The surf and yoga retreat in Bali that you need to know about

Surfing is one of those sports that looks so graceful when others are doing it. I'd always wanted to try it - but after numerous unsuccessful attempts (read wipeouts), I’d pretty much given up.

Step forward Surf Sistas, a British based surf and yoga school from Cornwall, headed up by Kate Czuczman. Along with her expert team of surf instructors and master yogi, Mel Enright, her mission is to provide a safe learning space in the waves, where beginners can learn the basics to standing and more advanced surfers can hone their skills.

Kate runs surf retreats all across the world from Cornwall to Coast Rica via Bali, Indonesia, where I joined them for a 10 day, all female, surf yoga holiday. They also offer co-ed trips.

At the Surf Sistas Bali retreat we had three brilliant female surf teachers who split our 12-person group into various skill levels, so that each of us could receive the right amount of attention to achieve our personal goals. One group for beginners, the second, intermediate, for slightly more experienced surfers and there was also an advanced group, for those who wanted to learn new techniques and brush up on their existing skills.

Location

The trip was split into two destinations. The first half was in trendy surf town, Canguu with its beaches, hipster yogis and Instagram-friendly cafes serving beautiful vegan bowls. The second half was in idyllic Nusa Lembongen, where the boats take you out to the reef to catch the daily surf. It means that you can experience different styles of surfing all in one trip.

The surf lessons

As well as practical sessions in the water, they also offered technical training. We learnt everything from how to read a wave and how waves move in formation to surf etiquette. I loved the theory classes that the girls provided by drawing pictures on the sand with a stick, whilst we basked in the sun. The instructors also give each pupil one to one time and individual analysis to help us improve.

The zen bit

After a full on day of surfing there's nothing better than stretching out all of your tired muscles in a relaxing yoga class with wonder-yogi Mel Enright - it was one of my favourite times of day. Mel is very hands on and good at helping you to master those deep postures, making sure your alignment is perfect.

Every day was packed full of activities and you're invited to get involved in as many or as few as you want to. On top of the daily surf lessons and yoga sessions, you can also go paddle boarding or snorkelling, take a day trip to the lush green paddy fields of Ubud and indulge in massages and treatments at local spas. You can even learn to dive like a mermaid in the spectacular waters at Crystal Bay.

Eating and Drinking

Breakfast is included as part of your stay, but we tended to eat out for lunch and dinner. For a few pounds (usually around £3-4) you can eat and drink like a king (or queen) in Bali.

The verdict

The fact that you're learning alongside like-minded girls who love to travel, meant that we all left our egos at home. It wasn't about our outfits, our jobs, our body shape or anything competitive, it was a real bonding experience where everyone was there to enjoy the trip, learn a new skill and in the process learn a little bit more about ourselves and others too. There is so much time spent out at sea waiting for the next wave, it gives you a lot of time to think.

At the end of the trip, I came away feeling that I could now call myself a surfer. You feel exhausted and exhilarated all at the same time. The excitement of catching a wave balanced with the calm of the yoga and more thoughtful moments out at sea, make it a fulfilling and revitalising trip. Whatever level you are, it’s an empowering experience.

How to get there

Qatar Airways flies six times a day from London Heathrow to Doha, with onward connections to Bali. Prices start from £562 in Economy.

Follow Bonnie Rakhit’s travels on her blog and @bonnierakhit on Instagram and Twitter.