Sanur

Surf Guide

Sanur is a mythical wave in Bali. Surfers living here all have a tale of surfing, seeing, or hearing about the most perfect wave on the island. And, as with most mythical waves, Sanur is difficult to see in this state of perfection. Like its dry season cousin Padang Padang, Sanur requires a huge swell to be hitting the coast. If Nusa Dua is over ten feet, then there's a chance that Sanur could be firing, however, a long drive often ends in disappointment when Sanur is only three feet and slightly onshore. When the swell is hitting Sanur at six feet or more, and the wind is offshore or glassy, and the tide is mid low-high, Sanur can be a world-class wave, as good as anywhere - a long, bowling wave with multiple barrel sections over ultra-sharp living coral. These days become legend. There are two cautions that need mentioning here. One is the reef. It is important for surfers to be aware of the tides. As the tide gets lower at Sanur the end section goes from dangerous but makeable to an almost sure trip for stitches at the local medical clinic. Surfers should know the tides, and when it gets real low, it's better to call it a day. The other thing is, unfortunately, localism. Of all of the waves in Bali, Sanur is the one wave that can have bad localism. This is mainly from one group of surfers who seem to come out into the line up with a chip on their shoulder, and it will be obvious if they are present. Visiting surfers should take care, and if things get heated, it is best to leave it for another day or another place. Click here to download Surfline's Bali Surf Guide pdf.