Your First Surf Lesson in Lembongan: What to Bring and Expect

Get ready for the water · Monkey Activities guide 02

You have booked your first surf lesson in Nusa Lembongan. Now for the practical questions: what goes in your bag, where do you meet, and what actually happens once you arrive?

Monkey Surfing’s beginner lesson starts with beach practice, followed by a boat ride to the surf area and coaching in the water. This guide helps you get ready, leave enough room in your day and arrive knowing what to ask.

Before booking, check that the lesson fits you

You can join as a complete surfing beginner, but you must be able to swim 50 metres. Monkey Activities accepts children from age 6 in private lessons and from age 10 in group lessons. These requirements were confirmed directly by the team. Share everyone’s age, swimming confidence and previous surfing experience when you enquire.

One group lesson is IDR 600,000 per person. Private lessons need a separate quote. If you are deciding how much coaching to book, our one-lesson or three-lesson guide compares the options. For this article, we will follow your first session from preparation to the return to shore.

What should you bring?

Choose swimwear that stays comfortable and secure when you paddle and move around on a board. Pack a small day bag with the things you will want before and after the water session. A towel, dry clothes and a separate bag for wet swimwear make the journey home easier.

You can leave a small bag safely at the school while you surf. Keep valuables to a minimum and ask the team where to put your bag when you arrive. If you use prescription glasses or have a particular equipment requirement, mention it when booking so the team can advise.

Confirm the time and meeting point

Surf lesson times depend on tides and ocean conditions. The school normally knows the starting time around three days ahead. Keep your plans flexible until the team confirms your slot, especially if you have a ferry or another activity booked.

The Monkey Surfing contact page lists the school in Jungutbatu. Ask for the exact meeting pin, the time you should arrive and directions from your accommodation. The included boat trip takes you to the surf area; check separately whether you need to arrange transport from your hotel to the meeting point.

Send a short message with your date, number of people, children’s ages and swimming ability. Add your hotel name and any fixed departure time. Having those details together makes it easier for the team to confirm a suitable plan.

What happens during your first lesson?

1. Practise on the beachThe beginner programme begins with approximately 30 minutes on shore. Your instructor explains and demonstrates paddling, board position and getting to your feet, then watches you practise. Ask about anything you do not understand before heading out.
2. Travel to the chosen surf areaA boat takes the group out. The team chooses the location for the conditions and the students’ experience. Let the instructor explain the plan, where to wait and how the group will stay together.
3. Try it with coaching in the waterThe instructor stays in the water with you and gives feedback between attempts. Group lessons have a maximum of three students per instructor. The programme describes roughly 1½–2 hours in the water, within a total lesson duration of up to 2½ hours. Confirm the arrangements for your session.
4. Return and talk through the sessionThe beginner programme includes a debrief back at the school. Ask what improved, what you should work on next and whether another coached session would help. Showers are available at the school; bring your own towel. Leave time afterwards to get changed and rest.

Make the first session easier on yourself

There is plenty to take in when paddling, balancing and listening to instructions are all new. Focus on the next piece of feedback. Some attempts will feel better than others, and it is fine to tell the instructor you need something explained again or want a break.

Ask how to use your leash, what to do when you fall and how to keep clear of other boards. The RNLI’s surfing guidance highlights checking conditions, wearing a leash and understanding your limits. Follow your local instructor’s briefing for the actual lesson location.

Before leaving, ask what kind of practice is suitable for you next. A first lesson gives you an introduction and individual feedback; readiness for independent surfing depends on your skills and the conditions.

Leave some space after the lesson

A relaxed meal is easier to plan than an immediate second water activity. Browse Pisang-Pisang Restaurant at Isla Indah Retreat for a post-lesson stop in Jungutbatu, and check current opening hours with the team. If you are still arranging your stay, compare Isla Indah’s accommodation options before finalising your island dates.

For another day on the water, Manta Snorkeling’s trip and booking page helps guests staying on Lembongan plan a separate outing. If you are based in Bali, Lembo Snorkel’s Bali-to-Lembongan day trip is a full-day snorkeling option with its own transport arrangements. Plan that on a different day from your surf lesson.

These are our related businesses. Confirm each activity, meal or stay separately with its reservations team.

Reviewed 6 November 2026. Lesson arrangements were checked against Monkey Surfing’s lesson overview and beginner programme. Price, age limits and the 50-metre swimming requirement were confirmed by the owner. The personal packing list is our suggested preparation checklist. Confirm facilities, availability and timings for your dates.