Kuta Beach Surf Guide

Famous, fine-grained beach that has been bringing surfing to the masses since the 1930's. Visually, the tropical idyll has been buried beneath concrete, but it still maintains a certain aura that attracts surfers of all abilities to what can be super-fast tunnels or dribbly, knee-high corners. On any given day, there may be a dozen yellow rash vests, proning out their first ever waves while alongside a Balinese local effortlessly punts a 360. The mayhem continues on the beach where endless streams of hawkers offer paintings, jewelry, tattoos, shells, T-shirts, drinks, ice cream, day-trips, transport, beach loungers, umbrellas and board hire, just to name a few! Usually better from mid to high, the trades are more offshore here, but water quality is very dubious after rain.

The Kuta-Legian tourist strip holds quality beach breaks which are well attended, particularly by the local surfing community who demand respect. It's a long stretch of beach so hassles can always be avoided by choosing another peak. The chaos of the Kuta traffic, souvenir vendors, piles of rubbish and dubious water quality are the downsides of surfing this area.