Interview by Stephanie Moon
There is a saying that if you love what you do, you will never work a day in your life. This couldn’t be more true than for our next Faces of Bali—seven faces actually.
If you live in Bali or have ever visited Batu Bolong Beach, you know who our next Faces of Bali are….. the sun-kissed, masters of the board and shamans of the sea, the Batu Bolong Surf School and Board Rental crew, the true board riders of Canggu. They’re born and raised in Canggu and live and die by surf.
If you need a board or a bit of surf instruction, they are one of the on-the-spot go-to’s. They were here before the community changed and have been part of its development ever since.
We spoke to them about Canggu, surf, and how the community is evolving.
Grab those boards and let’s start surfing!
Were you born surfing?
No, but we’d die without it.
Where did you start to surf?
Right here at Batu Bolong. Then we’d move to Echo as we got better.
Favorite spot to surf?
Echo!…because it’s a fast, short wave but if the waves are good, Batu Bolong too. It’s a different wave, small and long.
Favorite time to surf?
Anytime the waves are good! 😉
Best time to surf?
When the wind is offshore.
Morning is good for that, plus there are fewer people out in the water then too!
Dream spot to surf?
We have everything in Bali. We don’t need to go anywhere else. Maybe Lombok if I had to choose something else, but there are great waves all over the island (Bali).
Favorite board?
It depends on the waves. We surf everything.
What did you do before you surfed?
Swam and played in the water; a lot of body surfing. The water wasn’t taboo. We live with the sea.
Has Canggu changed by surf?
The waves are the same. The people are the same. Just more of them. Which is good for business.
When did Batu Bolong start to change?
About seven years ago. It started to get busy five years ago. Australians, Japanese, Americans came first. Now the Europeans are here. The world is surfing.
What do you think about the change?
The material changes are good: great for business. But the environmental changes.. hmmm… We’re split on that.
When did you start teaching?
Seven years ago. Back then we just brought people out and taught them what we knew.
Now that’s changed. It’s all about technique and the true art of instruction.
When did you open up shop?
Three years ago.
What would you have been if you hadn’t started teaching surf?
A Fisherman. Lobster is the catch.
(Their mothers and fathers are fishermen. Susan, one of the instructors, still has his boat and takes it out when he can. When the tide is low or the catch good, some of them still fish in between surf sessions.They’re born to the water!)
Are you happier?
( a collective laugh).. We’re richer.
What does surfing do for you?
Surf is like therapy for us. It really clears your head.
What do your mothers think about you surfing?
They’re scared we’re going to drown, haha.
Does you family support you surfing?
We work with our family, cousins, brothers, uncles. So, yes. The older generations support us because they see how surf has developed the community for the better and see how it will continue to benefit it.
What’s the best thing about being an instructor?
The satisfaction that comes with seeing someone learn something new. That’s better than money. You don’t need money in your life to be rich.
Plus, it’s great to be able to turn a hobby into a job.
What do you tell a beginner who’s just learning?
Every wave is different. Keep on trying and have fun!
Are you ever to old to surf?
No, Its just depends on finding the right board.
Can everyone surf?
Yes, but if you don’t want to, it’s hard to motivate someone. You need the determination. You either have it or don’t.
What is the one thing you absolutely need to know to surf?
To swim!
What do you want to be in your next life?
Hopefully we will have reached Nirvana by then… close to God. Hahaha
Is Bali paradise?
Nirvana must be better! lol
Where will you be in 10 years?
For better or worse, hopefully still here.
What does the future look like?
There are more possibilities for the next generations.. so bright.
What do you dream about?
Waves… 😉
Can you read the waves with your eyes closed?
Yes.
This interview is part of a series called “Faces of Bali” and was originally published on the Ocean Tribe blog page. You can find the Tribe team on Instagram @oceantriberetreat.
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