun.
- Take a good book out to the beach with you and just practice every now and then. It shouldn’t matter if you don’t catch any waves during your lesson as long as you enjoy yourself!
- Most people who start surfing as an adult can take up to a month to get a wave. So don’t worry if you can’t catch one immediately because then after that you’ll be surfing like a pro.
- Be respectful of the locals
What to be aware of before choosing a surfing school in gili islands?
- Make sure your instructor is fully qualified.
- Ask to see their transport and safety equipment
- Ensure they are insured
- Check out the level of service on TripAdvisor before you book!
- Don’t feel pressured into booking anything when you arrive in Gili Islands
- Shop around and choose the right instructor for you as a first-time surfer.
- Ensure your instructor speaks English fluently and is professional in their dealings with you and other customers on the beach.
- Make sure your instructor can speak to you slowly if necessary as surfing terms can be tricky to learn initially.
- Instructors should make sure that they are visible at all times during your lesson.
Leading beginner surfing school Gili islands
Nayaka Surf School Lombok
- Jl. Raya Senggigi, Batu Layar, Kabupaten Lombok Barat, Nusa Tenggara Bar. 83355, Indonesia
- +6281246401009
Nayaka Surf School in Lombok is one of the leading schools for surfing. If you’re a beginner and want to learn how to surf in safety and experience in a short period of time, then this might be your spot! They have all types of packages for kids, adults, and even family surf holidays.
They pick you up from the airport and bring you to the school. Their experienced team-teach skills with patience and professionalism. At Nayaka Surf School they can guarantee that you will enjoy your surfing lessons with us, both on land and in the water!
They are committed to providing you with the best possible surfing experience. At Nayaka Surf School Lombok, safety is one of the top priorities so all of their instructors are highly trained professionals who know how to keep you safe. They provide a surfboard, rash vest, sunglasses & hat.
Pros:
- International school, offers different levels of lessons for all abilities
- Easy to book and get to the school
- Friendly instructors who are patient and fun
Best beginner surfing school Gili islands
Sunny Surfschool
- Jl. Pantai Gili Trawangan, Gili Indah, Pemenang, Kota Mataram, Nusa Tenggara Bar. 83352, Indonesia
- +6281239714211
Surfing schools in Gili Trawangan have a large amount of equipment and safety gear for their students. The main goal of Sunny Surfschool is to ensure that their student enjoys the class and stay safe.
They offer board hire and surf lessons for beginners and experienced surfers. Sunny is a local surf guide and runs the school with his brothers. Sunny’s goal is to help you catch your first wave!
Pros:
- Quality surf equipment
- Great for beginners
- Local Guides
- Sunny’s goal is to help you catch your first wave!
Cost: Varies
Customer Review:
People love this school and have a great experience with the instructor. The beginner lessons are really good value for money.
Nemo’s Surf School
- Jl. Raya Senggigi, Senggigi, Batu Layar, Kabupaten Lombok Barat, Nusa Tenggara Bar. 83355, Indonesia
- +6287865592891
Nemo’s Surf School is located on Senggigi Beach. They are a team of qualified staff, all experienced in teaching surfing. The instructors are calm and patient while teaching, always encouraging students to improve their skills by taking them one step at a time, no matter if they are young or old. It has been proven that practicing yoga can help with focus and concentration for children who are learning how to surf.
Nemo’s Surf School is one of the best for beginner surfers to learn how to get started!
Pros:
- Experienced staff.
- Cheap prices.
- All equipment is included.
Cost: Varies
Customer Review:
The place is perfect and the instructors are great.
Kubu Surf School Lombok
- Jl. Raya Senggigi, Batu Layar, Kabupaten Lombok Barat, Nusa Tenggara Bar. 83355, Indonesia
- +6282147106822
Kubu Surf School Lombok is a surf school located in Senggigi, East Lombok. It offers an introduction to surfing lessons for children and adults, equipment rentals, one-day surfing trips, surfboard rental, overnight surf packages-surfing lessons, Yoga, etc.
This is the place where you can take surfing lessons. The Kubu Surf School Lombok introduces you to surfing for beginners. For reasonable prices, it’s possible for everyone to learn how to surf here.
Pros:
- At the time of course, instructors are teaching you how to surf with patience
- During the classes, you can ask everything related to surfing, water safety etc.
- They offer Yoga classes too
- The classes are suitable for both children and adults.
Cost: Varies
Customer Review:
If you’re planning on coming to Lombok and want to learn how to surf, then this is the place.