SURVING

General Information

Condition : The dry season from April to October bring south-east trade winds that are offshore on the Uluwatu/Kuta side of Bali. These trade wins can blow quite strongly through July and August - as evidenced by the amount of kites flying in The Balinese sky. The wet season lasts from November - March and brings winds from thr north-west. These winds blow onshore on the Uluwatu/Kuta side and offshore on the Nusa Dua side.

Hazards :Bali is situated between the Indian Ocean and the South China Sea and so is subject to extreme currents, surges and rips as the tides change between these two bodies of water. Coupled with strong Indian Ocean swell the sea can become a very dangerous place for the unprepared. Always check the tides and conditions carefully entering the water. The coral reefs that help created the great waves are both shallow and sharp as many a scarred surfer will testly. When surfing these reefs try to avoid contact with the reef.

Equipment : Nowadays there are reef boots especially designed for surfing and are mandatory for surving the reef breaks. A wetshirt and sunscreen for protection from the tropical sun. A short wetsuit for the months of July and August when both the air and water temperature drop and become quite chilly. These days most every form of surfing equipment is available in Bali, either at Uluwatu or one of the many surfshops now operating in Kuta.