Back to my Roots, Surfing in Bali at Kuta Beach 🌊🌴
After a high-intensity summer of flying over airbags in Japan, it was time to swap the snowboarding boots for wax and a surfboard. If you know me, you know that even when I’m “on holiday,” I can’t stay away from the board for long!
This August, I spent two incredible weeks back in Bali, and honestly? There is no place on Earth that recharges my batteries quite like this.
Training with the Legend: Mickey Sudena
Even though I was here to relax, I wanted to keep my balance and core sharp. That’s why I headed straight to Kuta Beach to train with Mickey Sudena.
Mickey is an absolute legend in the Balinese surf scene. He has this amazing way of reading the ocean that just makes everything click. We spent our mornings paddling out into the lineup, catching those long, peeling Kuta waves. Surfing is the ultimate cross-training for snowboarding—it keeps my legs strong, my reaction time fast, and my “board feel” at a 10/10. Plus, falling into warm tropical water is a lot nicer than falling on a halfpipe wall!
The Perfect Balance: Training Meets Relaxation
What I love most about a surf trip to Bali is the balance. My days looked a little like this:
- Sunrise: Surf session with Mickey to beat the crowds.
- Mid-morning: Yoga or a quick beach run to stay flexible.
- Afternoon: Total relaxation. Whether it’s hanging out by the pool or watching the sunset with friends, Bali has this “island time” energy that makes you forget about any stress.
It’s the perfect way to stay fit and keep up with my exercise routine without it feeling like “work.” My body feels strong, but my mind feels completely refreshed.
Feeling at Home in the Island Life
Being in Bali isn’t just a trip for me—it’s a homecoming. Even though I travel all over the world for snowboarding, my Indonesian roots are so important to me. There’s a certain smell in the air—a mix of sea salt and incense—that just tells my brain I’m home.
The best part of the day? The food! Nothing beats a post-surf Nasi Campur or a spicy Ayam Betutu from a local warung. Eating local food, speaking the language, and feeling the warmth of the Balinese people is exactly what I needed before the winter season kicks off again.
Bali, you have my heart. Now, I’m ready to take all this ocean energy back to the mountains!
Sampai jumpa,
Zazi 🇮🇩🏄♀️
PS. Follow the adventures of Zazi, the Indonesian Athlete, Teen Model & Snowboard Girl, on Instagram: Click Here !
