Surfing with Kids in Bali: Our Family Friendly Lesson at Seminyak Beach

Riding Waves, Learning Life: Surfing with Kids in Bali

We didn’t go to Bali expecting to become a surf family… and yet, here we are.

One sunny afterrnoon in Seminyak, the kids ran into the surfboards and sandy smiles of Bali Green Surf School, ready for their very first lesson. And honestly? We weren’t sure how it would go. Surfing isn’t exactly the easiest skill to pick up, especially for kids. But what unfolded that day was way more than just learning to ride a wave.

It was a lesson in courage, confidence, and resilience, the kind of life learning that makes worldschooling feel so worth it.

Why Surfing in Bali with Kids Was on Our Bucket List

Bali has always felt like a dream destination - lush jungles, laid back beaches, and a strong community vibe that welcomes families and slow travelers alike. So when we started planning our trip, surfing in Seminyak quickly made it onto our “must try” list.

Not because we’re surfers (we’re not), but because we wanted the kids to try something challenging. Something active, outdoors, and packed with that magic combo of fun + growth. Surfing ticked every box.

Finding a Kid-Friendly Surf School in Bali

We found Bali Green Surf School through other travelling families and loved that they were known for being especially good with kids and beginners. Located on the main stretch of Seminyak, they offer small group or private surf lessons and patient, encouraging instructors.

From the moment we arrived, we felt at ease. No pressure, no judgment just good vibes and genuine enthusiasm from the team. Perfect for nervous little learners (and equally nervous surf parents standing by with cameras!).

How the Lesson Unfolded

Once everyone was kitted out and had a safety briefing on the sand, the real fun began. Maddie—our beach loving, free spirited little surfer girl was the first one to stand up on the board. On. Her. First. Wave. 🏄‍♀️✨

Not far behind her, Savannah, Oliver, and Caitlin each found their own groove, some faster than others, but all of them determined in their own way. Yes, there were wipeouts. Yes, there was water up noses and a few dramatic flops. But every time they got knocked down, they got back up. (Check out the videos on our instagram @wanderlearntravel)

The Real Lessons Beneath the Surface

As we watched from the shore, something clicked. This wasn’t just a surf lesson. It was worldschooling in action.

Our kids weren’t just learning how to ride waves, they were learning to trust themselves. To fall and try again. To laugh at their mistakes, and to celebrate their progress.

It was hands on, real world education at its best:

• Resilience every time they got back on the board.

• Problem solving as they learned how to adjust their stance.

• Teamwork as they encouraged each other from the water.

• Confidence that built wave by wave.

And for us, watching it unfold from the sidelines, it was a powerful reminder of why we’ve chosen this path. Why we’ve swapped routines for roadmaps and school desks for sandy beaches.

Is Surfing in Bali Safe for Kids?

We’ve had a few people ask us this since posting about the lesson on Instagram, and the short answer is: yes - with the right surf school.

Bali Green Surf School kept everything beginner friendly and super safe. The kids surfed in shallow water (not out in the big breaks), used soft top boards, and had instructors by their side every step of the way. We’d happily recommend them to any other families looking for a surf school in Bali for kids.

Tips for Surfing with Kids in Seminyak

Here’s what we learned:

• 🌊 Book a morning session – the waves are often calmer and the beach is less crowded. Check in with the surf school as they will advise on best conditions

• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Ask for a family friendly or private lesson – We had a private family lesson and three instructors. 

• 🧴 Bring reef safe sunscreen, rash guards, and water – the basics, but easy to forget. As it turned out the kids were given rash vests and water anyway

• 🏖️ Stay nearby – Seminyak has loads of family friendly places to grab a drink and food afterwards

• 📸 Have your camera ready – those first “stand-up” moments are golden.

Final Thoughts: Why We Surf (Even if We’re Not Surfers)

That morning on Seminyak Beach gave us more than cute photos and sandy hair. It gave our kids the kind of confidence that stays with you, the kind that whispers “I can do hard things” the next time life gets tricky.

Surfing in Bali wasn’t just a holiday activity. It was a life lesson wrapped in sea spray, and we’re so glad we leaned into it.

If you’re a worldschooling or holidaying in Bali, we can’t recommend surfing with kids in Seminyak enough. It might just be one of the best thing you do on your trip.

And hey - if it turns you into “surf parents” carrying boards along the beach like us... welcome to the club. 😂🌊

Where to Book

We surfed with:
Bali Green Surf School – Seminyak
(You can also find them on Instagram: @baligreensurfschool)

📌 Planning a Bali trip? Save this for your itinerary!
💬 Got questions about surfing in Bali with kids? Drop them in the comments—we’re always happy to share.