Our Story
About us
Surf With Aldo started in Canggu, Bali in 2014, with a simple idea: personal surf coaching, good vibes and helping people feel confident in the water. What started small grew into a close team of experienced Indonesian surf coaches, many of whom have been surfing and teaching with us for years.
After 12 years in Bali, 2026 brings a new chapter: Surf With Aldo Kuta, Lombok. A second island, new waves and the same approach we’ve had from the beginning. Personal, safe and, most importantly, fun.
We started small, grew steady and still like to keep things personal.
Our Team
Get to know us
Aldo
Owner & Head Surf Coach
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Born and raised in Indonesia and at home in the waves of Bali, Aldo has spent years surfing, coaching and getting to know the local breaks. After working at surf camps and as a freelance instructor, he started Surf With Aldo in Canggu in 2014.
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His approach is simple: personal coaching, the right conditions and plenty of fun in the water. Twelve years later, Surf With Aldo has grown into a close team and expanded to a second location in Kuta, Lombok.
Ilman
Senior Surf Coach
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Ilman was born and raised on Nias Island in North Sumatra, where he first learned to surf. In 2017, he moved to Bali and started working at a surf camp before eventually joining the Surf With Aldo team.
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Years later, he’s still one of the familiar faces of our team. Calm, experienced and always happy to share his surf knowledge, Ilman helps surfers feel confident in the water, from catching their first waves to improving their skills.
Ilman
Senior Surf Coach
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Ilman was born and raised on Nias Island in North Sumatra, home to some of Indonesia’s most famous waves and the place where he first learned to surf. In 2017, he moved to Bali and started working at a surf camp before eventually joining Surf With Aldo.
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Years later, he’s still part of the team. Calm, experienced and always happy to share his love for surfing, Ilman knows how to make both first waves and progressing to the next level feel good.
Historis
Senior Surf Coach
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Historis grew up on Nias Island in North Sumatra and started surfing when he was just eight years old. Surfing quickly became part of his everyday life, giving him years of experience in the water before eventually joining the Surf With Aldo team.
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For Historis, surfing is something to enjoy and share. He loves passing on his experience, building confidence in the water and helping surfers progress, whether they’re catching their very first wave or ready to take their skills further.
Our Values
Important to us
01
Personal Coaching
No two surfers are the same. We adapt our coaching to your level, confidence and goals, from your very first wave to improving your technique.
02
Safety First
Good surfing starts with the right conditions. We look at the tide, swell and your experience before deciding when and where to surf.
03
Respect the Ocean
Surfing is more than standing on a board. We teach you to understand the ocean, respect other surfers and feel confident in the water.
04
Keep It Fun
Progress matters, but enjoying the ride does too. We keep our lessons relaxed, personal and fun, because that’s how we like to surf ourselves.
Our Journey
From Bali to Lombok
2014
Where it started
While working at surf camps and in a local surf shop, Aldo starts teaching his own clients in Canggu. The first steps towards Surf With Aldo are made.
2019
A home at Batu Bolong, Canggu
Surf With Aldo gets its own board storage at a local warung in Batu Bolong. The team grows too, with two regular surf instructors joining Aldo in the water.
2016
Going freelance
Aldo joins a beach bar in Canggu as a freelance surf instructor, teaching his own clients directly from the beach and slowly building his name.
2026
Looking towards Lombok
With Canggu running strong, Aldo starts exploring the idea of a second surf school in Lombok. The first half of the year is spent researching, planning and preparing everything behind the scenes.
2018
Surf With Aldo takes shape
A website goes live, the first own surf equipment arrives and Surf With Aldo becomes a real independent surf school. Aldo teaches all clients himself, with occasional help from freelance instructors.
2026
Hello, Lombok!
It's september. Surf With Aldo officially opens in Kuta, Lombok. New surfboards are prepared and shipped to the island, while Aldo starts splitting his time between Bali and Lombok.