Vacations help us relax, rejuvenating our mind and body, away from the regular toil of our busy lifestyles. And when we are talking about adventure, it would be so wrong to miss the waves of Bali, and the surfing of course. Paradise for surfers, this place is pouring with tourists round the year.
Bali is famous for its surfing opportunities. With 60+ surf spots, you will be left spoilt for choice. The island provides surf spots for every skill level. There are many schools to which teach you the basics of surfing too.
So before you hit the waves with your board, lets know a little about surfing in Bali:
Bali Surf Seasons:
There are two seasons in Bali which should be known to all:
1. Dry Season:
The dry season ranges from April to October. It’s the peak surf season for Bali and most of the beaches are packed at this time. July and August are the time when the swells (height of waves in feet) are most consistent and the waves are often head high and double head high. Spots like Uluwatu, Padang-Padang, Bingin that are very famous will be jam-packed with experienced surfers trying to ride the wave.
2. Wet Season:
The wet season ranges from November to March. It’s the time when the waves become less and the surfer line ups become more as they have fewer waves to ride on. The best spots to surf in wet season are, Serangan, Sanur, and Nusa Dua.
What equipment to carry for Surfing
You can bring your own surf boards or buy it from local shops. Due to the huge interest in surfing, you will find a number of shops selling surfboards from the local brands to top international brands.
There is no need to bring or wear a wetsuit when surfing in Bali. The water temperatures are pretty warm and most people are comfortable to surf in board shorts and bikinis.
An essential thing to carry is sunscreen because the Sun can be quite harsh on your skin.
Knowledge of tides:
You are required to have a basic understanding of tides and weather forecast if you want to surf in Bali. For instance, 6 feet and above is considered head high to overhead, 8 feet and above is double overhead in most spots. Learn to read maps and weather charts so that you can have an enjoyable and safe experience while surfing in Bali.
Securing your Bali Tour
Bali, a dream destination for surfers, does carry with itself a few risks. In order to avoid the repercussions of the same, we suggest a financial shield. A travel insurance plan would cover anything that can possibly go wrong during your trip. By cover, we mean you will get financial aid and support, in a foreign land, where you will need it the most if something untowardly was to happen.
Trip Cancellation
Planning a trip to Bali requires a lot of investment in—flight/train/cruise tickets, hotel bookings, tour packages, etc. A travel insurance refunds you all the money spend in making these bookings, if the reason behind the cancellation of your trip is covered in its plan. In general, following are the reasons covered under trip cancellation, by most insurance providers:
• Your, your travel companion’s or your family member’s ill health or demise.
• Termination of leave by your employer.
• Terror attack in the destination you are travelling to.
• Natural Disaster in the destination you are travelling to.
• Theft of passport/visa prior to the trip.
• Jury Duty
Medical Emergencies
Your health insurance will certainly not provide coverage for medical emergencies abroad. Here your travel insurance comes in the picture and secures you against medical expenses abroad, though the cover is capped to a particular amount. This will ideally include medical expenses incurred due to an accident, diagnosis, medical aid and/or unexpected surgeries. Essential dental treatments too are covered in such a plan. Moreover, the insurance pays for the transport costs in a medical emergency as well.
Emergency Evacuation
The expenses of emergency evacuation due to a medical emergency or political unrest in the destination you are visiting.
Delayed/Lost Bags
In case yours checked in luggage is delayed for any reason, the insurance will provide you financial aid to buy the essential items that you will require until your luggage reaches you. If your belongings are lost, stolen or completely damaged, the company reimburses you for the same.
Round The Clock Assistance
Your insurance does not just cover your financial expenses but also advices you how to cope in a difficult situation. Here are a few things you might need assistance with:
• Loss of passport and/or other travel documents
• Organizing transportation
• Locating an apt hospital in case of a medical emergency
• Delayed flights
• Lost or stolen luggage
Some companies also offer add-on covers with this plan. These may include–
• Life insurance, in case of accidental death. Some insurance providers, like Royal Sundaram, compensate even for the transportation of mortal remains to your home town.
• Medical cover for hazardous sports.
• Collision motor insurance for a rented car.