If you have recently paddled out to Old Man’s or Batu Bolong in Canggu, you may find that the line up is no longer empty like it was in the 1970s. In recent years there has been a big increase in surf tourism and we are seeing once-empty line-ups being filled with tourists from all over the world. This increase in surf tourism affects local communities in both good and bad ways, and as surf tourists this is something we need to be aware of.
We have a duty to the local communities and environments of the places we travel to be responsible surf tourists. Responsible surf travel means respecting the people, their cultures and the nature when chasing our next wave. As surfers, the ocean gives us so much and it’s only right to protect it in return. In this blog, we will discuss five ways to be a responsible surf tourist so when you set off on your next surf trip, you do it with care.
When going out for a surf at Bali’s best surf spots, avoid standing on the coral reefs in the reef breaks like Echo Beach, Pererenan, Nusa Dua surf spots and more. This will damage the reef, which is a major ecosystem for all marine life. Avoid littering in the ocean and even outside of the ocean, since many surf towns have rivers that fill with litter and this ends up in the ocean. Lastly, in your free time, try joining beach cleans ups in the area you are staying.
Buy surfwear from local brands that don’t promote overproduction or who produce ocean-friendly surfwear. Try out equipment that is made from recycled plastic such as leashes, wax combs and fins. Make use of wax that is biodegradable and is not manufactured with petroleum.
Lastly, when choosing sun protection use sunscreen and zinc that is reef safe and won’t harm the reef and wildlife. To know which sunscreen and zinc is safe you can look out for the “reef safe” note or make sure there are no harmful chemicals like oxybenzone and octinoxate inside the ingredients list.
Respect the local surfers in the lineup. This is where they have grown up surfing and it is important to remember the correct surf etiquette in the water. At Kima Surf, we have surf theory lessons three times a week that cover topics like surf etiquette and other surf knowledge that is very beneficial to know in the lineup.
You could also try learning the language of the country you are visiting. This allows you to connect more deeply with locals and really immerse yourself and learn about a new culture. Our surf camps in Bali are located in Canggu and Seminyak, in the heart of these bustling areas and within walking distance to the beaches. Our local staff would be more than happy to teach you an Indonesian phrase or two during your stay!
Use some of the time that you are travelling to volunteer. Kima Surf has collaborated with TrashHero and we advertise for our guests every Sunday to do a beach clean-up on Canggu Beach. We have also partnered with an organisation to do surf therapy days as well as raise money for the local community.
Small contributions to the local community also go a very long way. Giving back to the community through buying local products, eating local and making sure you tip your drivers and local staff is greatly appreciated.
Only bring items that you need for your surf trip. For surfers, try considering whether you need your own surfboard. There are plenty of surf spots in surf destinations where you can rent and this may be the better option, especially when only travelling for a short period of time. In Kima Surf, you can rent surfboards from camp. We have options for every level including our Premium Surfboard collection.
We tend to overpack and only end up using half the items that we bring along. Packing lightly can significantly reduce your carbon footprint during flights and drives. Staying in one place longer rather than travelling around is another method to reduce your carbon footprint.
Now that you’ve learnt all the ways to be responsible when travelling as a surf tourist, it is time to get ready for your next trip! Join us at Kima Surf, where we are doing all we can to make sure your surf trip is an unforgettable experience