Canggu Surfing Lesson Review: Riding Waves with an ISA Pro

You know, there’s this feeling you get when you’re in Canggu. So, it’s like the air itself is buzzing with a sort of relaxed energy, a mix of scooter sounds, café chatter, and the ever-present call of the ocean. Basically, for many people, the main reason to be here is those rolling, consistent waves. I mean, you see them from your breakfast spot, from the beach clubs, from pretty much everywhere. Honestly, I’d been watching the surfers out at Batu Bolong for days, looking like they were having the time of their lives, and frankly, I just had to try it myself. That’s actually how I found myself looking into a proper two-hour lesson, specifically one with an instructor who is ISA certified, because, you know, doing it right seemed like a good idea.

Actually, the idea of getting on a surfboard was kind of intimidating, to be honest. Like, those waves look a lot bigger up close. Still, there’s this magnetic pull, right? Anyway, I wanted more than just renting a beat-up board and getting pushed into the white water by a random guy on the beach. As I was saying, I wanted to really learn something, to understand what I was doing, even just a little. So, this led me to look for something more structured, and the two-hour lesson with a certified professional really seemed to fit the bill. In other words, I was hoping for some real instruction, some safety tips, and maybe, just maybe, the chance to stand up, even for a second.

First Impressions and Getting Kitted Out

Alright, so showing up for the lesson was a pretty relaxed affair, which was a relief. The meeting spot was basically just a small setup under a big umbrella right on the sand, with a rack of colorful foam-top surfboards that, you know, screamed ‘beginner-friendly’. My instructor, a guy named Gede, had this incredibly calm and welcoming vibe, which honestly made a big difference. You can just tell he’s spent a thousand days doing this. First, he just introduced himself, asked about my swimming ability, and if I had, like, any experience at all, which I didn’t. In fact, it was really nice that he didn’t make me feel silly for being a complete newbie. Instead, he just grabbed a bottle of water and told me we’d start with the basics on the sand, which, in a way, was good news for me.

Getting the gear sorted was pretty straightforward, too. You just get a rash guard to wear, which is basically a tight-fitting shirt that stops you from getting a nasty rash from the surfboard wax. He picked out a big, stable-looking board for me, explaining that a bigger board is, like, your best friend when you’re starting out. Seemingly, it’s all about buoyancy and giving you a stable platform to work with. He also attached the leash to my ankle and explained its purpose, which is basically to keep you connected to your board so you don’t have to swim to shore every time you fall off. The whole check-in process was, more or less, over in about five minutes, and it was clear that the focus was on getting you comfortable and ready for the water.

The On-Land Briefing: Practice Before the Plunge

Now, I kind of thought we’d just run straight into the ocean, but Gede had other ideas. Basically, he laid the board on the sand and spent a good twenty minutes on what you might call the ‘dry run’. To be honest, this part was incredibly helpful. He wasn’t just talking; he was showing. First, he showed me exactly where to lie on the board, so my balance would be right. Next, he went over the paddling technique, you know, using long, deep strokes instead of splashing around like a panicked duck. It all sounds pretty obvious, but honestly, having someone show you the correct form makes a real difference. For instance, he made me practice the motion several times right there on the sand.

Then came the main event of the land lesson: the pop-up. So, this is the move where you go from lying down to standing up on the board in one fluid motion. Okay, ‘fluid’ is a strong word for what I was doing. Gede broke it down into simple steps, you know, like “hands here, back foot here, front foot here.” Seriously, he was very patient, watching me practice it again and again on the soft sand. He gave me little tips, like keeping my eyes looking forward, not down at my feet. It’s almost like your body follows your eyes. By the way, we also covered how to fall safely—essentially, like a starfish, away from the board. This bit of safety info, frankly, was maybe the most reassuring part of the whole land-based session.

Into the Waves: Paddling, Pushing, and Popping Up

Finally, it was time to get in the water. That first step into the ocean with this giant board attached to my leg was, well, pretty clumsy. The board felt huge and awkward on land, but in the water, it just wanted to float. We waded out to about waist-deep water, where the waves had already broken and turned into lines of white foam, apparently the perfect training ground for a beginner. Gede stayed right next to me the entire time. Actually, his job out here was to spot the right little wave for me to try and catch. You could just tell he had an instinct for it.

So, the first few attempts were, let’s be honest, a complete wash. He’d say “Okay, paddle now, paddle, paddle!” and give the back of my board a huge push to get me going. I’d feel the wave pick me up, and then, you know, I’d completely forget everything I learned on the sand. I mean, my arms would flail, I’d try to stand up, and just topple over sideways into the warm water. Still, it was really fun. Gede was just laughing and offering encouragement. After a few more tries, something sort of clicked. I managed to push up and get to my knees for a second or two. It felt like a massive victory, you know?

“Don’t look at the board. Look where you want to go. The board will follow. Basically, just trust it.” – A simple, yet game-changing piece of advice from my instructor.

At the end of the day, that simple instruction made a huge difference. I stopped overthinking the mechanics and just focused on the beach ahead. On maybe my tenth try, I actually did it. I pushed up, planted my feet sort of where they were supposed to go, and stood up. It was probably for, like, three seconds, and I was wobbling like crazy, but I was standing. I was riding a wave. The feeling was just incredible, totally worth all the saltwater I had swallowed. Gede was cheering from the water, and honestly, it felt amazing. The two hours flew by in a blur of paddling, falling, laughing, and those few brilliant moments of actually surfing.

Why an ISA-Certified Instructor Really Matters

You might be thinking, “Okay, why pay extra for some certification?” I mean, I sort of thought that at first too. But having gone through it, the difference is pretty clear. The whole experience just felt very professional and safe. For example, Gede wasn’t just a good surfer; he was a really good teacher. He knew how to break down complex movements into little, manageable steps. In that case, what could have been a frustrating experience turned into a structured learning process. He clearly understood how to manage a beginner’s fear and build their confidence, which, as a matter of fact, is a skill in itself.

Frankly, the ISA (International Surfing Association) certification means the instructor has been trained in specific safety protocols, lesson planning, and communication techniques. It’s not just about them being able to surf a big wave. For instance, he was constantly aware of our surroundings—other surfers, swimmers, and the changing tides. He taught me about surf etiquette, like who has the right of way on a wave, which is stuff you would never learn just by renting a board. In short, that certification is kind of like a quality guarantee. You’re getting someone who is not only passionate about surfing but is also a trained professional dedicated to giving you a safe and positive introduction to the sport.

Practical Tips for Your First Surf Lesson

So, if you’re thinking about giving this a go, here are a few things I learned that might help you out. Honestly, being a little prepared can make the experience even better. It’s mostly common sense stuff, but it’s easy to forget when you’re just excited to get in the water. Basically, the instructors will handle the big things, but these small details are all on you.

• Sun Protection is Key: I mean, seriously. The Bali sun is no joke, and the reflection off the water makes it even stronger. A waterproof, high-SPF sunscreen is absolutely a must. So, apply it generously about 30 minutes before your lesson starts.
• Stay Hydrated: You will be using muscles you didn’t even know you had, so you’re going to get tired. Anyway, drink a lot of water before your lesson and have a bottle ready for when you get out.
• Manage Your Expectations: Okay, you’re probably not going to be shredding waves like a pro on your first day. And that’s completely fine. Just focus on having fun and celebrating the small wins, like just standing up for a split second.
• Trust Your Instructor: At the end of the day, these guys know what they’re doing. So, if they tell you to paddle, paddle. If they tell you which wave to take, listen to them. They are there to make your experience safe and fun.
• Wear Comfortable Swimwear: You’ll be moving around a lot, so you’ll want a swimsuit that stays put. For instance, board shorts are a good option for everyone. The school will provide the rash guard.

Read our full review: [Canggu Surfing Lesson ISA Certified Full Review and Details]
See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now ([Canggu: 2 hour surfing lesson with ISA certified instructor])