The Sanur coastline is known for its long stretches of tranquil beach and year-round calm waters, but further out are some of surfing’s best reef breaks.
Sanur reef break is one of the best in the world, bringing big names like Kelly Slater, Tom Carroll, Brad Gerlac, Kanoa Igarashi and many more to surf its legendary waves.
On any given day, you can see groups of surfers standing on the water’s edge waiting for the jukungs to take them out to the surf breaks. In fact, the only way surfers can reach the reef breaks – Sanur, Sindhu, Hyatt, Tanjung Sari, Shark and Baby reef (which is perfect for beginners) – is on a jukung skippered by a local fisherman.
Even on days when the tide is low and the waves are pumping, visible from the beach, paying a local jukung skipper to take you out to the break is the safest way to reach the surf, supports the local economy, and is a nod of respect to locals.
The Sanur reef breaks are also a popular spot for surfing comps, which are returning once more post-pandemic shutdown. Check out the cover of this issue for pics of two local young guns from the Sanur surf scene.
The Sanur reef breaks are challenging the old idea that the best surfing in Bali is on the Kuta side of the island, as the surfing from Serangan right through to Keramas is world class.
Local surfers say that the powerful soul and rhythm of Sanur can be felt in the waves, and that the Sanur reef breaks are not only offering up some of the best surf in the world, but they’re also a place where surfers can tap into the energy of the island.
