Surfboard Rentals in Lombok: Complete Guide to Prices & Board Types

Why Board Choice Matters More Than You Think

The difference between a frustrating surf session and the ride of your life often comes down to one thing: the board under your feet. In Kuta Lombok, where waves range from knee-high rollers to overhead barrels, having the right equipment transforms your experience.

Unlike destinations where one board fits most conditions, Lombok's variety of surf spots demands flexibility. The mellow walls of Selong Belanak call for different equipment than the punchy reef breaks of Gerupuk Bay. Understanding your options before you arrive saves money, maximizes wave count, and accelerates progression.

Surfboard Types Available in Lombok

Soft-Top Foam Boards (Foamies)

Best for: Complete beginners, first-time surfers, kids

Price range: 50,000-100,000 IDR per hour / 150,000-250,000 IDR per day

Foam boards dominate the beginner lesson scene for good reason. Their buoyant, forgiving construction makes catching waves easier and falling safer. The soft deck won't give you a black eye when a wave sends the board flying.

Most rental foamies in Lombok are 8-9 feet long – enough volume to paddle easily and stability to find your balance. If you've never surfed before, start here. No exceptions.

Where to find them: Every beach with learners – Selong Belanak, Tanjung Aan, and the beachfront in Kuta.

Longboards (9'0" and above)

Best for: Beginners progressing beyond foam, small wave specialists, soul surfers

Price range: 100,000-150,000 IDR per hour / 250,000-400,000 IDR per day

Once you're comfortable on a foamie, graduating to a fiberglass longboard opens new possibilities. The additional glide catches smaller waves that shortboards miss. The stable platform allows time to find your feet, adjust your stance, and practice cross-stepping.

Lombok's mellow days – when swell drops and shortboarders stay in hammocks – become longboard playgrounds. Selong Belanak on small swells is pure longboard heaven.

Mini-Mals / Funboards (7'0" – 8'6")

Best for: Intermediate surfers, transitioning beginners, all-around versatility

Price range: 150,000-200,000 IDR per hour / 300,000-450,000 IDR per day

The most versatile rental category. Mini-mals combine enough volume to paddle easily with enough maneuverability to start generating speed on the wave face. They're the bridge between learning stability and performance surfing.

If you're comfortable catching green waves but not ready for a shortboard, this is your category. Many surf camps use mini-mals as their intermediate progression board.

Shortboards (5'6" – 6'8")

Best for: Experienced surfers, performance surfing, hollow waves

Price range: 150,000-250,000 IDR per hour / 350,000-500,000 IDR per day

Shortboards reward skill and punish inexperience. The reduced volume demands stronger paddling, better positioning, and precise timing. But when you've developed those abilities, nothing matches their responsiveness.

Gerupuk's reef breaks, Desert Point, and Ekas Bay all suit shortboard surfing when conditions deliver.

Honest assessment: If you need to read an article about surfboard rentals, you probably shouldn't rent a shortboard. Save them for when you've put in the hours.

Fish & Retro Shapes

Best for: Intermediate-to-advanced surfers, small-to-medium waves, style-focused surfing

Price range: 200,000-300,000 IDR per hour / 400,000-600,000 IDR per day

Fish boards – wide, flat, and often twin-finned – excel in Lombok's smaller, mushier conditions. Their extra volume compared to shortboards means easier paddling, while the outline generates speed where performance boards bog down.

Availability varies in Lombok, so ask specifically if you're interested.

Where to Rent Surfboards in Kuta Lombok

Beach Shacks and Local Vendors

The most affordable option, beach vendors line every popular surf spot. Quality varies dramatically. Some boards are well-maintained; others have dings that compromise performance or safety.

Pros: Cheapest prices, convenient locations, no transport required Cons: Limited selection, variable quality, no expert sizing advice

Surf Schools and Camps

Surf schools often rent boards to non-students, and their equipment tends to be better maintained. Staff can advise on board selection based on your ability and the day's conditions.

Pros: Quality equipment, expert advice, often includes transport Cons: Higher prices, may prioritize lesson students

Dedicated Rental Shops

Several shops in Kuta town focus on quality rentals with proper board racks, regular maintenance, and diverse quivers. These work best for multi-day rentals where relationship-building and equipment consistency matter.

Pros: Best equipment, widest selection, multi-day discounts Cons: Need to arrange transport to beaches

Surfboard Rental Prices in Lombok 2025

| Board Type | Hourly Rate | Daily Rate | Weekly Rate | |------------|-------------|------------|-------------| | Foam Board | 50-100K IDR | 150-250K IDR | 700K-1M IDR | | Longboard | 100-150K IDR | 250-400K IDR | 1-1.5M IDR | | Mini-Mal | 150-200K IDR | 300-450K IDR | 1.2-1.8M IDR | | Shortboard | 150-250K IDR | 350-500K IDR | 1.4-2M IDR | | Fish/Retro | 200-300K IDR | 400-600K IDR | 1.8-2.5M IDR |

Prices in Indonesian Rupiah. 1 USD ≈ 15,500 IDR as of 2025.

Pro tip: Negotiate multi-day rates. A week's rental often costs less than five daily rentals.

How to Choose the Right Board Size

The Volume Question

Board volume (measured in liters) determines how easily you paddle and catch waves. More volume = easier paddling = more waves caught.

Beginners: Aim for 60-80+ liters (foam boards, longboards) Intermediates: 45-60 liters (mini-mals, large fish) Advanced: 25-40 liters (shortboards, performance fish)

The Skill-Honesty Test

Be brutally honest about your ability. The ego-board that looks cool but doesn't match your skills leads to frustrating sessions watching waves pass underneath you.

If you haven't surfed in months, add volume. If the waves are small, add volume. If you're tired from yesterday's session, add volume. There's no shame in riding more foam – even professionals step up board size on mellow days.

What to Check Before Renting

Safety Inspection

• Fins: Secure, not loose or cracked
• Leash: No fraying, strong connection points
• Deck: Adequate wax (or bring your own)
• Rails: No deep cracks or delamination
• Nose and tail: No sharp damage that could cut you

Included Items

• Leash: Usually included, sometimes extra
• Wax: Often needs topping up – carry your own
• Board bag: For longer rentals or transport
• Rack pads: If strapping to motorbike or car

Bringing Your Own vs. Renting

Bring Your Board If:

• You're an advanced surfer with specific equipment preferences
• Staying longer than 2 weeks
• Flying with board-friendly airlines (some charge $50-150 each way)
• You need specialty equipment not commonly available

Rent If:

• Traveling light or on budget airlines
• First-time visitors unsure what conditions to expect
• Wanting to try different board types
• Staying less than 2 weeks

Combo Deals: Rentals + Lessons

Many surf schools offer package deals combining equipment rental with instruction. This often represents better value than renting independently, especially for beginners who benefit from guided board selection.

Ask about:

• Multi-day lesson packages with board included for practice sessions
• Surf guide sessions that include appropriate equipment
• Surf camp packages with unlimited board access

Tips for Maintaining Rental Equipment

Even rental boards deserve respect:

1. Rinse with fresh water after each session to remove salt
2. Store in shade – UV damages fiberglass and foam
3. Report any damage immediately to avoid disputes
4. Apply wax as needed for grip
5. Transport carefully – dings happen in transit

Where to Surf with Your Rental

Match your rental to Lombok's diverse spots:

• Foam board: Selong Belanak, Tanjung Aan, Mawun
• Longboard: Selong Belanak, Don Don at Gerupuk, small days anywhere
• Mini-mal: Gerupuk Bay (multiple breaks), Are Guling, Seger
• Shortboard: Gerupuk's outside breaks, Ekas, Desert Point

Ready to get in the water? Check out our surfboard rental service for quality equipment at fair prices, or book a surf lesson that includes all equipment.