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Untitled Document
| PADANG-PADANG,ULUWATU,BINGIN |
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| [ VIEW SURF TRIPS, SURF CAMPS & BOAT CHARTERS IN THIS LOCATION ] |
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Padang - Padang
Head S from Kuta through Jimbaran. At the end of Jimbaran is a 3-way split. Take middle road marked 'Uluwatu'. After 4km approx. Take R at shop down Jl Labuansait all the way to the bridge above Labuansait Beach. Park. Down steps through rock tunnel. The main take-off is around the point to the left. You can walk around on low, or use the deep channel.
Classic, extremely hollow, very shallow left-hand reef break for experts. Padang is Bali's most consequential wave, but it needs a major ground-swell to show; think minimum 6ft plus at Uluwatu. Being clearly visible from the road, easily accessible, and unchallenging in the paddle-out, this spot gets very crowded indeed. The small take-off zone exacerbates the situation, so you need to be skilled and tactful to get your share of waves here. Even on a small day, take-off is usually straight into a yawning, turquoise, oval barrel, just like Pipeline. Then it's a matter of maximum speed, sight your exit, and stand solid all the way to the deep channel. A fall here is punishing, with pointy, lava-based shallow coral forming holes and spikes.
Padang works through the tides although low is extremely serious and should be avoided by newcomers. Mid tides still toss up perfect barrels and there's a good channel from mid to high. It's worth wearing reef boots at all times so that you can put your feet down when wiping out. Some even wear spring-suits; ostensibly for nipple-rash, but usually to give a little protection from the pock-marked reef. Experts only. Fickle. 3-10ft. Heading on up the hill towards Uluwatu there's a right to 'Thomas Homestay'. The beach under this is also known as Padang-Padang, and can have waves away from the crowds. Buy a cold drink and enjoy the view.
Uluwatu
As for Padang-Padang, then continue south for about 2k. First turnoff is now cut off by new resort, although you can park just inside the first gate and walk about a km. 2nd turnoff is best, and takes you straight to the cave via some concrete steps and the Rip Curl toilet.
The romance of Indonesia's first surf mecca was being strangled for years, and has now finally been killed off. The major development on the northern cliff, with the original warungs clinging desperately to the slopes underneath, is an omen for the whole peninsula. Access is still through the famous cave, but even this now has concrete steps to replace the old bamboo ladder. This all quickly forgotten once out in the line-up however, which still comprises some of the most consistently good lefts in Indonesia.
At high tide you enter the cave, paddle fast and accept the current which takes you over to the right but eases off on the outside. On low tide you have to hop off the edge of the exposed reef between sets. Essentially a series of left-handers breaking on quite sharp coral (reef boots a must) with many different personalities and take-off points depending on the tides and swell size. Ulus is essentially a dry season wave although it is one of the most consistent waves in Bali, and can be surfed on windless mornings all year round.
Moderate east to south-east trade-winds comb it into perfect shape, but conversely it can suffer from a lack of shape or 'morning sickness' on early mornings with no breeze. On smaller days and higher tides in those conditions, it can be a fun, even flaccid spot, and crowds are often much smaller because most arrive from Kuta later in the day.
Temples, out the back over on the far left-hand side, is your best chance of a peaceful surf. The longer paddle thins out the numbers although there is another, dangerous, access point. Fun on high tide (unless it is big), it is a nice left-hander away from the main area. Not usually as lined up as The Peak or Racetrack, but can get good and hollow on it's day. 3-12ft. Advanced. Needs bigger swells and low tide.
The Peak, in front of the cave and slightly to the left, is the most ridden peak, and best at mid tide. It features a punchy take-off and good opportunities for barrels. You will often need to kick out early or face a nasty shut down; the inside section is very shallow. When the reef outside the cave is fully coverde the sweep can be wicked. This means that to get back in you need to take a wave, straighten out and ride the foam as far back right as you can to avoid missing the entrance and having to start again. Lost boards at these times mean a swim to Padang, or clambering back up and across some evil, pointy rocks. 2-10ft. Advanced. On average swells and higher tides, intermediate peaks open up between here and Temples and the set-up is unpredictable. On big days, a small high tide can be good and line up.
Race-track, just right of the cave, is the last section of the wave. It work best on low tide to 2 hours either side. This is a super fast, bending, hollow speed ride, and once barreled you either blast out gloriously or get crushed as the sections increase in size. It gets super shallow as it wraps around the point towards Padang. Experts only. 2-8ft.
Outside Corner: On bigger days and lower tides, out the back to the right side of the set-up is this big-wave arena for experts. Outtside Corner: On bigger days and lower tides, out the back to the right side of the set-up is this big-ave arena for experts. Outside corner, when working, is a heavy, sucking left-hand barrel that can hold very solid swell. On dry season afternoons with 8-10ft+ swell, it'll assume Hawaiian proportions with harsh wind-driven spray pushing you off the back or forcing you to take off extremely late. 6-15ft. Big boards required. Experts.
Overall hazards include craggy reef at low tide, when reef boots are a must. Currents on higher tides although the reef is nice and deep at this time. Major crowds after 10a.m.
Buy a tee shirt or 3 from the lovely ladies at the cave car-park or in the warungs. Make a small contribution to have your gear looked after too and, finally, enjoy the afterglow over a Bintang and some healthy cheap food over looking the peak.
Bingin
As for Padang, but take a R 2km before marked 'Surfing beach Bingin - Impossibles'. You can stay in the losmen at the bottom of the cliff, eat cheap, and even get your board carried back up the steep path.
Super-hollow, classic left shared with a tightly packed group. Everything is focussed on the tiny take-off point, and if you actually get a wave to yourself it's likely you'll have to dodge helmet-cams bobbing around. If successful, you can get square, perfect barrels even on a 2-3ft day. Advanced, but easier on high tide. Sharp coral. Beautiful spot for late p.m. Bintang and noodle soup.
Impossibles
Visible looking south from Bingin, with easy access from Padang Padang; the first peak is out the front to the right of the beach, where there's a good channel.
This is a mad, very long, fast left-hand coral point that barrels hard over a sharp shallow sea bottom, offering only a slender chance of making an exit. It needs a very large swell to get going (Ulus needs to be over 6ft), and isn't always the fairground ride it may appear from the top. The most usual scenario is take-off into barrel, get out-raced, start again. Lower tides best. Currents. Long paddle. Advanced.
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