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 · 301+ 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 301+ reviews
Don't take our word for it — here's what the people who actually paddled out with us have to say.
Google Review
“Wonderful experience surfing with Ericeira Waves. I had 3 private lessions with Miguel and it was so nice. He was very conciderate of the conditions of the surf, your surf level/expertice and where to go to get the best experience. Thank you for the chance of surfing this beautiful place and I Will definately come back again.”
Google Review
“I took my first surf lesson with them, they have been super kind with the treatment, I never felt pressured to get out of the water and the instructor Bruno made this first class special through his ability to teach.”
Google Review
“I had 2 amazing private lessons with Bruno. He is very knowledgeable and gives me clear feedback. I feel I improved very quickly and enjoyed the sessions a lot. I recommend to everyone and I will definitely come back to have more lessons and also to explore different areas around Ericeira - best surfing place I’ve been so far in Portugal!”
Google Review
“If you’re planning to take surf lessons in Ericeira, there’s no need to look any further. The instructors of Ericeira waves were incredible! Very encouraging and they give feedback after every wave. Truly professionals at guiding both beginners and more experienced surfers. We had amazing 3 days with the instructors and couldn’t ask any better. Felt really safe with them although the weather was a bit rough on us the first day. Definitely recommend them!”
Google Review
“During our two-month stay in Portugal, we surfed numerous times with Miguel and his team - and every session was a real pleasure. The coaches were not only skilled and supportive but also made us feel safe and confident in the water. We learned a lot, progressing from complete beginners to intermediate level, and we already miss the waves (and the team) more than we expected. Highly recommended.”
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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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.
