Surf Self-Care Guide
Protect your Skin, Hair and Eyes
There is no better feeling than paddling out in Bali or Sri Lanka’s epic surf spots, hands gliding through the turquoise water and catching your first wave. Surfing in the tropics is a one-of-a-kind feeling. If you are joining our 5-day learn to surf program or you're already ripping the trickier spots in Canggu or Seminyak, this feel-good feeling still applies. The combined effect of the sun on your skin, the ocean washing along your body and the tropical winds breezing through your hair creates an amazing surfing experience but they can also be harmful to your body, particularly to your skin, hair, and eyes.
At Kima Surf, we think taking care of your body while surfing should be as much of a priority as learning how to read the waves or do a pop-up. For this reason, we've made a list of the top tips to help you protect yourself against the weather and have epic surf sessions.
Protecting Your Eyes:
When you are out in the lineup waiting to catch some waves, your eyes are exposed to the beating sun and the glare it creates off of the water, you are exposed to salt water that sprays off the waves and often into your eyes and wind, which can be damaging to the eyes. Here are some tips for being protected and focused during your lessons at our Bali surf school:
1. Wear your UV-blocking sunglasses daily outside of the surf.
Choose sunglasses wisely, specifically ones that offer UV protection. Sunhunters is a great sunglasses brand that sells a range of frames that have 100% UV protection and are super stylish and trendy, You can purchase these sunglasses in our camp! They help avoid long-term damage like a surfer's eye, lessen glare, and protect your eyes from damaging rays.
2. Drink sufficient water.
Maintaining proper hydration helps avoid dry, irritated eyes brought on by exposure to wind and salt. Whether you're halfway through your how-to surf course or trying to improve on more difficult waves, staying fresh is crucial. At Kima Surf, guests who stay 5 nights or more receive a free water bottle, as our camps are promoting sustainability and are completely plastic-free!
Protecting your Skin:
The sun in tropical places like Bali and Sri Lanka is very strong and the UV is high from mid-mornings to late afternoons. When you surf you spend hours in the water, which can cause dryness, sunburn and if you don't protect your skin you could develop chronic skin problems. Here's how to surf smart.
1. Use water-resistant, reef-safe sunscreen.
Select a coral reef-safe broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. Apply sunscreen before your surf session, regardless of the time and then continue to apply sunscreen every two hours after that. During your five-day learn to surf program, it is essential because you will spend a lot of time in the sun and on the beach doing land sessions so it will be essential to stay protected.
Protecting your Hair:
Yes the sun and saltwater is a great thing to give you those beachy curls and sun-kissed hair colour, however, it can also cause a lot of damage, tangles and dryness in your hair. Here are some tips for keeping it healthy when surfing in Bali or Sri Lanka:
1. Use fresh water to rinse your hair before and after surfing
This lessens the absorption of salt and makes detangling after surfing much easier.
2. Apply coconut oil or leave-in conditioner before surfing.
These organic barriers shield hair from the sun and aid in moisture retention.
3. Hold your hair in place.
Buns and braids reduce breakage and avoid uncomfortable knots, particularly when surfing for extended periods of time.
Surf Self-Care at Kima Surf Camps:
After your surfing session, it is vital to rest and allow your body to recharge and allow your muscles to recover fully so that you can be ready for tomorrow's sunrise surf session. Our surf camps in Canggu and Seminyak are designed with great facilities to allow your body and mind to rejuvenate in between surfing sessions.
1. Get an after-surf massage.
A professional massage, which is offered right at the surf camp, can help relieve tense shoulders and weary legs.
2. Ultimate recovery for your muscles in Canggu Camp Ice bath
Our on-site ice bath is perfect for reducing inflammation and accelerating muscle recovery after strenuous training.
3. Enjoy our three-course breakfast to fuel your body.
Enjoy a substantial, nutritious meal every morning that will sustain your energy levels throughout the day.
4. Drink coconut water to stay hydrated.
Both camps offer fresh coconuts every day, which are a tasty and organic approach to replenishing depleted minerals.
5. Read a book and relax by the pool.
Enjoy some well-earned relaxation in between surf lessons at either the two pools in our Seminyak camp or the three lovely pools at our Canggu camp.
6. Join our daily yoga sessions to stretch.
To keep your body flexible and relaxed and to relieve any tension, sign up for one of our in-camp yoga classes that happen daily.
At Kima Surf we do more than teach you how to surf, we support and grow your surfing lifestyle, which involves surfing, recovering and wellness. We provide the whole package, including professional surf guiding, wellness facilities, healthy food and an epic getaway to the tropics for both beginner surfers in our 5-day learn to surf program and experienced surfers chasing Bali and Sri Lanka’s more challenging waves..
When you are a guest at Kima Surf, enjoy a complete self-care experience that our surf camps in Canggu and Seminyak offer while protecting your skin, eyes, and hair.
Make your reservation with Kima Surf now and prepare to ride, recover and unwind.
BOOK NOW