Bali’s local surf scene

Bali has long been a favorite destination for surfers from Australia and Hawaii. Since surfing first took root on the island in the 1970s, word of perfect waves, cheap prices, heavenly weather and friendly locals soon spread, eventually bringing surfers from California, Europe and all over the globe. Meanwhile Bali’s local surf scene has quietly grown up around the tourists, transplants and surf-mad Balinese.

The International Surfing Association (ISA) has recently acknowledged Bali’s local surf scene and declared Bali a role model for other Asian surfing destinations.

From a piece in the Jakarta Post:

For many years, I have deeply admired the rich culture, excellent waves and talented surfers that have emerged out of Bali. The growth in the surfing industry here is a model for other areas in the region. Since Gerry Lopez and his friends first surfed Bali in the early 1970s, thousands of surfers from around the world have travelled to Bali in search of perfect waves. –ISA president Fernando Aguerre

One crucial element to any surf capital is a homegrown surfing culture. This includes boards that are specifically designed for local waves. Bali’s local surf scene would not be complete without its own community of talented shapers.

Today Bali has a handful of modern shaping bays complete with machines, pigment glassing and imported quality materials. Whatever you ride can be shaped and waiting for you upon arrival in Bali. And with baggage fees up to $150 per board each way, (some have paid $450 one-way with three boards in one bag), you may even consider having a board shaped and fine-tuned for Indonesian waves by one of the many experienced shapers here. –Lorca Lueras, Surfline.com

Bali’s local surf scene has a growing number of surfboard shapers, working for companies like Vince, RipCurl, Free Pig and Redz plus independent shapers like Bruce Hansel and Studer Surf Boards. It’s great to see some shapers using sustainable woods and avoiding plastics.

Check out the article and accompanying slideshow entitled “Shaper’s Alley / Bali” on Surfline.com.

studer surfboards bali's local surf scene

A selection of local shaper Luke Studer. Pic: studersurfboards.com/

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