What Kind of Board Is Best for Bali?

Key Design Features for Boards Suited to Indo

Not all boards are built for Bali. The swell size, wave power, and world-class conditions mean that a generic all-rounder might not cut it. So what kind of board should you be riding here? Let’s break down the core design features that make a surfboard ideal for Indonesian wave conditions.

Slightly More Rocker = Better in Barrelling Bali Waves

Reef breaks like Bingin, Uluwatu, and Keramas love a board that can fit in the curve of the wave. A bit more rocker in the nose and tail helps with late drops and tight turns in the pocket.

Balanced Volume

You don’t want to be feeling bogged down or undergunned. A touch more foam under the chest can help with paddle power and early wave entry — crucial when you’re dealing with fast-moving waves and surf breaks that are more challenging than your local sandbank.

Rails That Hold

Harder rails will give you added control and drive on fast walls and critical sections. If you're normally riding small, playful beach breaks back at home, upgrading your quiver to include a board with harder rails and/or a chine can make a noticeable difference in how responsive your board feels — and how well it holds in waves that are faster and more powerful than what you might be used to.

Bottom Contours That Keep You Fast and In Control

Single to double concave is the go-to for a lot of boards built for the wave conditions in Bali. This design detail keeps your board feeling fast and lively, without losing control and drive in critical sections.

Get the Right Set of Fins

Faster waves mean stiffer fin setups. Go for a fin template with more hold if you're surfing around the Bukit or anywhere fast and punchy. The right set of fins makes a huge difference to how your board feels and performs.

There are a lot of different fin templates on the market, and depending on your body size and surfing style, it might take a bit of experimenting to find which fin set really works for you. If in doubt, start with an all-round fin template that matches your body size.

Are you ready?

Want a board that’s actually built for the waves you’re planning to surf in Bali? Drop us an email and tell us where you're staying and your surfing level — we’d love to shape you a board that'll work best for your trip.

👉 Explore the board range here