Anne Joana
Tipped to be one of Asia's surfing paradises it is no surprise Bali is home to some of the best surf shops in Indonesia. Here are the must-shop hotspots for surfers young and old.
Spread out across 500m2 the Quiksilver Boardriders Cafe is perhaps the most unique surf shop travellers come across on a tour of Bali. Occupying pride of place on Jalan Legian the oddly named surf store is at first glance a thriving coffee house with a wide range of snacks and a barbershop to boot downstairs. An homage to surfing great of the past takes centre stage upstairs in an area dubbed "The Snake Pit" where surfers can watch big screen TVs and enjoy a game of pool surrounded by surfing memorabilia and other curios including posters of pro surfer Jake 'The Snake' Paterson. The ground floor of the Quiksilver Boardriders Cafe is where one finds the latest surfing gear from leading brands such as Quiksilver, DC, Moskova and Roxy. Signature boards and swimwear as well as beach accessories are available here alongside sunglasses and Penny and Freedom Dolly skateboards. Surfboards by Dane Reynolds and Channel Island Kelly Slater are also part of the store's extensive catalogue of sports goods which includes fashion items as well.
Located in Seminyak's Jalan Kayu Aya the Deus Warung of Simple Pleasures surf shop is in fact a franchise of the brains behind Canggu's Deus Ex Machina. Often described as a bike shop as well as a surfing gear hub the Deus Warung of Simple Pleasures retails everything from handmade bicycles, fashion accessories to old fashioned surfboards. Offering shoppers a spacious retail floor complete with a coffee bar with sandwiches and other snacks the store specializes in multihued surfboards and an impressive catalogues of surf brands. The shop is open from 7am to 8pm.
The brainchild of Tim Russo and Jake Mackenzie the Drifter Surf Shop is a unique entity in Bali's surf scene as it not merely a retail centre as the venue cuts to the heart of surfing culture and the lifestyle as conceived by the long-time Bali-resident surfers. Situated in Jalan Kayu Aya the eclectically designed store features some of the most mind-blowing creations of surfers and surf gear manufacturers that are redefining the future of the sport. Uninterested in the mass market commercial enterprise of surfing the Drifter Surf Shop is a specialized space for all with a love of surfing and surfing culture. A massive library and a wide range of brands one does not find elsewhere in Bali are available here in addition to memorabilia and great coffee.
Globally renowned lifestyle line O'Neill has its signature outlet in Bali located along Jalan Kayu Aya. As a complete surf store which encompasses everything from clothing to accessories to flip flops O'Neill Store Oberoi is the hottest place in Bali to pick up fashionable swimwear and casual beach wear for the masses. Wet suits are also a specialty here while retro boards and other surfing hear by the world famous brand are also available here alongside vintage posters and other collectibles.
Located on Jalan Legian Rip Curl is one of the most recognized surf shops in all of Bali thanks to its global reputation. Having opened its first retail store in 2011 the flagship outlet of the well-known sport brand offers surfers a concept store with a distinctly Balinese vibe and feel. A board shaping room is also part of the complex while surfers will find the latest surfboards from leading manufacturers at this popular flagship outlet. Visitors based in Samaja Villas Kunti or other Bali luxury villas Seminyak has to offer count among its top rests will be within close range of the shop.
