Putu grew up in a small village near Canggu, just a short walk from the ocean. He rode his first waves at 14, often slipping away to the beach before or after school — sometimes even in his uniform, changing around the corner so he could surf. At the time, surfboards were hard to come by, so he and a few friends took turns sharing one.
Over the years, he went on to become a professional surfer and, by 23, an ISA-certified surf instructor, lifesaver, and head coach. Yet for Putu, surfing has never been only about skill or performance. It is about feeling at ease in the ocean, moving with it, and appreciating the present moment.
Growing up in Bali also shaped his calm, grounded approach to life, which naturally comes through in the way he teaches and connects with guests. When Emma set out to create Pelan Pelan, Putu supported the vision from the start. Not long after, he made the decision to fully commit, leaving his job to build it together. Today, he shares not only his surfing knowledge, but also that deeper bond with the ocean and the relaxed, balanced way of life Bali is known for.