Learning to ride the waves of life
Your body stores emotions, and your brain weaves a unique story. What’s yours?
Read more World Surfing Reserve 4.9 · 320+ Google reviews TripAdvisor Travelers' ChoiceCreating surfers since 2014
Learn to surf in Ericeira.
Stand up on your first wave.
Group, private and kids surf lessons in Portugal's only World Surfing Reserve. Federation-certified instructors, all gear included, and the friendliest lineup on the Atlantic coast.
Find your path
What kind of surfer are you about to become?
First time in the ocean
Never touched a board. Our beginner lessons start on sand and have you standing on a wave the same morning.
Start here→I've surfed a bit
You catch whitewater but you're stuck. Our coaching sessions break down exactly what's holding you back — with video review.
See coaching→Here with the kids
Kid-sized boards, kid-paced lessons, qualified coaches. Kids surf lessons from age 8. Parents can join the adult class.
Kids lessons→It's a group thing
Bachelor party? Family trip? Team offsite? Private surf groups — same wave, same memory.
Plan a group →Surf lessons in Ericeira
Pick the lesson that fits your week
Every lesson includes board, wetsuit, federation-certified instructor, water safety supervision, and post-session shower. Just bring a swimsuit, a towel, and a sense of humour.
Packs & Prices
The more you surf, the more you save
Every session is all-inclusive: board, wetsuit, leash, certified instructor, Insurance and a shower. No hidden extras.
Group Lessons
Up to 5 students · 2h
SessionsPricePer sessionYou save
1
€45€45—5
€200€40−€25Private Lessons
1-on-1 · 2h
PersonsPricePer sessionYou save
1
€120€120—2
€200€100−€403–4
€240€80–€60−€120–€240All prices include board, wetsuit, instructor and shower. No booking fee.
View all packs & pricesHow we teach
Our teaching philosophy
Every lesson at Ericeira Waves is built on three pillars — in exactly this order.
PILLAR 1
Safety First
Before anyone touches a board, every student gets a thorough water safety briefing. We monitor conditions daily and always match students to appropriate waves. Every instructor holds a Water Safety Specialist qualification.
PILLAR 2
Make It Fun
Learning to surf should be the highlight of your holiday. Our instructors are energetic, encouraging, and patient. Progress is fastest when you're smiling.
PILLAR 3
Real Progression
We use the Portuguese Surf Federation's progressive methodology. You won't just stand up — you'll understand why, so you can do it again, alone, anywhere in the world.
Your first surf lesson
What to expect on day one
Your first surf lesson will be the best €45 you've spent on this trip. Here's exactly what happens.
01
Land Briefing
30 minutes on the beach. Ocean awareness, surf etiquette, paddling technique, and the pop-up. You practice the movement until it's automatic.
02
Into the Water
Your instructor is in the water with you. We choose the right wave for your level and literally push you into your first one.
03
Stand Up
Most students stand up on their first or second wave. Your instructor captures every milestone for your post-session photos.
04
High Five
You rinse off in our outdoor shower, finalize with a debriefing, and realise you want to book another lesson before lunch.
What our students say
4.9 stars across 320+ reviews
Don't take our word for it — here's what the people who actually paddled out with us have to say.
Google Review
“We had the most amazing experience joining a private surf session with Ericeira waves. We are a family of four - two kids and two adults -, and instead of having to separate into different classes (adults alone and kids alone), we were offered a private session for just the four of us. We were all new to surfing, and we felt so well taken care of - everything was safe and most of all, FUN! We had the most incredible instructor, Mario, who was exceptional good at explaining, patient and the best coach. If you ever consider going surfing - do it! And join Ericeira Waves…they are excellent! Thank you so much guys for creating memories for our family!”
Google Review
“João was an excellent surf instructor! He was friendly, patient, and explained everything clearly, making the lesson enjoyable from start to finish. I had a great experience. It was my first time surfing, I’m a complete beginner, I’m afraid of the water, and I don’t know how to swim. Even so, I really enjoyed the lesson and definitely want to surf again. I highly recommend João, especially if you’re trying surfing for the first time.”
Google Review
“We spent five days taking a beginner’s course with this amazing surf school, and since we just couldn’t get enough, we even extended our class by another day. We highly recommend the school and Bruno’s fantastic team. We felt completely in good hands. We received a great introduction, and thanks to their extensive knowledge, Bruno and João were always able to provide personalized feedback so we could improve. If you’re looking for expertise, motivated coaches, and fun, this is the place for you—highly recommended. We’ll be back soon😀Verena and Laura”
Google Review
“I had an excellent session with Mario looking at how to progress from beginner to intermediate surfing. Mario gave me great advice about what habits I should fix and what to concentrate on going forward. In the session I caught around 15 waves (nice day!) and received solid feedback after each go. Highly recommend!”
Google Review
“Super reliable and well organised surf school, high quality wetsuits, boards and shoes are provided for every session. Bruno and Miguel are excellent coaches- they are incredibly observant and provide spot-on feedback that really helps you improve. On top of that, they’re also super friendly and approachable and really care about their students. We’ll definitely be back!”
Why Ericeira
Europe's only World Surfing Reserve
Ericeira was designated a World Surfing Reserve in 2011 — the first in Europe, and one of only twelve in the world. Here's what that means for your surf lesson.
#1
Surf Reserve in Europe
12
World Surfing Reserves globally
7
World-class breaks within 4km
50 min
From Lisbon by car
World Surfing Reserve
What this means for your lesson
- ✓Consistent, clean Atlantic swell year-round — not just seasonal surf windows.
- ✓Multiple beach breaks at different levels — we match you to the right spot for your ability.
- ✓Protected marine environment and zero industrial development on the coastline.
- ✓A real surf town, not a tourist trap. Locals surf alongside visitors every morning.
The team
Your instructors
Every Ericeira Waves instructor is certified by the Portuguese Surf Federation (FPS), holds a Water Safety Specialist qualification, and has been surfing in Ericeira for at least 5 years.
Mário Santos
Surf Coach and Co-founder
ENESFRPT
Miguel Dias
Surf Coach and Co-founder
ENPT
Bruno Amorim
Surf Coach and Co-founder
ENPT
Gear rental
Boards, wetsuits and e-bikes
Already know how to surf? Rent quality equipment by the half-day or full day. All boards are in excellent condition and regularly maintained.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Not a strong swimmer? Bringing kids? Worried about the weather? We've heard every question. Here are the real answers.
From the blog
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Ericeira is a charming coastal town located in Portugal, just 50 kilometers northwest of Lisbon. Known for its stunning beaches, world-class surfing conditions,…
Read moreReady to catch your first wave?
Join thousands of students who stood up on their first lesson at Ericeira Waves. Spots fill fast in summer — book yours now.
