School of Surf, a Fresh Tourism Package

Amongst all the hotel and restaurant development in Bali, a tourism package that offers an education service a technique and way to learn surfing, named School of Surf located at Arjuna Street, Legian Kaja – Kuta, Badung, or about 15 minutes from Ngurah Rai Airport and 20 minutes from Denpasar.

This school has three class programs, which is Grommet Level, Intermediate Level, and Master Level. Students in one class consists of 17 persons. Usually following just two meetings will lead students to be able to stand on the board
The students mostly come from Australia, New Zealand, Europe, and some locals from Bali, Jakarta and Surabaya.
According to Charles Bonard (36), the Executive Assistant Manager of School of Surf, besides providing surfing equipment facilities, this school also supplies gear like pants, and helmets. Each student has his or her own locker, dressing room, and take and send service is available from their hotel. “We also serve drinks and medicine during the learning process,” he said.
Each student pays US $39 for a 2.5 hour class, and US$75 for 5 hours. “If weather conditions are bad, the lesson will continue on the next day. And for those who are unable to attend at the alternative time will have a chance to complete the lesson on the next day,” he said.
Beginner classes are dedicated for people who have never learned how to swim or surf. At these classes they are taught about the balance of feet positions on the board. The beginner will only practice at Legian Beach, whilst those who already capable in surfing will practice at Canggu Beach, Kuta. Students attending this school will get a completion certificate, as evidence that they were able to perform attractions on the water. “Since this school started, we have already graduated thousands of beginner level students,” said Charles.
This school has 5 instructors, all of them Balinese with great surfing skills. To improve skills and knowledge, they have been fully been trained and taught English.
The school is holding a promotion via internet/website, brochures and cooperation with hotels, travel agents and flight companies. “We expect that the School of Surfing will become an alternative tourism package in Bali,” he said.
The history of School of Surf began in October 1999, but still lacks enthusiasts, however it’s on the improve with thousands students starting in 2002. (BTN/015)