Bali is located in Indonesia, a Southeast Asian country. Surfing became popular locally in the 1930s but did not become internationally known until Australians introduced modern surfing equipment in the late 1960s.
Tides are important when selecting a beach. Some beaches offer better surfing when the tides are high, while others provide superior novice surfing during medium and low tides.
Beaches all have different "break" points, or places where the depth suddenly increases. This is where the wave breaks and surfing can begin. The tide can determine how high the waves will be, and the length of the ride to the sand beach. A website, www.surfingbali.com, describes several Bali beaches, associated break points and the best tides.
Some Bali beaches feature both expert and novice areas during the same tide cycle. Notable is Kuta, where expert surfers can ride waves as they break on a reef, and novices can ride waves over a shallow lagoon.
While several websites offer beach and tide information, a good tip is to ask local surfers upon arrival for the best beach experience consistent with your ability.
