Bali & Sri Lanka Surf Camps: Daily Surf Guiding, Yoga and Beachfront Stays

A normal day starts early. Morning surf guiding heads out depending on the tide and swell — guides check conditions and pick the spot, then brief you on the break before you paddle out. Back at camp, breakfast runs from 7am to noon and it's a proper three courses: fruit salad or a fresh juice and pancakes to start, then muesli, bagels or eggs done how you like, with frozen bowls on the healthy end of the menu. Tea and coffee are free until 6pm. Afternoons repeat the pattern with a second guided session, followed by yoga — six days a week, alternating Hatha, Yin and Ashtanga — and then dinner at the camp restaurant or somewhere nearby in Seminyak, Canggu or Uluwatu.

What separates this from a lot of surf camps is the volume of water time and the level of instruction. Two guided sessions a day, seven days a week, up to 16 trips daily across all locations, groups capped at six, and guides who are actually in the water with you giving feedback. Video analysis sessions run up to six times a week alongside theory lessons, both included. Absolute beginners book the separate five-day Learn-to-Surf package (six lessons, soft-tops, lycra, towels, sunscreen and water provided) and can join afternoon guided sessions from the second day since school runs in the mornings.

On the equipment side, the quiver covers every level from beginner soft-tops by FLOWT and Ocean & Earth through to epoxy and polyester boards for advanced surfers. Boards can be rented and insured for a small fee against damage — though lost boards aren't covered. Board rental is separate from the guiding package, and the airport transfers are included on stays of five nights or more at the Canggu camp, with a small charge below that.

The rest of the day is yours. Free vans (bring an international driver's licence, minimum three people per car, refuel before returning) and bicycles make it easy to get around. The camps have co-working spaces with high-speed internet, gyms, 15-metre natural climbing walls, beach volleyball courts, 5-metre diving pools with counter-current systems, spa and ayurvedic massage rooms. There's a free BBQ once a week, and Weligama includes dinner on weeknights. Canggu adds weekly social gatherings.

Where you stay changes the trip. Seminyak is tropical and lively, with sport massage on site; Canggu is stylish and hip, with private villas alongside rooms; Uluwatu sits in the heart of the Bukit close to world-class reefs and suits stronger surfers; Weligama and Hiriketiya are the Sri Lankan options, Hiriketiya with gym and furnished bungalows in a tropical setting. All camps are walking distance from the beach — 300 metres from Canggu to the sand.

What's included

- Surf guiding 7 days a week, twice daily, for every level - Groups capped at 6 surfers per guide, split by ability - Free surf video analysis sessions (up to 6 days a week) - Surf theory lessons (6 days a week) - Yoga classes 6 days a week (Hatha, Yin and Ashtanga, alternating) - Three-course breakfast daily (7am–12 noon) - Free tea and coffee daily until 6pm - Complimentary BBQ once a week (participating camps) - Airport pick-up and drop-off (stays of 5+ nights, Canggu) - Free use of camp vans and bicycles - Free WiFi throughout the camp - Access to gym, pools, climbing wall, beach volleyball court - Electronic safety box in every room - Bed linen and towels provided - 1% discount per night for longer stays

What's not included

- International flights - Travel health insurance - Surfboard rental (booked in advance or at camp) - Learn-to-Surf package (5 days / 6 lessons, booked separately) - Solo, Duo or Group surf lessons with the surf school - Lunch and dinner (outside Weligama, where weeknight dinner is included) - Private 90-minute yoga sessions - Spa and ayurvedic massage treatments - Sport massage - Airport transfer for stays under 5 nights - Alcohol and drinks outside included tea and coffee - Personal expenses and visas