We’ve all been there before.
You’ve just booked a surf trip to Lombok and you’re absolutely buzzing with excitement. You’ve told the boss you’ll be OOO (Out of Office), hit your friends up about joining and maybe even started making a mental checklist of what to bring.
Sunglasses? Check. Swimsuit? Check. 40+ sunscreen? Double check.
However, to think that preparing for your Lombok surfing adventure is all about what to pack is short selling the experience. If you really want to maximise your week or two here, and we mean really hack your Lombok surf trip, we recommend checking out the following steps.
After thousands of guests, dozens of retreats and multiple back-and-forth surf missions to other parts of Indo, we’ve seen some of the best and worst practices when it comes to getting the most out of your surfing holiday.
Here are 11 ways to hack your first Lombok surfing trip.
11. Know the surf breaks before you go
Any surf nerd will tell you that sussing out the various breaks in Lombok is a must-do before you even step on the plane.
There are so many options, so many stunning surf spots that looking them up before you leave is half the fun! From Gerupuk Bay to Kuta Beach, Ekas Bay and Selong Belanak, Lombok has surf spots for every surfer at any level.
There are beach breaks, reef breaks and point breaks on offer. Really, when we say there’s something for every surfer, we mean it. It doesn’t matter if you’ve never even touched a surfboard. There are surf spots for intermediate surfers, advanced surfers and beginners.
It’s one of the beauties of surfing Lombok, and the reason why so many people return year after year.
Check out the best beginner surf spots.
10. Learn about the best way to reach Lombok
Did you know that you can reach Lombok by three different means of transport? They are:
- By plane: The fastest and easiest way to travel
- By fast boat: Less quick but still relatively fast. More scenic
- By ferry: The most budget-friendly option
Personally, we recommend flying by plane into Lombok international airport even though it’s more expensive than the other two options, but each to their own.
Get a detailed breakdown on the best ways to reach Lombok.
In it we’ve broken down the costs, timeframes and pros and cons of each form of transport.
Trust us, getting to Lombok can be an adventure in itself!
9. Don’t be nervous about surfing your first reef breaks
If you’ve never surfed before, you might be wondering what’s the big deal about surfing a reef break. If that sounds like you, here’s what you need to know.
Reef breaks, which are waves or surf spots that break over a coral reef or rock bottom, tend to be more consistent and offer longer, cleaner waves compared to beach breaks. They are also usually found in deeper water, which means you’ll have to paddle out a bit further.
But don’t worry, the reefs here in Lombok are generally quite friendly for beginners. In fact, we’ve never had any serious injuries caused by reef cuts.
A huge reason behind this is that our surf coaches are highly experienced and International Surfing Association accredited (the only ones on the island, mind you).
This means they can guide you to the perfect surf spots around the island and make sure you’re safe while doing so.
8. Consider booking a surf camp or retreat
Unless you’re an advanced surfer who has been surfing their whole life, booking surf camps, surf schools or surf retreats is always preferable to going it alone.
Why?
Well, for one thing, surf camps and surf retreats instantly plug you into a community of surfers that have come to Lombok for the same reason as you. You’ll be able to tap into their knowledge and experience, make new friends and potentially even find someone to share your next surf trip with.
Trust us, it makes finding mellow waves, hollow waves or beginner waves—whatever you’re seeking—infinitely easier when you can simply hit up a staff member or in-house surf coach.
No trawling maps and forums searching for the best Lombok surf spots.
Instead, you can get the inside scoop and score amazing waves on a white sand beach.
7. Dry season versus wet season: which one do you prefer?
Lombok, like all equatorial and tropical regions, experiences two distinct seasons: wet season and dry season.
The wet season typically runs from October to March, while the dry season is from April to September, however this can shift slightly depending on the year.
The wet season tends to have more rain and occasional storms, but it also means less crowds and historically better winds plus consistent waves.
The dry season, on the other hand, usually has calmer seas, clearer skies and more consistent swell. But it also means higher prices and larger crowds.
When you visit is entirely up to you.
We love both seasons, but especially the wet season due to its more relaxed nature.
6. Join a special longboard retreat to x10 your surf skills
A lot of people come here to relax and do a bit of surfing, with chilling out taking preference over actually improving their surfing performance.
But if you are keen to get better at surfing while on holiday, here’s a hot tip: join our longboard-focused surf retreats.
We run special retreats multiple times throughout the year with guest hosts (like the legendary Laure Mayer) who’ve been there, done that when it comes to longboarding. And beyond just hanging with cool people who love to surf, you’ll actually learn how to longboard with grace, style and confidence at Lombok’s most iconic surf spots.
Because which surfer doesn’t want that, right?
Check out our upcoming special longboard weeks and book your spot.
5. Sign up to our newsletter to receive your free Lombok guide
Shameless plug! If you want to hack your first surfing trip to Lombok then signing up to our newsletter is a must.
Not only do we dish out juicy discounts and exclusive deals, but you’ll also get our free Lombok guide. Inside it we cover waaay more than we could ever hope to cover in one blog post. From where to find the best flat white to hidden beaches and so much more.
And no, we won’t bombard your inbox. Good stuff only. If you do get sick of hearing from us though you can always unsubscribe – no hard feelings!
4. Remember… Lombok offers more than just beautiful beaches and great waves
Yes, Lombok has world-class surf breaks (Desert Point, much?), the Gili Islands, long waves and offshore winds on tap, but it’s more than just picture perfect surf spots.
The island’s vibrant culture and stunning scenery offer plenty of activities to enjoy when you’re not hitting the waves.
Hiking Mount Rinjani, exploring traditional Sasak culture, visiting waterfalls and trying local cuisine are just some of the ways you can immerse yourself in Lombok’s rich and diverse culture. And with an ever-growing community of expats to mingle with, you’ll never be bored on this beautiful island.
Do yourself a favour and explore beyond Lombok’s surf spots and you’ll be rewarded with an unforgettable experience.
3. You don’t need to bring your own longboard
For the uninitiated, travelling with a surfboard is a double edged sword.
Yes, it’s great having your trusty board with you and avoiding the hassle of renting, but it’s also a huge pain (not to mention expensive) to transport it.
Whether you own your own longboard or not, rest assured you needn’t lug it halfway across the world to Lombok.
Our surf retreats and camps have a range of meticulously crafted 9 foot longboards available for rent, so you can leave yours at home and still enjoy Lombok’s best surf spots.
These longboards, which have been shaped by a Bali-based shaper, are designed specifically for the waves in Lombok and are available in a range of sizes to suit all levels.
So save yourself the hassle and money. Leave the longboard at home.
We’d be honoured to slip a Suket board or another one of our longboards under your feet during your stay.
2. Brush up on your surf safety knowledge
Experienced surfers are quick to point out that surfing is not without its dangers.
In fact, just like any sport or activity, there are risks involved that need to be managed properly. This goes for advanced surfers, intermediate surfers and beginners alike.
That’s why it’s important to brush up on your surf safety knowledge before you hit the waves in Lombok.
Whether it’s understanding rip currents, knowing how to handle a wipeout or learning the rules of surf etiquette, being prepared can make all the difference in ensuring a safe and enjoyable surfing experience.
1. Roll out the yoga mat and practise surf-specific poses
Surfing is taxing on the body. The tropical heat, the constant paddling, the explosive movements to catch a wave.
It all takes its toll and if you’ve only surfed a handful of times, it can be energy sapping.
One way to ensure you don’t spend most of your trip too exhausted to surf is by practising surf yoga on the side.
Yoga not only helps improve your balance and flexibility, but it also strengthens key muscle groups used in surfing.
There are plenty of yoga studios and retreats dotted around Lombok, but booking with Xanadu means you’ll have access to daily yoga classes specifically tailored for surfers.
Your body will thank you and by the end of your trip, you’ll have made significant progress in your surfing journey.
Get a headstart on your pop-ups and cross-stepping. Discover our favourite at-home yoga exercises for surfers.
Final thoughts
Lombok island is one of the best surf destinations in the world.
With offshore winds, waves suitable for all skill levels and a vibrant culture to immerse yourself in, it’s easy to see why.
If you’re dead set on maximising your time off, these tips will go a long way. You needn’t follow every single one but we promise that incorporating at least a few will ensure you get the most out of your rainy or dry season trip. We hope to see you on Lombok’s south coast soon!
