Meistere das Line Up auf Bali

Expertentipps von Kima Surfcamps

If you are watching surfers catch wave after wave effortlessly and feel as if you are really struggling to find your rhythm the reason for this can come down to positioning in the line up, and some small and easy changes can up your wave count by a lot! Knowing where to sit in the line up is a game changer for your surfing.

At Kima Surf Camps in Bali our experienced surf guides will give you all the tips you need to do just that and these tips will be shared both inside and outside of the water. With 3 weekly theory classes and 2 daily surf sessions you can put both the theory and muscle memory together to help you find the ideal position in the line up.

1. Die Relevanz der Positionierung

Positioning yourself in the line up is not just about finding a spot and waiting for the wave, it is about knowing how to read the waves and ocean knowledge and with the correct positioning you can expect the following:

  • Increased Wave Count: Being in the right position will boost the number of waves you catch with minimal effort.
  • Safety: Being in the correct position will ensure you are not caught in the impact zone and getting the sets on the head.
  • Save your Energy: Being in a good position means you can paddle less and surf more and save your energy for that wave of the day.
  • Making progress: Understanding the line up and how the positioning works can help you advance from beginner white water waves to more advanced peeling waves.

Our Kima Package included at our surf camps in Bali will help you improve your positioning in the lineup as this is a great way to boost your surfing progression.

2. Nimm dir Zeit

Before paddling out it is important to read the line up, when you are looking out from the beach try to take note of the following things before you join the line up:

  • Watch the sets: Spend some time seeing where the peak is, where are the surfers catching the waves from and who is scoring the longest rides.
  • Try to identify some landmarks: Match the take off zone with a palm tree, tower or beach hut so that when you are in the line up you can ensure you are aligned with your landmark so that you know where to take off.
  • Look for the peak: The peak is often where you want to be positioned, this is where the wave first starts to break and this will guarantee a long ride. 
  • Notice Hazards: Watch out and be aware of strong currents or even rip currents that can very quickly impact your positioning in the line up.

A useful tip from our Kima Surf Guides is that currents will influence your positioning and it is really important for you to learn how to read them, look out for where the water moves and how it affects your position in the line up. If you notice you are drifting, dont fight the current but rather use it to effectively reposition yourself. In Bali currents can shift quickly depending on tides, swell direction and the type of break so it is important to understand them as you move through the lineup, you’ll save energy, stay safer and even gain an advantage when paddling into the perfect position

At Kima Surf Camps we don’t just teach you to surf but we teach you ocean awareness for when you’re surfing Bali’s famous reef breaks. We also have a 5 day Learn to Surf Course which is made for complete novices and in small groups, our experienced surf guides will teach you all the necessary skills such as paddling and techniques to get you onto your feet in theory as well as in practice. In Bali our surf school is located at Seminyak Beach which you’ll reach after a 10min walk from our Seminyak Camp. If you stay in our Canggu Camp you will be driven there every day (commute time might be affected by traffic).

3. Begebe dich in die richtige Position im Line Up

  • Read the ocean before paddling out: See where the peak is, where are surfers scoring the longest rides and where waves are breaking regularly.
  • Use Landmarks: Choose a building, tree or rock on the coast that aligns with the peak of the wave so that you can locate the ideal position.
  • Avoid the Impact Zone: To prevent getting trapped inside the impact zone, place yourself just outside of it while remaining near enough to paddle for waves.
  • Sit on the Shoulder First: Avoid going directly to the main peak if you’re new to surfing in Bali. Starting on the shoulder protects you from heavy wipeouts and provides you more time to take off.
  • Watch the more advanced surfers: Take note of their movements, where they sit and when they begin to paddle.
  • Keep an eye on your position because tides and currents might move you around without you realising it. Every few minutes, check your landmarks and realign.
  • Don’t paddle for every wave; instead, be selective. Save your energy for the set waves.

Lineup positioning is key when trying to improve your surfing abilities, it makes the difference between fighting for scraps and confidently riding wave after wave. You’ll quickly become comfortable in any lineup by paying attention to the water, using landmarks and making any adjustments to currents. If you’re just starting out on our 5-day learn to surf course or pushing your limits at difficult reef breaks, our knowledgeable surf experts at Kima Surf Camps in Bali show you just how to select the right spot for your level. You’ll catch more waves, advance more quickly and fully experience the EAT SLEEP SURF lifestyle if you combine these pointers with practical instruction at our surf camps.