I come back just full of life lessons after seven days of surfing in Lombok with all-female crews! Every Sea Hearts Surfari is the trip of a lifetime. The wet season usually brings 3 to 5 foot perfect waves, offshore winds every day, and nonstop good vibes. There’s a reason Kuta Lombok is a surfer’s paradise (learn about all the Kuta Lombok surf beaches), and weeks like these ones are exactly why.
I’ve spent a lot of time in the water in Lombok—running women’s surf retreats, chasing clean waves at sunrise, and learning firsthand what makes this Indonesian island both magical and humbling. From reef cuts to quiet moments on the boat ride out, Lombok has a way of teaching you things you didn’t know you needed to learn—about surfing, travel, and yourself.
Whether you’re planning your first surf trip here or joining a retreat, here are 10 things I’ve learned from running surf retreats and chasing waves here—lessons I wish someone had told me before my first paddle out. For everything else you should know before you go, check our surfing in Lombok guide.
Surfing in Lombok: 10 Things I Wish I Knew Before My Surf TriP
- Surfing in Lombok: 10 Things I Wish I Knew Before My Surf TriP
- 1. TIGHTS ARE COMPULSORY
- 2. Embrace the Buddy System
- 3. You Need to Take Off at the Peak
- 4. WHERE YOUR EYES GO, YOU BODY GOES
- 5. Mothers love cocktails
- 6. Southern Lombok is a wave haven for intermediate surfers
- 7. If your guide says “go,” you go!
- 8. You don’t just need 1 bracelet, you need 50
- 9. BE READY TO JUMP OFF THE BOAT
- 10. Two Breakfasts are Better than One
1. TIGHTS ARE COMPULSORY
After seeing one too many roasted booty, the Sea Hearts understood why surf tights were on the Sea Hearts Surf Club Indo Packing List. It’s hard to keep a fair bum when you’re butts-up 6 hours a day. Check out the Inertia guide to the best surf tights.
2. Embrace the Buddy System
Surf trips are better with friends, but if you do travel hire a local surf guide like Yoko here. On our Surfaris, we had a no (wo)man left behind policy when one of our poor videographers got left at the hotel. She inspired a vigilant adherence to the buddy system. Imagine all the grief that could have been avoided if Kevin from Home Alone had a buddy?
3. You Need to Take Off at the Peak
Shoulder hopping doesn’t pay in Indonesia. Often trying to take off on the shoulder results in a steeper, unmake-able take off so it is best to catch waves from the peak even if you’re a little weary of the sets. Pictured is Kel, who proved she’s not afraid to hang at the top and reap the benefits!
4. WHERE YOUR EYES GO, YOU BODY GOES
Lots of us are working on bottom turns and the first rule is “look where you want to go.” Here’s Mel P with her eyes on the prize. She knows if she wants to hit that lip like a red headed step child, she got to lead with her eyes. Look up, go up!
5. Mothers love cocktails
Ok, maybe it isn’t such a surprise that when I group of women get away from the normal career and domestic duties, a few cocktails get smashed. Lombok delivers on aiding the, “moms gone wild,” especially at Surfer’s Bar.
6. Southern Lombok is a wave haven for intermediate surfers
The waves we had all week were fun but challenging, ranging from 3 foot to 6 foot. We surfed exclusively reef waves but suffered very few run-ins with the bottom. Most breaks are deep enough, and most of us went home unscathed and stoked. Those with battle scars from the reef went hard and deserve the bragging rights.
7. If your guide says “go,” you go!
We are very grateful to our three local guides – Lam, Yoko, and Reman. They helped all of the guests catch heaps of waves and I almost miss the shouting, “more right,” “no more left,” “too deep,” “paddle more this way.” Their local knowledge of these waves was indispensable!
8. You don’t just need 1 bracelet, you need 50
I don’t know if you know this but you need about 150 bracelets before you can leave Lombok. How could you say no to these smiling faces? Bracelets are the gift to give for everyone you know… Right.
9. BE READY TO JUMP OFF THE BOAT
Forget your sunscreen, bikini top, photo op… Your board is floating away, you better be ready to hop off! With a pack of ladies and even more boards, you best be ready to jump in the water as soon as the boat pulls up! Everyone was frothing so hard, they could hardly wait.
10. Two Breakfasts are Better than One
Breakfast is included on our Lombok Surfari, but sometimes our guests were so hungry after another long surf that they doubled down! That way, no one had to chose between sweet and savory! We loved Kies Villas for their willingness to double down on the breakfast.
If you’re interested in going surfing in Lombok, check out our the Ultimate Guide to Kuta Lombok and our Guide to the Best Lombok Surf Camps for women.