Introduction: Why Surf Gear Matters
Choosing the right surf gear isn’t just about looking cool on the beach — it’s about ensuring safety, improving performance, and adapting to different wave conditions. Surfing in a diverse and challenging environment like Indonesia, with its powerful reef breaks and crystal-clear waters, means your board and gear need to be up to the task. Whether you’re just starting out or hunting for barrels, the quality of your gear can make or break your session.
At LMBK Surf House, we know that the right equipment makes all the difference. We ensure our students have the best gear, whether it’s beginner boards for learning at Selong Belanak or high-performance models for more advanced spots like Ekas or Mawi. Surfboards, fins, leashes, rash guards, and even wax all contribute to your surf experience and performance.
In Indonesia, surf gear isn’t just about durability — it’s about aligning with your goals. Beginners often go for soft-top boards due to their stability, while intermediate surfers look for more flexible shortboards. For eco-conscious surfers, sustainable surf brands offer high-performance products that reduce environmental impact. And in a surf-rich place like Indonesia, investing in high-quality gear means it will last through many sessions, saving you money and helping protect the environment.
Top Indonesian Surf Brands for Eco-Friendly and High-Performance Gear
1. Salt Surf
Location: Bali
A favorite in the Bali surf scene, Salt Surf produces hand-crafted boards that blend style with performance. Known for their eco-conscious approach, Salt Surf’s boards are designed to handle Indonesia’s reef breaks and beach waves alike. Their focus on sustainability makes them a top pick for surfers who want to ride with a clear conscience. Whether you’re riding mellow breaks like Tanjung A’an or taking on bigger waves at Ekas Inside, Salt Surf delivers high-quality performance boards.
2. MANA Surfboards
Location: Bali & Lombok
MANA Surfboards is known for its precision-crafted boards, designed specifically for Indonesia’s wave conditions. Whether you’re tackling the long walls at Grupuk or hunting for barrels at Serangan, MANA’s responsive shapes allow surfers to navigate waves with ease. Their sustainable practices and focus on high performance make them a popular choice for advanced surfers across Bali and Lombok.
3. Gofree Surfboards
Location: Bali
A custom surfboard company based in Bali, Gofree is popular with intermediate and advanced surfers who seek tailored boards for specific conditions. Whether you’re headed for the fast waves of Air Guling or the more relaxed vibe of Selong Belanak, Gofree’s eco-friendly approach and innovative designs make it a go-to choice. Their use of recycled materials and eco-resins helps reduce the environmental impact without sacrificing performance.
International Surf Brands Popular Among Surfers in Indonesia
1. Rip Curl
Location: Kuta, Seminyak, Uluwatu
One of the most iconic names in surfing, Rip Curl has a strong presence in Indonesia, with multiple stores across Bali. Their surf gear, including wetsuits, boardshorts, and boards, is designed for all levels. Their rash guards and light wetsuits are perfect for Indonesia’s warm waters, and their durable surfboards can withstand the demands of reef breaks like Ekas Outside and Mawi.
2. Billabong
Location: Kuta, Legian, Seminyak
Billabong has been a key player in the surf industry for decades, and in Indonesia, they offer everything from durable leashes to high-performance surfboards. Their gear is particularly well-suited for Indonesia’s reef breaks, offering strength and durability that makes them a favorite among both beginners and advanced surfers at Inside Grupuk and Serangan.
3. Channel Islands Surfboards
Location: Seminyak, Bali
Known for producing some of the best high-performance boards in the world, Channel Islands is a favorite among experienced surfers in Indonesia. Their boards are designed to handle powerful waves and are frequently seen at world-class breaks like Desert Point and Outside Ekas. You can find their boards at Onboard Store in Bali, which stocks a range of models suitable for Indonesian surf conditions.
Sustainable Surf Brands: Leading Eco-Friendly Surf Gear in Indonesia and Beyond
1. Patagonia Surf
Location: Available globally, including in Bali
Patagonia is a leader in eco-conscious outdoor gear, and their surf products, especially Yulex wetsuits, are a hit among surfers in Indonesia. Free from neoprene, these wetsuits are made from sustainable natural rubber, offering comfort and performance without harming the environment. Patagonia is perfect for surfers looking for sustainable gear that stands up to Indonesia’s challenging waves.
2. Firewire Surfboards
Location: Bali
Firewire is renowned for its commitment to sustainability. Their boards are lightweight and durable, made from recycled EPS foam and eco-friendly resins. Firewire’s boards are particularly well-suited for Indonesia’s variety of breaks, offering performance in both smaller beach breaks like Selong Belanak and more powerful waves like Serangan.
3. Indosole
Location: Bali
Though not a surfboard brand, Indosole deserves a mention for their eco-friendly footwear. Based in Bali, they create sandals and shoes from recycled tires, perfect for surfers looking to reduce their environmental footprint. Indosole’s products are practical for walking across Indonesia’s hot sand or rocky shores.
Local Surf Gear Brands in Indonesia: Affordable and High-Quality Choices
1. Rasta Surfboards
Location: Kuta, Lombok
Rasta Surfboards is a popular surf shop in Lombok known for offering affordable board rentals and well-crafted surfboards. Perfect for those learning at Selong Belanak or progressing at Grupuk, Rasta is a trusted name in local surf culture.
2. DC Surf
Location: Kuta, Lombok
DC Surf provides a wide range of surf gear, from beginner soft tops to performance shortboards. Located near Lombok’s key surf breaks, it’s a convenient spot for surfers of all levels to gear up before hitting the waves.
3. Surf Garage
Location: Bali
Surf Garage offers high-quality boards at affordable prices. Their selection ranges from beginner boards to high-performance shortboards, making them a popular choice for those surfing the reef breaks at Mawi or Ekas.
Conclusion
When it comes to surf gear in Indonesia, you’re spoiled for choice with brands that cater to every surfer’s needs, budget, and environmental concerns. From high-performance international brands like Rip Curl and Billabong to eco-friendly options from Firewire and local favorites like Rasta Surfboards, there’s something for everyone.
At LMBK Surf House, we guide our guests toward the best surf shops and gear in both Bali and Lombok, ensuring they are well-equipped for their surf journey. Whether you’re a beginner learning the ropes or an advanced surfer tackling the bigger breaks, investing in the right gear will make all the difference in your surf experience.
