Beginners, intermediate and advanced surf lessons

Experience the Waves with Ericeira Waves Surf School
Located in the heart of Portugal’s renowned Ericeira surfing reserve, this surf school offers beginners, intermediate, and advanced lessons that promise to sharpen your skills or start you off on your surfing journey. For around $63.86 per person, you get roughly 2 hours of expert-guided instruction, including theory, warm-up, and 1.5 hours of actual surfing in the famous Ribeira d’Ilhas beach area.

What we love most is their focus on quality over quantity—using top brands like Rip Curl and Ocean and Earth—and the personalized attention from accredited instructors like Bruno, who reviews highlight as meticulous and encouraging. Plus, the small group sizes, maxing at just six participants, mean you’ll get plenty of individual feedback, which really boosts confidence and progress.

A potential consideration is that this experience requires moderate physical fitness—so if you’re pushing yourself to the max physically, be prepared. Also, meals and drinks aren’t included, so it’s wise to bring some snacks or plan to grab lunch afterward to refuel.

This tour suits those seeking a safe, well-organized, and friendly environment—perfect for families, solo travelers, or groups of friends eager to learn or improve their surfing skills in a stunning coastal landscape. If you’re after authentic instruction with top equipment and attentive guides, this is a great choice.

Key Points

• Top-rated surf school: Consistently praised with a perfect 5.0/5 score from 58 reviews.
• Experienced instructors: Bruno and others are noted for being meticulous, friendly, and encouraging.
• Small group sizes: Max 6 people for personalized coaching, which enhances learning and safety.
• Quality gear included: Surf suits, boards, and boots from trusted brands like Rip Curl and Ocean and Earth.
• Ideal location: Ribeira d’Ilhas, a well-known and beginner-friendly surf spot within the Ericeira Marine Reserve.
• Flexible scheduling: Open daily from 8:00 AM to 9:00 PM, with easy online booking and WhatsApp communication.

The Complete Breakdown: Why This Surf Experience Stands Out

Location and Setting

Your surf lessons are based at Estacionamento Praia de Ribeira d’Ilhas, a spot celebrated for its consistent, beginner-friendly waves. The setting offers stunning views of the Atlantic, and the location’s proximity to public transportation makes it accessible for most travelers. Many reviews highlight how the waves are perfect for different skill levels, making it an ideal starting point for newcomers while offering enough challenge for intermediates and advanced surfers.

The Instruction

The 2-hour lessons are structured to maximize learning and enjoyment. The instructors, notably Bruno, are described as meticulous and enthusiastic, giving personalized feedback that helps even nervous beginners get up on their boards with confidence. The theory component includes a brief history of surfing, safety rules, and equipment explanations, which is particularly helpful for first-timers. Then, through warm-up exercises, you’ll prepare your body for the water before heading out for approximately 1.5 hours of actual surfing.

Equipment and Safety

Included in the price are Billabong surfing suits, wetsuits, and boots—a significant advantage, as it guarantees you’ll have top-quality, well-fitting gear. Many reviews remark on the reliability of the equipment, which boosts confidence and safety. The focus on safety and environmental awareness is evident; the team emphasizes zero risk experiences, and accredited instructors follow strict safety protocols.

Group Size and Personal Attention

What truly sets Ericeira Waves apart is their commitment to small groups—never more than six students per instructor. Reviewers repeatedly mention how this allows more tailored coaching. One reviewer noted, “Bruno was our meticulous and enthusiastic instructor and he gave us really individual feedback,” which clearly demonstrates the value of this setup.

Customer Experience and Communication

Booking is described as smooth and reliable, primarily via WhatsApp, with many reviewers praising the excellent communication. The staff’s responsiveness and professionalism help ease nerves, especially for those new to surfing or visiting from abroad. The flexible schedule, open from early morning to late evening, suits various itineraries and weather conditions.

Pricing and Value

At $63.86 per person for a comprehensive 2-hour lesson, this experience offers excellent value—especially considering high-quality equipment, small groups, and expert instruction. Many reviews emphasize the professionalism and friendliness of the staff, making it feel like a personalized experience rather than a generic group lesson.

Who Will Love This?

If you’re a beginner eager to learn in a safe environment, or someone with some surfing experience looking to refine your technique with expert feedback, this tour hits the mark. It’s also perfect for families with children, as many reviews mention how friendly and accommodating the coaches are, making it a fun and relaxed way to connect with the ocean.

In-Depth: What to Expect from Your Surf Lesson

The Arrival and Meeting Point

You’ll start at the Estacionamento Praia de Ribeira d’Ilhas, a convenient and scenic spot just outside the main surf area. The friendly staff welcomes you, and from there, you’ll board an air-conditioned vehicle for a short ride to the surf zone if needed. Many travelers appreciate the easy-to-find meeting point and the ability to coordinate via WhatsApp beforehand.

The Theory Session

Once on-site, the instructor gives a brief presentation about surfing’s history, the best types of boards for your skill level, and important safety rules. Reviewers have noted that these explanations are clear and helpful, especially for those new to the sport. This part of the lesson sets the foundation, helping you understand how to stay safe and optimize your time in the water.

Warm-up and Preparation

Before hitting the waves, you’ll do warm-up exercises that focus on flexibility and muscle activation—crucial for preventing injury and making paddling easier. This step is especially appreciated by those who’ve experienced soreness after previous lessons or sessions.

In-Water Practice

The core of the experience is about 1.5 hours in the water, where you’ll get hands-on practice. The instructors will guide you through paddling, pop-ups, and riding waves suited for your skill level. Many reviews praise Bruno’s attentiveness and customized feedback, which make all the difference when you’re trying to stand on the board for the first (or tenth) time.

Equipment and Weather Considerations

The top-quality gear provided ensures comfort and safety. Since weather and tide conditions influence the surf, the school adapts lesson timing accordingly—reviewers appreciate how well the team communicates about these adjustments. If weather causes cancellations or rescheduling, full refunds or alternative dates are straightforward, thanks to the free cancellation policy.

Post-lesson Reflection

After the water session, many travelers comment on how encouraged and motivated they felt, thanks to the supportive coaching style. The lesson ends back at the meeting point, with plenty of tips for improving your technique if you decide to continue practicing on your own.

Authentic Feedback from Those Who’ve Been There

Many reviews highlight the professionalism and friendliness of the staff. One said, “Great location with perfect waves for beginners. Instructors were kind, helpful, and very encouraging,” which sums up the overall vibe. Others mention how organized the service is—”We organised our lessons via WhatsApp from the UK, and the system was very organized upon our arrival,” reported one guest.

The small group size is frequently praised, with survey comments like, “From now on, it’ll always be Bruno & Miguel,” praising their personalized attention. Many also found the equipment quality to be top-notch, making the experience comfortable and safe.

While many are here for beginners, reviews from more experienced surfers mention how the instructors helped refine their technique and take their surfing to the next level. This flexibility makes Ericeira Waves an excellent choice whether you’re just starting out or looking to improve.

Who Should Book This Experience?

This surf school is best suited for those who value personalized coaching and small group sizes. If you’re a first-timer looking for a safe, instructive environment, you’ll appreciate the thorough explanations and attention to safety.

Likewise, intermediate surfers wanting detailed feedback and tips will find this a worthwhile investment. Families and groups of friends, especially with mixed skill levels, will love the friendly, inclusive vibe.

It’s not ideal for travelers seeking luxury or all-inclusive packages—meals and drinks aren’t included, and long days aren’t part of this experience. But if your goal is authentic instruction with high-quality gear and a stunning setting, this surf lesson in Ericeira is tough to beat.

The Sum Up: Is This the Surf Experience for You?

In essence, Ericeira Waves Surf School offers a well-organized, high-value surf lesson experience that balances professionalism, safety, and fun. The small classes and top-tier gear ensure personalized attention, which is crucial for beginners and those looking to improve. The location provides a beautiful backdrop and waves suited to all levels, making it a true highlight in Portugal’s surfing scene.

If you’re ready to learn or refine your surfing skills in a relaxed, friendly environment, and appreciate good communication and dependable equipment, this is a fantastic choice. Whether you’re traveling solo, with family, or with friends, you’ll leave feeling more confident—and eager to catch your next wave.

For travelers seeking a practical, enjoyable, and authentic surf experience, Ericeira Waves delivers all that and more—an excellent way to connect with the ocean and create lasting memories.

FAQ

What is included in the price?
You’ll get surf suits, wetsuits, and boots from trusted brands, along with professional instruction in a small group setting.

How long is the lesson?
Each lesson lasts around 2 hours, with about 1.5 hours in the water, giving plenty of time for practice and coaching.

Can I book last-minute?
Yes, the tour is often booked 8 days in advance on average, and open daily from 8:00 AM to 9:00 PM, with flexible scheduling.

Are the instructors qualified?
Absolutely. The teachers are accredited by IPDJ and FPSurf, ensuring a safe and professional experience.

Is transportation provided?
Yes, an air-conditioned vehicle is included for pickup and drop-off, making logistics straightforward.

What if the weather is bad?
The experience is weather-dependent, but if canceled, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Is this experience suitable for children?
Many reviews mention family-friendly atmosphere and small group sizes, making it suitable for teenagers and children with some physical fitness.

If you’re dreaming of catching your first wave or improving your style, this surf lesson in Ericeira is a dependable, enjoyable choice—beautiful coastal views, top-notch gear, and friendly, expert guides await.