Bali offers some of the most magnificent waves in the world. But if you’re planning a surf trip there, you might be wondering: should you bring your own surfboard, or are there better options available locally?
From renting to buying a board or taking your own whips, this guide will help you navigate through the world of surfboard travel in Bali.
The decision to rent, buy or bring your own surfboard to Bali largely depends on personal preference, the duration of your stay, and the cost of transportation.
Renting offers flexibility and ease, especially for short stays or if you wish to try different boards.
Buying has its perks, namely a new board feel, but I wouldn’t want to spend the first few days of my trip hunting down foam.
I personally would always opt to travel with my own boards on a surf trip.
Before packing your surfboard, it’s crucial to understand the varying policies of airlines.
Air Asia Indonesia, for instance, allows a 15kg surfboard free of charge, provided it’s packed in a recognised surfboard bag and meets size requirements.
Garuda Indonesia, similarly, offers an additional 23kg allowance for sporting equipment, including surfboards, with specific size limitations.
Citilink Airline, on the other hand, has differing policies for members and non-members, involving additional fees and restrictions based on the aircraft type.
Researching your airline’s policy beforehand can save you from unexpected charges and hassles.
In Bali, the cost of surfboards can vary. Generally, you might find prices comparable to or slightly cheaper than in Western countries for a mainstream global brand, of which many have factories in Bali.
To name a few of the surfboard brands manufacturing boards in Bali:
Buying a surfboard in Bali can be cheap if you opt for locally made non-mainstream boards. These tend to be less expensive than imported brands but still offer good quality.
Bali’s surf shops also offer used boards, which can be a lot more of a budget-friendly option, but you may struggle to find a second-hand board in the size you are looking for..
Renting a surfboard is often the most economical and convenient option, particularly if you’re looking to try different board types or are not planning an extended stay.
Prices for rentals vary but are generally affordable, and you can find rental shops that stock many of the global brands, such as Channel Islands, JS, Mayhem and Chillis, at almost every major surf spot.
Although surfboard rental isn’t the booming industry it is in other niches like skiing. I often have found myself stuck finding a board I like off a rental shelf.
The majority of airlines on international flights to Bali will include surfboards within your included checked-in luggage.
Whereas on the shorter flights around Indonesia and Asia, you are likely going to have to pay a fee for your surfboard as extra baggage.
Still, these small domestic flights are usually cheap, and the surfboard handling fee generally isn’t much. Of course, all airline charges will vary, so check with your carrier to understand the potential costs involved.
The number of surfboards you can take per person is usually dictated by airline policies. Mainly, how many boards you can jam into your boardbag and keep within your weight limits.
There was a time when Denpasar airport would charge a fee for each board if you had more than 3 in your bag. But as far as I know, this has been scrapped, or I was lucky enough never to get my boards counted when going through security.
If you decide to bring your own surfboard, protecting it during transit is paramount. Using adequate padding, cushioning, and a durable, well-made board bag can safeguard your board from damage.
Top tip: Consider wrapping the rails in pipe insulation and then wrapping your boards in bubble wrap for extra protection.
Choosing between renting, buying, or bringing your own surfboard to Bali hinges on personal preferences, how long you’ll be staying, and travel costs.
While renting offers flexibility, particularly for short trips or those wanting to experiment with different boards, travelling with your own boards eliminates the stress of finding the right one upon arrival.
