The Evolution of Surf Travel

Then to Now with Kima Surf Camps

Picture this: It’s the 1970s and a sunbleached surfer is hitchhiking on a dusty road in the middle of nowhere chasing an empty line up they heard about from a friend in a bar. No surfline, no google maps and no guarantee that this wave actually exists. Back in the early days surf travel was all about long journeys, missed swells and an occasional successful mission.

Fast forward to today and surfers can check the swell from their phones, book flights at the drop of a hat and arrive at a surf camp in Bali  where expert guides, yoga sessions, and a surf community are waiting. The adventure is still there, but it’s no longer a gamble — surf travel has grown into a lifestyle.

For surfers around the globe surfing in Bali and Sri Lanka are bucket list destinations and Kima Surf Camps have made these dreams a reality. Our camps in Canggu, Seminyak, Weligama and Hiriketiya blend old school surf exploration with the conveniences of modern day surf communities all while surfing world class waves in Bali and Sri Lanka. Lets explore why Kima Surf Camps are the ideal choice for your next Surf Travel adventure.

1. A Look Back in Time

A short way to describe surf travel in the early days is Pure discovery, back in the day surf travel was all about discovering waves that were completely unknown. Surfers lugged their big and heavy boards across continents, sleeping on beaches in the middle of nowhere, and discovered new waves without maps and surf forecasts and as epic as these adventures were they were unpredictable. Many adventurers would never find the wave they anticipated or alternatively they’d find the wave but in the wrong conditions often making the long trip feel meaningless.

Learning to surf in the early days was done through trial and error, there was no such thing as structured surf sessions with experienced surf guides, or 5 day learn to surf courses. Progress was slow and unpredictable yet the thrill of the unknown kept the adventure alive.

2. The Present Day

Surf travel nowadays is the sweet spot where adventure and comfort meet. Surfboards today are light and versatile and an easy travel companion, surf apps are abundant and reliable and surf camps provide expert coaching and a welcoming surf community.

At Kima Surf Camps in Bali you don’t need to guess where to surf, nor waste time in the wrong conditions. Our experienced surf guides will match you with the right boards and take you to the appropriate surf spot based on your level and the conditions on the day.

Surf theory sessions, video analysis, and pool training help you progress faster while still keeping the adventurous spirit alive.

3. How Kima Surf Blends Then and Now

Yes, surf travel has evolved drastically but still at the core of it it’s about chasing epic waves, meeting like minded people and experiencing new cultures in beautiful tropical locations like Bali

Kima Surf Camps has found the sweet spot between then and now, staying true to the purpose and adventure that surfing entails while including the perks of modern day comfort and community. Kima Surf Camps has kept this balance alive by:

  • Including 2 daily surf sessions to surf spots appropriate to your level based on our custom built 6 star session planner.
  • Surf theory lessons and pool sessions 3 x a week, as well as video analysis.
  • Our surf guides take you to the best surf spots Bali has to offer.
  • Creating a warm and welcoming surf community in our camps so you can share the stoke and adventure with fellow surf enthusiasts.
  • Eat, sleep, surf lifestyle: Live the dream with daily surf sessions, yoga classes, social activities, BBQs and sunset jamming sessions and more

By combining expert guidance with a surf camp community, we give you the progression of “now” while keeping the freedom of “then.”

4. Our Kima Surf Camps

The stoke of surfing should be accessible to all and not just reserved for the adventurous souls and this is where Kima Surf Camps comes in. We have set up surf camps in various locations in Bali and Sri Lanka for surfers who want to experience the best waves of the tropics.

Our largest camp with a surf, yoga & fitness resort vibe with epic facilities like an ice bath, rock climbing wall, surf skate ramp and more! This camp is in the heart of Canggu, with great waves 200m away from the camp and surf spots for all surfing levels. Our Canggu Camp also is in the hub of some of Bali’s best nightlife

Authentic Balinese surf camp with a laid-back and social atmosphere, and walking distance from Bali’s best beginner friendly beaches. This camp is where our 5 day Learn to Surf Course takes place, also ideally located the center of bustling Seminyak.

Peaceful and fitness-focused, with an open-air gym and tranquil surf vibes. This surf camp in Sri Lanka is more intimate and nestled in the greenery of Hirikeitya’s jungle. Enjoy surfing, fitness, body therapies, yoga and a variety of cultural and therapeutic activities.

Lively and social, perfect for yoga, ice baths, volleyball and meeting new friends. Our camp is located within a Sri Lankan colonial homestead – surrounded by lush vegetation and literally a couple of minutes’ walk from the beach breaks and surf in Weligama. Surfing in Sri Lanka doesn’t get any better.

Also all of our surf camps have various rooms to suit all kinds of travellers from shared dorms, private rooms to deluxe villas! Combining adventure and comfort as well as epic surf community to make your next surf travel trip one to remember!!

Book your spot today and experience the evolution of surf travel with Kima Surf!