Surfing Kalim Beach
Updated for 2026
Kalim Reef, located just north of Patong on Phuket’s west coast, is a shallow, rocky reef break famous among local surfers. It offers a distinct, rugged alternative to Phuket’s traditional sandy beaches.
Kalim Patong Surfing Contest 2026
The Kalim Patong Surfing Contest will be held at Kalim Beach from September 18–20, 2026, with shortboard and longboard divisions for men, women, juniors and masters.
If you’re in Phuket during these dates, it’s a good chance to see some of Thailand’s surfers competing at one of Phuket’s best-known surf breaks.
Kalim Beach Surfing Conditions
| Winds | South-east to north-east |
|---|---|
| Tides | Mid to high |
| Swell | 0.5 to 3 metres |
| Waves | Intermediate |
| Surf Details | Coral reef bottom |
Where is Kalim Beach?
As you come down the last hill heading south from Nakalay Bay you will see Patong in the distance. Just as you round the last bend at the bottom, on the right, just past the White Box Restaurant, is Kalim Beach. Alternatively it is the far northern end of Patong Bay.
Kalim is close enough to Patong to be easy to reach, but the surf has a very different feel from the main beach breaks. It is a reef wave, not a soft sandy beginner beach, so it suits surfers with a bit more experience.
Surfing Kalim Reef
Kalim Beach is regarded as one of the better surf breaks on Phuket. It is a shallow coral right hand reef break with the occasional left. When the surf is too big elsewhere Kalim is a good option, as it is a bit protected from the swell. On these big days there are rideable waves further out towards the headland.
The wave ride is about 50-100 metres long and gets very shallow at the end. At times Kalim can be crowded, but friendly. It doesn’t mean however, there won’t be days when you can get a wave to yourself. Paddle out directly in front of the break and veer to the left as you get closer to the breaking waves.
Kalim is best on a mid tide and holds swell from 0.5 up to 3 metres. It is also protected from northerly winds.
Local Note
Kalim is not really a beginner surf spot. The reef is shallow, the take-off area can get busy, and the end section gets very shallow. If you are still learning, Bang Tao or Kata are usually better places to start. At Kalim, watch the local surfers first, check the tide, and do not paddle straight into the pack unless you know what you are doing.
Kalim Surf Contest
Kalim has a long local surfing history and has held surfing contests in collaboration with the Kalim Reef Surfers and local Phuket surfing groups.
Contest dates can change from year to year, so if you are planning a trip around a surf contest, it is best to check local announcements closer to the surf season.
Kalim Storm Damage in 2004
In 2004 Phuket had heavy rains, and Phuket’s average monthly rainfall fell in one day. The massive amount of water from this washed away the Kalim road and a few cars and motorbikes with it. Patong and surrounding areas were under 4 feet of water.
Learning to Surf in Phuket
Kalim is a good wave when you already have some experience, but it is not the best place for learning to surf. If you are a beginner, the protected southern end of Bang Tao Beach is usually a much better option.
We have done our best to go surfing in Thailand as much as possible and to include our personal experiences of this beach and other surf spots in Thailand. Since 2000, we are the original Surfing Phuket guide someone’s gotta do it!!
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