Blog · Beginner tips
What to expect from your first surf lesson in Bali with Poco Loco
· Jan 3, 2026 · 4 min read
A first surf lesson in Bali is not a test. At Poco Loco it is a two-hour beginner session: a beach briefing, a soft-top board, and coaching in gentle whitewater so you know what will happen before you paddle.
On the sand, before anyone paddles
You meet your instructor, get a soft-top surfboard and a rash guard, and practise how to lie, paddle, and pop up on the beach. The coach sets the pace. You do not need to be fit, fearless, or already able to swim like a local.
Private, semi-private, and group options are listed on the surf lessons page. The lesson includes the board and two hours of surf time.
In the whitewater, not on a steep reef
Beginners start in small whitewater. Spots such as Kuta and Sanur are used when the day suits a first lesson. Canggu is more often for people who already ride. Your coach stays close, times the push, and repeats the pop-up until it feels familiar.
What to bring
- Swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and water.
- Leave valuables at your stay.
- Tell the coach if you are not a confident swimmer so the session stays shallow.
The useful part of a first lesson is repetition, not a perfect ride.
How the two hours usually run
- Meet, board, and a short safety talk.
- Pop-up practice on the sand.
- Whitewater rides with the coach beside you.
- A short debrief and a sensible next step.
Standing on the first wave is not the goal. Leaving with a clear pop-up and a feel for the board is. Read more from the school on the surf blog, or see who teaches on the about page.
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