Hey guys, long time lurker watching the antics of you guys regarding secret spots, sharks and the occasional longboarder/ SUP floating by looking for 'fun' . Have been surfing for a year and am now pumping and getting my turns and cut backs in (beginner intermediate I guess with a body boarding background for years).

So here come my questions if anyone can help I will be greatly thankful!
1) I hear the waters around Bali are dirty around when I am going (December) due to the monsoon season. Is it going to be dangerous as I wear contacts? (Don't want to go home blind).

2) As I am low on funds, will 1 board get me through? My aim is to go with one and if it snaps etc, buy them second hand over there and most likely give them to the kids when I head back home.

3) As the reefs are living coral I hear, is it best I bring a decent first aid kit in case I go over the falls and get thrown against the rocks?

4) Speaking of funds, how much would I need for around a months stay? This is purely a surf trip (no shopping etc although possible sightseeing) with the chance on hiring a chartered boat for a week or so to head off surfing elsewhere.

5) Any other tips will be greatly appreciated. This is basically my first surf trip so I don't want to end up in the deep end with nothing I prepared for!

Cheers all! Will remember everything you guys say here when I paddle out!

Hey mate, welcome aboard.

Asking a question like this on an internet forum will have varied results - some will offer good advice, others not so much.

One of the best bits of advice i can give would be to go out and get yourself a copy of INDO SURF AND LINGO

Most bookstores should stock it for about 35 bucks, or if you don't mind waiting for delivery, you can order it online here: www.indosurf.com.au/

Its a definate must have for anyone travelling to Bali or Indo, enjoy!

Consider bringing over-the-counter kanamycin/gramcidin/neomycin/nystatin eardrops, chloramphenicol eyedrops, iodine for skin lesions, red cordial for gastro (as a prophylactic), mozzie netting, and split-toe surf booties.

When i first went there in '95 I lived off $15 AUD a day for 2 months.....now its probably closer to $100 and if you are planning on getting on the turps a few days a week then add a bit more. It just depends where you want to stay - you can pay $500 a night for accom if you really like or a lot less. Transport these days is a bit more - but if you share with a few blokes drivers are very reasonable. Enjoy.

Late starter is right mate, here's one of the locals picking up a few tips from the book I went last year for the first time, we booked accomm but hired drivers. Lembongan and Lombok were worth the trip Bali was crowded in the surf and pretty hassled but if you're used to crowds it won't be so bad. As for medical supplies we had a basic kit but found fresh lime to be the best for cuts, check a few of the online surf forecast sites for tides but mostly we just asked other surfers about the conditions, that book is awesome for the main spots around indo and was pretty much spot on, a good attitude and generosity towards the locals goes a long way.

Cheers guys. LS and Bakesy, I'm definately going to go grab one of those books now. Anybody have any knowledge regarding wearing contacts and the water quality? Also would 1 board be enough for me if I plan on buying another cheap if it snaps? Was thinking a 6'4 (normally ride a 6'0) round tail to hopefully cover all conditions. Thanks again guys.

If your boards are PU, take more than 1.

Don't consume anything that isn't fresh off the wok or opened by yourself.

I've always taken multiple boards but in the interest of travelling very lightly I'm only taking one when I go on Tuesday. Your own abilities may be the limiting factor for wave choice if you're still a beginner, not so much what boards you have.

As for the corals and medical kits. It's not a bad idea to have some kind of anti-bacterial wash handy if you plan on going surfing in places like Lembongan, where there is plenty of coral and not the greatest access to decent medical supplies. Last year my mate came off something rotten on his scooter and lost a considerable amount of skin. Lucky, but painfully, for him we had medical alcohol on us and where able to keep his wounds clean. He still wound up in hospital with infections but being prepared certainly worked out in his favour. Plus, the video footage of us cleaning his wounds is hilarious.

Most of the guys here will be able to give you heaps of great tips as we've all been across the water plenty of times. One piece of advice I always give though is for people to try and learn the language. Indonesian is probably one of the easiest languages to learn and get started in. You don't have to know much to start stringing sentences together as their syntax is very basic. Learning some common and useful phrases goes a long way to making your trip more enjoyable plus the locals get a kick out of it. Don't worry if you make mistakes, the locals will be more than happy to politely correct you and will be chuffed that you've made an effort.

Here's some that all surfers should know:

jam berapa pasang tinggi/rendah?
What times is high/low tide?

ombak - waves bersalancar - surfing pantai - beach

di mana? - where is? ada - are there any/does this exist?

besar - large kecil - small

tidak mengerti - don't understand

ya - yes tidak - no terima kasih - thank you

actually, I would be wasting time going on and on. Get the Indo Surf Lingo book that any surf store should have. It's worth it. Oh and I've never had Bali belly before. I don't know if it's just because my body can handle the bug or if it's because my preparation works. For about a week leading up to a trip to Indo I drink two yakults a day (those fermented drinks that contain all the good bacteria) and I have at least two a day while I'm in Bali (cheap as over there). Never even gotten remotely sick. Everyone comes up with their own methods and if it works it works. I've never gotten ill so I wont stop doing it any time soon.

Enjoy your trip mate.

mozzie repellant!!!!

if u going for a month maybe two boards
surf can get bigger this time of year so a 6 foot board good for most conditions but may be difficult to get into some of those bigger waves, unless you can paddle like a pro.

i wear disposable contacts and no problems, but i didnt surf jalan padma drain outlet beachies