Indonesian Surfing Association: What You Need to Know

Published on

23.6.25

Min. read time

The Indonesian Surfing Association (ISA), also known as Persatuan Selancar Ombak Indonesia (PSOI), is the official body for surfing in Indonesia, recognized since 2020. It promotes surfing nationwide, supports local talent, and connects Indonesia to global surfing events like the Olympics.

Key Highlights:

Leadership: Chaired by Pandu Sjahrir (2023–2027) with Tipi Jabrik as Secretary-General.
History: Surfing in Indonesia began in the 1930s, popularized by Bali's Kuta Beach. The sport grew with iconic surf spots like Uluwatu and Mentawai Islands.
Bali’s Surf Scene: Bali is the heart of Indonesian surfing, offering year-round waves for all skill levels. Surfing generates over $500M annually in Bali, contributing 10%+ of its tourism revenue.
Competitions and Programs: The ISA runs the Liga Surfing Indonesia (LSI) and supports surf instructor certifications, youth development, and international training.
Global Connection: As part of the International Surfing Association (117 member nations), it provides Indonesian surfers access to global competitions and training.

Why It Matters:

The ISA boosts Indonesia’s economy through surf tourism, nurtures local talent, and ensures high standards in surf training and competitions. Whether you're a surfer or a visitor, Indonesia’s surf culture offers unique experiences.

For more details, keep reading!

History and Development

How Surfing Started in Indonesia

Surfing found its way to Indonesia in the 1930s, thanks to Bob Koke, who introduced the sport at Bali's Kuta Beach. This marked the beginning of a movement that would eventually shape both the culture and economy of the region.

World War II briefly interrupted surfing's growth, but the sport made a dramatic comeback in 1971 with the release of the surf film Morning of the Earth. The movie showcased the legendary waves of Uluwatu, putting Indonesia on the global map as a premier surfing destination.

As surfing gained momentum, iconic surf spots like G-Land in East Java, Nias in North Sumatra, and the once-secret Desert Point in Lombok were discovered during the early exploration phase. The 1990s brought another milestone when surfers uncovered the pristine waves of the Mentawai Islands.

Fast forward to today, and surf tourism has become a major economic driver, particularly in Bali, where it generates over $500 million annually. This accounts for more than 10% of the island's tourism revenue. These pivotal moments not only cemented Indonesia's reputation as a surfing hub but also set the stage for the sport's formal organization and growth.

How the ISA Was Created and Grew

The transition from casual beach culture to organized surfing began in 2003, when Tipi Jabrik launched the Indonesian Surfing Championships (ISC). The first official competition followed in 2004, held in partnership with Quiksilver, creating a structured platform for competitive surfing in Indonesia.

"Organized surfing competitions have historically been the best medium for the development of surfers and for the sport of surfing. Learning how to compete fairly and to being disciplined in training and competition key assets needed not only for surfing but also for life", said the Indonesian Surfing Championship Facebook page.

Surfing took another leap forward in 2007 when it was included in the Asian Beach Games held in Bali. This milestone earned surfing recognition from the International Olympic Committee (IOC), further legitimizing it as a competitive sport within Indonesia.

In 2008, the ISC entered a significant partnership with Coca-Cola Amatil Indonesia, a collaboration that lasted nearly five years. This partnership helped expand the sport's reach across the region and played a crucial role in establishing the Asian Surfing Championships (ASC). These efforts solidified Indonesia's position as a leader in regional surf competitions.

The early organizational milestones of the ISC laid the foundation for what would eventually become the modern Indonesian Surfing Association. What began as a recreational activity introduced by foreign visitors has transformed into a structured, nationally recognized sport. Today, surfing not only contributes significantly to Indonesia's economy but also stands as a proud symbol of its cultural identity.

Bali: Indonesia's Main Surf Hub

Why Bali is a Top Surfing Destination

Bali is a dream destination for surfers, offering consistent waves across all skill levels, all set against a vibrant cultural backdrop. Thanks to its unique geography, the island delivers everything from mellow, beginner-friendly waves to thrilling reef breaks that challenge even the most experienced surfers.

One of Bali's standout features is its dual-season surfing advantage. From April to October, the west coast comes alive with prime conditions, while the east coast takes over from November to February. This means surfers can enjoy great waves year-round by simply switching coasts with the seasons.

The island’s coastline is dotted with world-class surf spots. On the Bukit Peninsula, legendary breaks like Uluwatu, Padang Padang, and Bingin attract advanced surfers, while Canggu’s more forgiving waves are perfect for those honing their skills. During the wet season, the east coast offers consistent barrels at spots like Keramas.

Getting to Bali is straightforward, with international flights landing directly on the island. Once there, the cost of living caters to all budgets. You can enjoy a delicious plate of nasi campur for just $2 or find accommodations ranging from $20 to $500 per night. Bali’s rich traditions and welcoming culture make the experience even more special. And with its deep-rooted surf heritage, the Indonesian Surfing Association (ISA) actively supports and uplifts the local surf scene.

How the ISA Supports Bali's Surf Community

The Indonesian Surfing Association plays a pivotal role in preserving and growing Bali’s surf culture. By collaborating with local surf clubs, the ISA helps nurture emerging talent and promote high-quality coaching. Through the Liga Surfing Indonesia (LSI), a dynamic competition series, surfers from across the island come together to showcase their skills. This initiative is a joint effort between the Asian Surf Cooperative (ASC) and Persatuan Selancar Ombak Indonesia (PSOI), creating a clear pathway for local surfers to progress in the sport.

In November 2023, the AMMAN Liga Surfing Indonesia Grand Final, presented by BINTANG Crystal, was held at Kuta Beach. This event brought together top surfers from various Balinese clubs, highlighting how organized competitions elevate the local surf scene. The LSI includes nine prominent surf clubs, such as Bingin Boardriders, Halfway Kuta Boardriders, Uluwatu Boardriders, and Canggu Surf Community, among others.

Beyond competitions, the ISA emphasizes professional growth within Bali’s surf community. For instance, Solid Surf House in Canggu offers ISA-certified surf instructor courses. These programs, which range from 4 to 12 weeks, cost around $2,800 for 4 weeks and $6,000 for 12 weeks. They include extensive training, surf trips to destinations like Lembongan, Lombok, and G-Land, as well as video analysis and freediving workshops.

Grassroots development is another key focus. The ISA partners with local clubs to identify and nurture young talent, providing resources, training, and platforms for surfers to transition from recreational to professional levels.

Through these efforts, the ISA not only strengthens Bali’s reputation as a world-class surf destination but also ensures the island remains a thriving hub for surf culture and competition in Southeast Asia.

If you’re eager to dive into Bali’s surf scene, Find Surf Camp Bali is a great resource. It offers detailed information on surf camps across the island, helping surfers find the perfect match for their skills and preferences - all while supporting the local community.

How the ISA is Organized and What It Does

ISA Leadership and Regional Partners

The PSOI, or the Indonesian Surfing Federation, is currently led by Pandu Sjahrir, who serves as Chairman for the 2023–2027 term, succeeding Arya Subyakto (2019–2022). Supporting him is Tipi Jabrik, the organization's Secretary-General. Sjahrir has acknowledged the solid groundwork laid by his predecessor and emphasized the importance of the team's trust in his leadership. Together, this leadership team drives the initiatives and programs that define the PSOI's mission.

Main Events and Programs

Under its leadership, the PSOI runs programs that are central to Bali's thriving surf culture. At the heart of these efforts is the Liga Surfing Indonesia (LSI), a competitive series designed to sharpen the skills of Indonesian surfers. Former Chairman Arya Subyakto highlighted the critical role of LSI in fostering competitive excellence:

"From the viewpoint of the PSOI, the most important contribution the LSI will make to Indonesian surfing is to make our surfers better competitors."

Beyond competitions, the PSOI places a strong emphasis on education and certification. The organization actively supports surf instructor training across Indonesia, with a particular focus on Bali, where the demand for skilled instructors is high. These programs include training in coaching, judging, water safety, and adaptive surf instruction, all aimed at meeting international standards.

Youth development is another key component of the PSOI's work. Collaborating with Olympic Solidarity, the organization has supported initiatives like the May 2025 youth development program in Oceania. This program brought together 15 athletes from eight nations for high-performance training sessions led by Olympians. While this specific initiative was geared toward Oceania, it underscores the broader opportunities available through PSOI's network.

These domestic efforts are further bolstered by partnerships with international surf organizations.

Working with International Surf Organizations

The PSOI maintains a strong relationship with the International Surfing Association (ISA), which connects 117 member nations across five continents to promote surfing on a global scale. This partnership provides Indonesian surfers with access to international competitions and advanced training techniques. Through the ISA’s initiatives, over 10,500 coaches in 75+ countries have been certified, aligning with the organization’s mission to "make a better world through surfing...connecting the global surfing community by driving accessibility and universal participation".

One standout program is the ISA/ILS Water Safety Program, which equips Indonesian surf instructors and coaches with crucial safety training. Additionally, the PSOI benefits from regional connections through the Asian Surfing Federation, offering networking opportunities and competition pathways that help local surfers advance to larger stages. The ISA also supports judging certification programs, ensuring Indonesian competitions uphold global standards.

These collaborations have a direct impact on the quality of surfing in Bali and beyond. For example, a recent partnership with Surf City El Salvador saw the ISA implement Level I and Level II training programs for surf schools and certify national judges. Such initiatives not only raise the bar for domestic competitions but also ensure that Indonesian surfers remain competitive on the international stage.

How to Connect with the ISA and Find Bali Surf Camps

Joining the ISA or Working Together

Bali’s surf culture thrives on a strong sense of community and skill-building, and becoming part of the International Surfing Association (ISA) is a fantastic way to grow both professionally and personally in this space. Membership in the ISA not only sharpens your abilities but also opens doors to global opportunities.

If you’re an aspiring surf instructor, the ISA Introductory Surf Instructing E-Learning Course is a great starting point. It costs $100 USD and lays the foundation for the ISA’s coaching and instructing pathway. For those drawn to the judging side of surfing, the ISA E-Learning Judging Course is available for $60 USD.

Organizations or individuals interested in broader collaboration can explore partnerships with the Asian Surf Cooperative (ASC). This group, which grew out of the Indonesian Surfing Championships, works to support surfing across Asia. Their annual membership fee is IDR 250,000 (around $16 USD) and comes with perks like event entry discounts and partner offers.

A great example of collaboration happened in June 2023, when PSOI and ASC organized ISA Surf Instructor and Judging courses at Mamaka by Ovolo Resort in Kuta. The ISA Surf Level 1 Instructor Course brought together 15 participants, including 13 from Indonesia, one from Denmark, and one from Malaysia.

If you’re ready to take your skills to the waves, finding the right Bali surf camp is the next logical step.

Choosing a Surf Camp in Bali

When picking a surf camp in Bali, focus on those with ISA-certified instructors, solid safety measures, and well-structured programs. These camps are central to Bali’s reputation as a global surfing hotspot.

A handy tool for comparing options is Find Surf Camp Bali. This directory provides detailed insights into camp locations, amenities, instructor qualifications, and suitability for different skill levels. Whether you’re a beginner, intermediate, or advanced surfer, you can find camps tailored to your needs. Many camps also offer extras like yoga sessions and video analysis to enhance your experience.

Key things to look for in a camp include a structured curriculum that covers ocean conditions, wave dynamics, and equipment management. Ensure that the camp maintains a manageable coach-to-student ratio and that instructors are certified in CPR and lifesaving techniques.

Professional surfer and surf school owner Dede Suryana underscored the value of proper instruction during ISA training:

"I came to learn how to teach in the proper way, as the most important thing for me as a teacher is that the people I teach are happy and safe... As the ISA is the top organization in the world for teaching, this is the best place to learn to teach properly."

What You Get from ISA Membership

Being part of the ISA goes beyond just learning to teach or judge - it’s about joining a global network that sets high standards in surfing. With over 13,500 certified coaches and instructors across 80 countries, the ISA provides a platform for professional growth and international opportunities.

Membership benefits include access to global competitions and advanced training programs. The certification process involves meeting practical requirements, passing a Basic Surf/SUP Skills Assessment, and maintaining current water safety and rescue credentials. Additionally, members are encouraged to connect with their national surfing federation, such as PSOI in Indonesia.

ISA Presenter Jonni Deaker highlighted the program’s impact on professional development:

"The reason I became an ISA Presenter is that I really love coaching surfing... I know it's a thorough and professional program, so I want to help develop a core group of Indonesian instructors and presenters that can not only teach the ISA program here in Indonesia but also can travel around Asia teaching in other countries that have emerging surf communities."

For surfers visiting Bali, choosing camps with ISA-certified instructors ensures you’re learning from professionals who adhere to international standards. These instructors undergo rigorous training and stay updated on the latest teaching techniques and safety practices, giving you a safer and more enriching experience on the waves.

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Finals Day Highlights | 2024 Liga Surfing Indonesia Grand Final | Asian Surf Co

Conclusion: Why the ISA Matters for Indonesian Surfing

The Indonesian Surfing Association (ISA) has played a pivotal role in shaping the surfing scene in Indonesia. Through initiatives like the Liga Surfing Indonesia - Asia's first surfing league - the ISA has created competitive opportunities for surfers across the country. For instance, the 2022 Finals brought together 197 surfers from 15 clubs, showcasing the growing talent pool and enthusiasm for the sport.

"Now Surfing is an Olympic sport, and is included in Asian multi-sport events such as the Asian Beach Games, South East Asian Games and others. The Indonesian Surfing sport has the potential to contribute to the pride of the country and the nation through the achievements of its surfers."
– Arya Subyakto, PB.PSOI General Chair

Beyond competitions, the ISA has raised the bar for surf training and safety standards. Certification programs ensure that surf instructors meet international guidelines, enhancing the quality of instruction at Bali surf camps. A standout example is the Rip Curl School of Surf Mamaka by Ovo, which holds certifications as an IKO, ISA SUP, and surf school - the only one of its kind in Indonesia.

The ISA has also embraced modern tools to elevate competitive surfing. Its collaboration with the Asian Surf Cooperative introduced LiveHeats, a platform that streamlines competition management and surfer rankings. This modernization solidifies Bali's reputation as a premier global surf destination. As Arya Subyakto aptly put it, "The key to success is to provide surfers with experience or competitive flying hours".

By joining ISA-certified programs, surfers not only gain access to world-class training but also become part of a global surfing network spanning 117 countries. This connection fosters international exchange while maintaining the unique essence of Indonesia's local surf culture.

The ISA also leverages surfing as a tool for sustainable community growth, boosting local economies and bringing international recognition. This approach deepens the appreciation of Bali's vibrant surf culture and highlights the broader impact of surfing on Indonesian communities.

FAQs

How does the Indonesian Surfing Association help develop Bali's local surfing talent?

The Role of the Indonesian Surfing Association in Bali

The Indonesian Surfing Association (PSOI) is instrumental in supporting and developing local surfing talent in Bali. By hosting national competitions like the Liga Surfing Indonesia, the organization offers surfers a chance to display their abilities and gain visibility on a broader scale.

Beyond competitions, the PSOI runs initiatives like the Grom Patrol Surf Series, which focuses on mentoring young surfers. Programs like these ensure that emerging talent receives the guidance and opportunities they need to thrive. These efforts are shaping a strong foundation for Bali’s surfing community, helping it grow and gain recognition in the surfing world.

What does the Indonesian Surfing Association do to support Indonesian surfers in global competitions?

The Indonesian Surfing Association (PSOI) plays a key role in elevating surfing in Indonesia while preparing local surfers to shine globally. By offering training programs, resources, and international competition opportunities, the PSOI helps Indonesian surfers develop their skills and proudly represent their country on the world stage.

But the PSOI’s mission goes beyond just competitions. It’s also focused on building recognition for surfing as a sport, both within Indonesia and internationally. Through its efforts, the association is growing the local surf community and inspiring more people to dive into the world of surfing.

What role does the Indonesian Surfing Association play in boosting Bali's surf tourism economy?

The Indonesian Surfing Association (ISA) plays a major role in shaping Bali's surf tourism. By promoting surfing and supporting the creation of surf-friendly facilities, they help attract surfers from around the globe. This influx not only benefits local businesses but also reinforces Bali's status as a top-tier surf destination.

The ISA also hosts prominent events like the Asian Beach Games, which shine an international spotlight on Bali's thriving surf culture. These initiatives have a big economic impact, with surf tourism contributing around $35 million each year. This revenue supports local jobs, surf camps, and various related services, helping to keep Bali's surf scene alive and thriving.