Never been in January before, contemplating the first week or two. Does it constantly piss down? Is there surf? Which side?
I love Bali in Jan m8, for one thing homes flat. Rain tends to fall morning/arvo and if it rains during the day personally I'm happy for things to cool down. Does not usually rain all day, but its possible. Not that it stops you from surfing anyway. If your not with missus/kids. Swiss Bel Hotel behind Hilton is really nice. Best buffet I've had in Bali. Free rides down to Geger but roads round there are super chill to cruise around on a scooter. Some great surf check spots to discover doing some simple exploration. East sides the go, as u know Musa Duas the swell magnet.
However first week of Jan is a big Japanese holiday, I would not recommend that time. No sooner than the 7th or you will experience crowds. Later in the month the better.
And we know how friendly they can be...in groups with aggressive guides pushing them into waves even if you are already up and riding (not to mention the serious lack of ability coefficient to chosen waves ability requirements 
It's alright, the mrs has piked, I'm going island hopping now. Are your travel dates locked in Moch?
Select to expand quotemocha1 said..
And we know how friendly they can be...in groups with aggressive guides pushing them into waves even if you are already up and riding (not to mention the serious lack of ability coefficient to chosen waves ability requirements
Yeah...can be an issue & the following doesn't always help with the most aggressive but usually it does. Same goes for frothing locals without clients & even just other frothing surfers from anywhere. Not talking down to you 2 blokes coz I know ya in the know & not newbs. But for others...what works for me.
Say hello/smile.
Don't paddle for every wave, don't paddle inside people straight away after a wave unless they're fully shoulder hopping. Call people into waves, ask people if they're going if they don't look like they are. Give them a "Yeewww" even if its small & they're not ripping.
Clients for the locals are their bread & butter. They want them to have a good time, return as customers & recommend their friends. If you do things to enhance their experience the locals will really appreciate it.
I give them a thumbs up & say "tanoshii" (good fun), "Sugoi waves" good waves, "psycho" said with enthusiasm for next level sickness..."Ohio gazimus" for good morning, "Konichua" for after lunch.
The Japanese will usually not paddle if your going for a wave & you will often find that unfriendly local is showing you pics/vids/baby photos & chatting to you when you get into the warung for lunch post.
I was surfing the most popular East coast surfspot for Japanese & their guides all last week without issue.
But like anywhere if there are 20 plus surfers in the water, its a one for all, all for one & its more about avoiding the crowds & thats a different story. But it can still be done in Bali no worries 
Select to expand quotemazdon said..
great post Mick - spot on. Attitude is everything! 100%
Select to expand quotemazdon said..
great post Mick - spot on. Attitude is everything! Select to expand quotejbshack said..mazdon said..
great post Mick - spot on. Attitude is everything! 100%
+ 3 
