Ready, Set, Surf
How to prepare for your Surf Session
Surfing is an exhilarating adventure, but to truly make the most of it, preparation is key. We'll walk you through 6 essential tips to ensure you're ready for your surf adventure! From getting a good night of sleep, nourishment and gearing up with the right swimwear to preparing your board, checking the conditions and warming up before jumping into the water.
1. Sleep well - get your hours in!
First things first - a restful night's sleep sets the foundation for a fantastic day of surfing! Making your body and mind relaxed and energised! Prioritise a good sleeping routine to optimise your performance in the water.
Choose from various accommodations with amenities like air conditioning, comfortable twin, double or bunk beds, and privacy curtains (in dorm rooms) like our stylish Superior Suite in Canggu, one of the private Cabanas in Hiriketiya, a cozy 4 people Dorm in Weligama or the Deluxe Suite in Seminyak.
2. Nourish to flourish
Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, as it gives you the energy you need for a successful day. But what if you have an early morning session and don’t have time to have your breakfast? No worries! Every morning we have small banana’s hanging in our restaurant area, so just grab a few bananas, and have some energy before surfing!
Enjoy free-flow coffee and tea, available from 6 AM to 6 PM, to give you that extra energy kick. On top, our Drink Menu offers a selection of different coffee specialities, available hot and cold and even with oat and soy milk. And don’t forget to hydrate: our water dispensers in our camps keep you hydrated and you can fill up your reusable Kima bottle anytime.
After your early surf session, indulge in a nutritious 3-course breakfast from 7 AM to 12 PM. Create your own breakfast with options like freshly pressed juices, fruit platters, banana pancakes, and a variety of egg dishes, including tofu scrambled eggs for our vegetarian guests. We also offer Frozen Bowls with organic ingredients and homemade granola for a perfect start of your day.
3. Get yourself ready!
Prepare yourself for the water by choosing a surf-safe, yet fashionable swimwear. In our experience, boardshorts, cross back strap bikinis and one-piece suits provide the best surf safety and still allow you to work on your Bali suntan!
Speaking of suntans, that is something the majority of surfers like to show off, but be aware that it’s important to be sun safe and avoid frying ourselves in this tropical sun.
Before surfing, it is very important to cover yourself with 50+ water resistant sunscreen or zinc. It’s one of your must-haves when going surfing. Help to protect our beautiful ocean by choosing an eco-friendly sunscreen brand.
Apply the sunscreen to your face, back, arms and legs (don’t forget the back!). You spend most of your surfing time paddling, and people often forget the back of the legs. Trust us, we’ve seen this happen many times!
Another helpful tip: don’t put sunscreen on your stomach. It will transfer to the wax on your board and you will find it more slippery than a cartoon banana peel, we know through experience!
In our camps, you can find many surfing essentials which you didn’t bring or didn’t realise you needed yet. Such as Surfer Earplugs, booties and a stock of Sticky Bump wax which, as all good surfers know, you can’t leave home without!
4. Get your board ready
Your surfing journey begins with selecting the right board. Picking out the right type of surfboard that suits your level, skills and favourite waves can be quite a difficult task. Take the time to find the board that suits your level and style, we will help you with this process!
Once you picked out your weapon to ride the waves, make sure your board is in top shape. Apply a fresh layer of wax for that extra grip and check for any dings that may need repair. Do you need to remove the old wax first? Check out this reel on how to remove it and why! A well-prepped board ensures a smooth ride on those waves.
5. Checking out the spot & understanding the etiquette
While the thrill of surfing is exhilarating, safety is always our top priority. Before heading out, familiarise yourself with the local surf spot and surroundings. Assess the right landmarks, tide conditions, and the current.
Surfing also requires a lot of theoretical knowledge; knowing where to surf, how to catch the waves and ensuring your safety in the water are the most important. This is why we also offer surf theory classes at Kima to teach you about surf etiquette, reading the forecast, understanding the waves, and mastering tides and swell. In the water our dedicated Surf Guides will also always help you navigate these aspects, ensuring both fun and safety.
With your phone in your hands, you can pretty much understand what will happen in the next week and prepare yourself to be out there on the best day possible. We recommend using surf forecasts from platforms like Surfline, Bali Belly or Windguru for accurate and up-to-date information.
6. Warming up & practising your pop-up
Before hitting the waves, dedicate time to warm up your body. Perform dynamic stretches that engage your shoulders, arms, hips, and legs. It’s also helpful to practise your paddle technique & pop-up routine on dry land for about 10-15 times. Consistent practice on land helps build muscle memory, strength and stamina, making it easier to execute these movements in the water and ride your best waves.
Read this blog for the 5 tips for a good pop-up.This not only prevents injuries but also enhances your flexibility, allowing for smoother movements on your board, making sure you can ride the waves the best and avoid this common pop-up mistake.
