Lantis Surfing School: A New Surf Oasis in Selong Belanak
IDNtribune.com – Riding waves with the same enthusiasm they bring to their teaching, Lantis Surfing School in Selong Belanak, Central Lombok, is making significant waves. Established in January 2024, this budding surf school has quickly garnered attention from surf enthusiasts worldwide.
Backed by four seasoned instructors—Jaya Saputra (32), Hamzet (32), Lalu Basri Suratman (34), and Ali Asgar (29)—Lantis Surfing School offers comprehensive surf lessons at an exceptionally affordable rate. For the first two hours, visitors are charged just Rp350,000. The lessons begin with foundational theory before moving on to practical sessions in small and large waves, ensuring every student enjoys a safe and exhilarating learning experience.
Despite being relatively new, Lantis Surfing School stands undaunted against its more established counterparts. Instead, the school is motivated to excel, driven by the passion of its instructors. To date, they have successfully trained over 100 students, ranging from children as young as 8 to adults up to 35 years old. The school’s flexible approach accommodates both individual learners and family groups, making it a top choice for tourists looking to spend their holidays mastering the art of surfing.
Committed to continual growth and delivering unforgettable learning experiences, Lantis Surfing School aims to make Selong Belanak a premier surf destination in Central Lombok. “We hope to keep growing and make Lantis Surfing School a second home for surfing enthusiasts,” said Jaya Saputra, one of the lead instructors.
The dedication and enthusiasm of the Lantis Surfing School team are a testament to the fact that with hard work and commitment, the dream of becoming the best surfing school in Central Lombok is within reach. Offering quality services at reasonable prices, Lantis Surfing School is poised to welcome even more students in the future.
The History of Surfing in Indonesia
Surfing in Indonesia has evolved dramatically since its introduction in the 1930s. Bob Koke, an American surfer, was the pioneer, riding the waves of Kuta Beach in Bali during the mid to late 1930s. His daring adventures paved the way for international surfers to flock to Indonesia.
In the late 1960s and early 1970s, Indonesia’s surf beaches gained global recognition through the surf film Morning of the Earth. This exposure led to an influx of foreign surfers to Bali, establishing the island as a global surfing hub. The sport subsequently spread to other iconic locations like Nias Island, G-Land in Java, and the Mentawai Islands.
A significant milestone was reached in 2003 with the launch of the Indonesian Surfing Championships (ISC) by Tipi Jabrik. The first edition of the championship took place in 2004 in collaboration with Quiksilver. In 2007, surfing was officially recognized as a sport by the International Olympic Committee during the Asian Beach Games in Bali, cementing Indonesia’s status on the global surfing map.
In 2008, ISC formed a crucial partnership with Coca-Cola Amatil Indonesia, a collaboration that lasted nearly five years and led to the establishment of the Asian Surfing Championships (ASC) from ISC’s success.
2013 saw the Rip Curl Cup held at Padang Padang, Bali, where Mega Semadhi from Pecatu emerged victorious. That same year, Bali hosted the Oakley Pro Bali, part of the world tour, further solidifying its status as a premier surfing destination.
Surfing has become a multi-million dollar industry in Indonesia. The income generated includes transportation, accommodation, dining, entertainment, and surfing services and products. Communities in surf spots like Lakey Peak in Sumbawa, Sorake Beach on Nias Island, and Uluwatu Beach in Bali rely heavily on surfing for their livelihood.
International surf brands such as Billabong, Quiksilver, and Oakley operate out of headquarters in Bali, and local governments regularly host ASC surf contests to promote their waves and beaches. It is estimated that surfing generates over half a billion dollars in Bali alone, accounting for more than 10% of the tourism revenue.
Rizal Tanjung was the first Indonesian to compete in the World Qualifying Series (WQS). He won the Indonesian Surfing Championship in 2002 and 2006 and was dubbed “Asia’s Most Recognized Surfer” by Transworld Surf magazine. Rizal also owns two brands, Kurawa and Rizt, and has appeared in numerous surf videos such as Loose Change and Stranger Than Fiction.
Oney Anwar, a surfer from Sumbawa, was the first from his island to compete in the WQS. He learned to surf at Lakey Peak and joined the Rip Curl team at age 10. Moving to Australia under Rip Curl’s young surfer program, Oney gained international recognition and aims to qualify for the World Championship Tour (WCT).
Raditya Rondi has dominated the Asian Surfing Championship since its inception in 2011, winning the title three consecutive years. His achievements have solidified Indonesia as a formidable force in the surfing world.
Meanwhile, in Lombok, surf spots like Gerupuk Inside, Gerupuk Outside, Ekas, and Mawi, located near Selong Belanak, have become favorites among surfers.
Surfing in Indonesia is more than just a sport; it’s a deeply rooted culture that significantly impacts the economy. With its challenging waves and breathtaking scenery, Indonesia remains a paradise for surfers from around the globe. ***
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