Learning to surf in Bali should feel easy. UP2U Surf School turns beginner surfing into a simple, structured 2-hour session in Kuta, with coaching, boards, and an online training course included. Even better, the price is low enough that you can try it without turning your trip budget into a wave budget.
What I like most is the tiny-group coaching and the fact that board, leash, and surf shirt are provided. The main drawback to keep in mind is that surf is weather-dependent, so if conditions are off you may need to reschedule or pivot your day.
In This Review
- Key things to know before you go
- First Steps: Finding UP2U at Kuta Beach
- How the Beginner Lesson Really Gets You Moving
- Gear, Lockers, and Showers: What You Don’t Have to Carry
- The Sand Session at Kuta: Safety and Board Basics
- In the Water at the Right Pace: Catching Waves With Breaks
- Photos and the Online Training Course: Small Extras That Help
- Price and Value: Why $13.75 Feels Like a Deal
- Who This Is Best For (And Who Might Want a Different Session)
- Should You Book UP2U Surf School Bali?
- FAQ
- Where is the meeting point for the surf lesson?
- How long is the beginner surf lesson?
- Is this lesson for true beginners?
- What surf gear is included?
- Do I need to bring a towel?
- Are lockers and showers available?
- Are surf photos included?
- How big is the group?
- What should I bring besides basic necessities?
- What happens if weather is bad?
Key things to know before you go

- Kuta Beach lesson, simple meeting point near the Pullman hotel area (be ready to find the team on the sand).
- Up to 15 people max, and many sessions feel much smaller in practice.
- All gear included: surfboard, leash, and surf shirt.
- Free online training course plus free surf photos after your session.
- On-site lockers, showers, and public toilets so you can change fast.
- Safety-first coaching with instructors in the water and lessons paced for beginners.
First Steps: Finding UP2U at Kuta Beach
Your surf lesson starts at Kuta Beach, in the Pullman hotel area in Legian/Kuta. The meeting point is on the beach in front of Pullman, Jl. Pantai Kuta No. 32, and the session ends back at the same spot. Plan to arrive early—getting your bearings on the sand is half the stress control.
UP2U’s hours run daily from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM, so you can pick a time that doesn’t wreck your schedule. If you’re planning other Kuta staples (walking the beach, grabbing lunch, doing a quick temple stop), a mid-morning or early afternoon slot often makes the logistics easier.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Kuta
How the Beginner Lesson Really Gets You Moving

This is built for first-timers. You’re not thrown straight into deep water with strangers yelling advice. Instead, the lesson is structured to teach the fundamentals step-by-step, and the instructors adjust to different abilities.
One standout from the teaching style is how often the group size shrinks in real life. People have reported groups of just two other participants, which means you get more individual attention even though it’s not sold as a private lesson. If you learn better when someone watches your specific mistakes, this matters.
Another thing I appreciate: the coaching tends to include quick feedback loops. Instructors focus on the mechanics that get you standing and staying stable, then help you catch your waves without turning the whole session into a lecture. You might still wipe out (surf is surf), but you’ll understand what to try next.
Gear, Lockers, and Showers: What You Don’t Have to Carry

Good beginner lessons remove friction. UP2U does that by including core equipment: surfboard, leash, and surf shirt. That means you don’t have to hunt for a rental shop on arrival, which saves both money and time.
On top of that, the experience includes security storage for valuables (a safe), plus free public showers and free public toilets. It’s a practical combo. After surfing, you’ll be sandy and salty—being able to rinse off on-site makes it easier to keep moving with the rest of your day.
Two small “bring this yourself” notes from the info:
- Sunscreen is not included, so bring it if you’re the type who burns easily.
- Towels are not included, so plan to dry off elsewhere or bring a small towel.
Also, the lesson advises bringing small money. That’s not a “surf gear” thing; it’s more like the everyday reality of Bali—have a little cash on hand so you’re not stuck.
The Sand Session at Kuta: Safety and Board Basics

Before you go into the water, you’ll get instruction that helps you understand how to use the board and how to move on it. For many complete beginners, that beach prep is the difference between feeling awkward and feeling ready.
You can also expect a safety briefing at the start. Many instructors are very specific here, sometimes even intense in the moment. That can be a good thing for beginners, because it gives you rules to follow when you’re nervous and your legs are still deciding whether they can balance.
A practical detail: you should be mentally ready to spend part of the lesson learning before riding. You’ll likely practice positioning and standing skills early, and then transition into the wave-catching part with more guidance.
In the Water at the Right Pace: Catching Waves With Breaks

Kuta Beach can look inviting from shore and still be challenging once you’re actually out there. The lesson focuses on getting you into a manageable wave-riding zone for beginners, where you can practice catching waves without feeling like you’re fighting the ocean.
In-water teaching is a big part of the experience. Multiple instructors have been described as staying actively involved, and beginners often feel safer knowing their coach is right there during the session. That’s not just comfort—it’s also how you correct mistakes faster.
You may also experience breaks during the lesson. That’s smart for beginners. Surf fatigue happens fast, and if you’re tired, your form gets sloppy and your confidence drops. With planned breaks, you get more chances to try again while you still have energy.
Big wave days do happen. If conditions become too risky, the lesson may be canceled. One important takeaway from the way the school handles this is that safety comes first rather than forcing the session no matter what.
Photos and the Online Training Course: Small Extras That Help

This experience includes free surf pictures and a free online training course. For a lot of beginners, photos are the instant proof you actually did it—which matters when your brain is still focused on surviving the next wipeout.
People have reported that included photos were emailed later the same day. That suggests you’ll likely want to share the email you check often when you book. If you care about photos, double-check that your contact details are correct before you step onto the board.
The online training course is a useful add-on because it helps you review basics before you hit the water. Even short practice on shore can make your first attempts smoother, especially if you’re a complete newbie who doesn’t know what the board is supposed to feel like under your feet.
Price and Value: Why $13.75 Feels Like a Deal

At $13.75 per person for about 2 hours, the value is the headline. That price point is hard to beat when you factor in instruction, surf equipment, and the small comfort items like lockers, showers, and surf shirts.
What makes the value real (not just cheap) is that the lesson isn’t just “rent and go.” You’re paying for coaching, and the structure includes the tools that make learning easier—gear, a coach, safety guidance, and time in the water. When a session is paced well, you get more learning in those 2 hours.
You’re also not locked into a long commitment. If you do try surf and decide it’s not for you, you haven’t sacrificed a chunk of your trip. And if it clicks, you’ll likely want a second go—many people consider it a “try it once, then come back to improve” activity.
One final value note: the lesson has a maximum of 15 travelers. That cap helps, and in practice many sessions run smaller than the cap would suggest, which is where the instruction feels more personal.
Who This Is Best For (And Who Might Want a Different Session)

This beginner surf lesson is a good fit if:
- You’re new to surfing and want structured instruction.
- You’re okay with a small-group format.
- You want someone to correct your technique while you’re actually in the water.
- You’d like built-in gear and basic facilities instead of carrying everything yourself.
You should also have a moderate physical fitness level. Surf uses your legs and core in ways that surprise people who don’t do much activity. You don’t need to be an athlete, but you should be comfortable with basic effort and getting knocked around by waves.
If you’re coming with kids: the info says kids surf shirts are not included, so you may need to plan accordingly. If you’re traveling with a service animal, service animals are allowed.
And about “intensity”: some coaches can be direct or very focused during instruction. If you need extra reassurance, that’s something you can ask for in the moment. Good coaching still keeps safety and learning front and center.
Should You Book UP2U Surf School Bali?
If you want a beginner-friendly Kuta surf lesson that doesn’t cost much and still includes real coaching, I’d book it. The combination of all essential gear, in-water instruction, and included photos makes this a practical, low-risk way to learn.
Book it especially if:
- You like the idea of learning fundamentals first, not just chasing waves.
- You want an activity that fits into a short time block.
- You prefer a small-group experience where you’re not just one face in a crowd.
Skip it (or at least adjust expectations) if you’re only satisfied with a perfectly calm, ultra-soft coaching style every single minute, no matter the conditions. Surf lessons can be structured, but the ocean is not a studio.
In short: if your goal is a first surf session that feels doable—and you want value that leaves room for the rest of Bali—UP2U is an easy yes.
FAQ
Where is the meeting point for the surf lesson?
The start point is on the beach in front of the Pullman hotel, Jl. Pantai Kuta No.32, Legian, Kec. Kuta, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361, Indonesia.
How long is the beginner surf lesson?
It lasts about 2 hours.
Is this lesson for true beginners?
Yes, it’s designed specifically for beginners learning surfing basics.
What surf gear is included?
You get a surfboard, leash, and a surf shirt as part of the experience.
Do I need to bring a towel?
No, towels are not included.
Are lockers and showers available?
Yes. You have a security safe for valuables, plus free public showers and free public toilets.
Are surf photos included?
Yes. Free surfing pictures are included.
How big is the group?
The activity has a maximum of 15 travelers.
What should I bring besides basic necessities?
You should bring sunscreen, and the experience advises bringing small money. Kids surf shirts are not included.
What happens if weather is bad?
This activity requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. Free cancellation is also allowed if you cancel at least 24 hours in advance.






















