Ride the Wave at Selong Beranak | Beginner Friendly
🌊Selong Belanak in Lombok, Indonesia, is widely considered one of the best spots for beginner surfers due to its gentle, consistent waves and sandy bottom. Here are some tips for surfing there:
For Beginners (which Selong Belanak is perfect for):
* Embrace the soft, sandy bottom: Unlike many surf spots with sharp reefs, Selong Belanak has a soft, sandy bottom, making falls less intimidating and safer. Don't be afraid to wipe out!
* Focus on the whitewash: If you're a complete beginner, start by catching the "whitewash" (the foamy part of the wave after it breaks). This is where you'll get the most stability and practice standing up.
* Rent a soft-top longboard: These boards are more forgiving, buoyant, and stable, making it easier to paddle and stand up. Many rental shops on the beach offer them.
* Consider a surf lesson: Selong Belanak has numerous surf schools with experienced local instructors. A lesson will give you the fundamentals (paddling, popping up, safety) and accelerate your learning curve. Many schools offer private or semi-private lessons.
* Go early in the morning: The best waves and lightest winds typically occur in the morning, creating cleaner conditions for learning. It's also less crowded.
* Practice your pop-up on shore: Before heading into the water, practice your pop-up (getting from lying on your board to standing) on the sand. This will build muscle memory.
* Be patient and persistent: Learning to surf takes time and practice. Don't get discouraged if you don't get it right away. Enjoy the process and the beautiful surroundings.
* Watch others: Observe how more experienced surfers catch waves and paddle. You can learn a lot just by watching.
General Surfing Tips for Selong Belanak:
* Best Time to Visit: The dry season (May to September) offers the most ideal conditions with sunny weather and favorable wind patterns. However, it can be surfed year-round.
* Tide Conditions: Mid to high tide is generally recommended for the best conditions at Selong Belanak, especially for beginners. Rising tide from mid to high also works well.
* Wear a rash guard: The tropical sun is intense. A rash guard will protect you from sunburn and prevent rashes from your board.
* Use reef-safe sunscreen: Protect yourself and the marine environment.
* Stay hydrated: Bring plenty of water to the beach.
* Talk to locals: The locals are friendly and
knowledgeable about the best times and spots to surf.
* Be aware of crowds: While Selong Belanak is great for beginners, it can get busy, especially during high season (July-August and Christmas). Be mindful of other learners and flying boards in the lineup.
* Explore nearby spots (for more experienced surfers): If you progress quickly or are an intermediate/advanced surfer, nearby spots like Mawi (powerful reef break) and Are Guling (reef breaks) offer more challenging waves.
Enjoy your surfing experience at Selong Belanak! #summervacay