This week, we’re heading to the beating heart of Canggu’s surf scene—Batu Bolong. If you’ve ever dreamed of learning to surf in Bali, this is probably the place you pictured: long, rolling waves, warm tropical water, and a lively lineup packed with learners, locals, and traveling wave-chasers.

We’ll break down everything you need to know about surfing Batu Bolong, from what makes the waves beginner-friendly to the reality of the crowds (and the occasional runaway longboard). You’ll get the lowdown on the best seasons to visit, water quality tips, and what to wear so you don’t roast under the Balinese sun. Plus, we’ll share our favorite spots for a post-surf smoothie bowl, a sunset Bintang, and a little retail therapy.

Whether you’re planning your first surf trip or just want to daydream about warm water and mellow waves, this is your Batu Bolong primer.

In this episode, we trace the surprisingly nerdy, wartime origins of the modern wetsuit. From Hugh Bradner’s experiments with neoprene in the 1950s to Jack O’Neill’s surf shop innovations and the rise of Body Glove, learn how a few cold-water pioneers made it possible to surf year-round—without turning into a popsicle. We’ll also break down what actually keeps you warm in a wetsuit, why seam construction matters, and which zipper style surfers can’t stop arguing about.

In this episode, we catch you up on this week's wildest headlines in surfing:

First up, The Wave in Bristol—the UK’s famous wave pool that abruptly shut its doors last week—has supposedly reopened under new ownership.

On the luxury front, pro surfers are dropping brand collabs at every price point. Kelly Slater’s latest with Breitling is the Superocean B31 watch, and Rob Machado has unveiled the $250,000 Rogue Wave surf van.

Meanwhile in Sri Lanka, Weligama’s beginner-friendly surf scene has been shaken by the demolition of unauthorized surf school structures.

Over in Florida, a surfer survived one of the most Florida things ever: getting headbutted by a leaping spinner shark.

And finally, it’s almost time for SurfAid’s Make a Wave fundraiser, where surfers worldwide commit to surfing 30 days straight in September to raise money for clean water, healthcare, and food security in remote surf communities.