Odysseys Surf School

Odysseys Surf School has been teaching on Kuta Beach since 2003 from its office in the Mercure Kuta Hotel arcade, just 10 metres from the sand. Its instructors are certified by the Academy of Surfing Instructors (Australia), hold bronze-level surf rescue, resuscitation and first aid qualifications, and all speak both English and Japanese.

Lessons last two hours and run up to twice a day depending on the tide. Choose from group lessons (no more than four students per instructor), private one-to-one sessions, semi-private lessons for couples and families, private or semi-private kids' lessons from age seven, and intermediate coaching on unbroken waves. The school is confident enough in its method to offer a free extended lesson to any beginner who doesn't stand up in their first session.

Surfers who can already paddle out confidently can join three-hour surf tours to breaks around Bali, chosen to suit the conditions and your level. Boards, rash vests, helmets and insurance are included, along with lockers, showers and changing rooms at the office, and free hotel pick-up from Kuta, Legian, Seminyak, Tuban and Nusa Dua for advance bookings. Multi-day packages bring the price per lesson down.