I showed up to surf camp solo once and walked away with a community I keep coming back for
I met Chloe Lee after a sunset yoga class on a wooden deck inside our surf camp in Bali, Indonesia. She spun around excitedly when she heard me tell someone I was from Singapore too, and we bombarded each other with questions.
Later that evening, at a Friday-night barbecue, the 22-year-old financial advisor told me it was her fifth visit to the camp. It explained why she knew every staff member, the two camp cats, and the fluffy white camp dog by name. We passed around lemongrass-scented bug spray and chatted about why young people like us are drawn to adventure sports.
Over poke bowls after an intense surf session, we caught up again and talked about what kept bringing her back to the island.
Our chats have been edited for length and clarity; the following is in Lee’s words.
My introduction to surfing was through my partner, who told me about it in late 2023. We took a surf trip with some of our friends, and when I tried it, I actually enjoyed it. It was really scary, but I was surprised that I could stand up and catch some waves.
It took me one more trip — this time in Bali — before I decided that I definitely wanted to do this again.
In 2024, I had been working at JPMorgan for a year and felt very burned out. I decided to go on my first solo trip and chose to go surfing. I picked Bali again because it was close to home, and I did tons of research on different surf camps before settling on one. I wanted to improve at surfing, but a key criterion was also being able to meet new people.
These trips can be expensive, and taking days off means losing the commission I earn from onboarding new clients. But the mindset among Gen Z is shifting. It’s about seeing things on Instagram and TikTok and using your adult money to treat yourself and do something your parents didn’t dare to do before.
Coming back for the community
I’ve visited this camp four times since my first solo trip. One reason that keeps drawing me back is the instructors, their technique, and the familiarity I have built with them.
I really enjoy the communityhostel-like environment of the surf camp. I know that even if I come by myself, I will have a good time with other people. I’ve brought other friends and my partner since, and we always have a group to hang out with.
I love that I stay in touch with the other surfers, most of whom live across the world. I can always follow influencers and see how people in different places live, but this feels so much more personal. I’ve also become close friends with several people from Singapore who are here. We play pickleball together, and one of them has even become my client.
Surfing isn’t popular in Singapore, and I feel like I’ve found people I can share my new hobby with. We have a group chat and send each other memes or content related to surfing, something my main group of friends can’t relate to. Picking this up has also helped me bond with new people I meet back home, since most people are surprised to find someone who surfs regularly.
Different from other trips and sports
My surf trips are unlike any other travel experience — I feel like I’m truly on a getaway, rather than when I’m on trips where sightseeing, shopping, or food are the focus. I’ve realized that I don’t interact with anybody else on regular trips. Here, I’m constantly engaging with people over meals or while we’re in the water.
It’s also so different from any other sport I’ve tried. I’m fully immersed when I’m in the water — I’m not thinking about work or anything back home. My attention is on catching the right waves, making my turns better, and avoiding injuries.
I’m a very risk-averse person, and I still get scuffed surfing. However, the end result is so fulfilling that the element of danger feels worthwhile. For me, it’s the adrenaline high of knowing I’m doing something that I thought I could not.
Telling people I surf makes me feel proud and cool, like I’m doing something different. So many people have also asked me to bring them along when I go next.
Surfing changed me at home
Another thing I love about these trips is that I’m getting my body moving and being active, especially since I didn’t do a lot of exercise back home.
Surfing is physically demanding, and it’s forced me to watch my health more. I never thought I’d try yoga until I realized I needed a lot of hip mobility and flexibility to improve my surfing. I’ve signed up for yoga classes and now go regularly back home.
It’s also an escape from the bustle and stress back homewhere people are obsessed with talking about work and LinkedIn milestones. When I come here, conversations are different. I’ve met tech founders, digital nomads, and people who are traveling full time.
Surfing has also given me confidence and changed my mindset about a few things. It reminded me that I can do hard things and that I enjoy being uncomfortable. Waiting for waves has also taught me how to be patient and be aware of timing, which has translated into how I live and my relationships back home.
I want to try more, maybe snowboarding next.
