Surf Camp Introduction

Whether you’re new to surfing or honing the basics, our Surf Camp Introduction program is crafted to help you build confidence and master essential techniques. 

With personalized coaching and structured lessons, you’ll learn everything from paddling to riding waves, all while understanding ocean dynamics and surf safety

Our goal is to provide a supportive, fun environment where you can embrace the thrill of catching your first wave. 

Join us on the stunning Portuguese coast for an unforgettable surf adventure!

Day 1: Introduction to surfing

  • Introduction to the instructors and the surf camp.
  • Safety briefing and surf’s etiquette.
  • Basics of surfing, including understanding the surfboard, paddling, popping up and how to read the ocean and wave.
  • Introduction to ocean safety, including how to spot rips and currents, and how to deal with waves and other ocean hazards.
  • Dry-land exercises to practice paddling and popping up on the surfboard.
  • Practice paddling and catching small waves in the white water.

 

Day 2: Surfing in the white water – Part 1

  • Review of the basics from Day 1.
  • Dry-land exercises to practice paddling and popping up on the surfboard.
  • Practice paddling and catching small waves in the white water.
  • Games and activities to improve balance and coordination on the surfboard.

 

Day 3: Surfing in the white water – Part 2

  • Review of Day 2.
  • Dry-land exercises to practice paddling and popping up on the surfboard.
  • Practice paddling and catching small waves in the white water.
  • Introduction to turning on the wave and riding it to the shore.

 

Day 4: Surfing in the green wave – Part 1

  • Review of the techniques from Days 2 and 3.
  • Dry-land exercises to practice paddling and popping up on the surfboard.
  • Practice catching and riding green (unbroken) waves.
  • Introduction to different types of turns, such as the bottom turn and the cutback.
  • Group challenges and competitions to practice surfing skills.
  • Individual video analysis, coaching and feedback to improve surfing skills.

 

Day 5: Surfing in the green wave – Part 2

  • Review of the techniques from previous days.
  • Dry-land exercises to practice paddling and popping up on the surfboard.
  • Practice catching and riding green (unbroken) waves.
  • Practice surfing in the open ocean, including catching waves outside the break and surfing back to the line-up.

 

Overall, the focus of our surf camp is on providing a safe and fun learning environment for participants to improve their surfing skills and confidence in the water. The instructors provide clear and concise instructions, and offer individualized feedback and coaching to help participants progress at their own pace.

Here is the structure template of our surf lessons

(2 hours and 45 minutes):

  1. Dress up the wetsuit and surfboard selection – 10 minutes
  2. Coach briefing and group introduction or feedback and review of previous lessons – 10 minutes
  3. Warm-up and stretching: The instructor will lead the group in a series of warm-up exercises and stretches to prepare their muscles for the physical demands of surfing – 10 minutes
  4. Dry-land paddling and pop-up practice: The instructor will demonstrate and evaluate proper paddling technique and the correct way to perform a pop-up, which is the movement used to get from lying on the board to standing up on it (and other maneuvers) – 10 minutes
  5. Ocean observation – 5 minutes
  6. Surfing time (Part 1) – 40 minutes
  7. Dry-land group discussion and coach feedback/tips – 5 minutes
  8. Surfing time (Part 2) – 40 minutes
  9. Cool down, stretching and group discussion with coach feedback: the instructor will lead the group in a cool-down and stretching session to help prevent muscle soreness. They will also review the key points covered during the lesson and answer any questions the students may have – 15 minutes
  10. Dry out and help organize and pack the surf material – 20 minutes

1. Surfing is often considered to be one of the hardest sports to become proficient in and with the longest learning curve because surfing takes place on a constantly moving and unstable surface. The ocean is a constantly changing and unpredictable environment, where every wave is different. This makes it difficult to develop a consistent and reliable set of skills. The wave is constantly shifting and changing, and surfers must be able to adjust their body position and movements in real-time in order to stay on the board and catch the wave. This requires a high level of physical fitness, coordination and balance, as well as mental focus and concentration. To make it more difficult, the time beginners spend on top of the surfboard actually riding the wave is very limited, compared to other sports. In contrast, skateboarding, for example, takes place on a stable and consistent surface, which makes it easier to practice and master specific techniques and maneuvers. Skateboarders can practice in a controlled environment, such as a skatepark, which allows them to repeat the same tricks and maneuvers over and over again until they are able to execute them consistently.

2. Finding the right location and conditions to learn in: surfing is best learned in an area with gentle, consistent waves and a sandy bottom. It can be difficult to find such conditions on a consistent basis.

3. Developing the necessary physical strength and endurance: surfing is a physically demanding activity that requires a high level of upper body strength and cardiovascular endurance. It can be challenging for beginners to build up these abilities, especially if they are not already in good physical shape.

4. Dealing with fear and anxiety: Surfing can be intimidating, especially for beginners who may be unsure of their abilities or uncomfortable in the ocean. The tip to overcome that is to know and respect our skill level and challenge ourselves slowly into more difficult ocean conditions.

A surfboard is a long, narrow board that is used to ride waves in the ocean. It is typically made of foam and covered with a layer of fiberglass and a layer of epoxy resin.

The anatomy of a surfboard includes the following parts:

  1. Nose: The front of the surfboard, also known as the “nose,” is pointed and rounded. It is designed to slice through the water and is the part of the surfboard that is used to control the direction of the board when surfing.
  2. Deck: The deck is the top surface of the surfboard that you stand on when surfing. It is typically covered with a layer of foam or grippy material to help you maintain your footing.
  3. Rails: The rails are the edges of the surfboard, located on either side of the deck. They help to determine the shape and performance of the surfboard, and are typically either round or square. The rails are used to help control the direction and stability of the surfboard when surfing.
  4. Tail: The tail is the back end of the surfboard, and it used to turn the surfboard and change its direction when surfing. There are several different types of tails, including round tails, square tails, and swallow tails.
  5. Fin(s): The fin(s) are located on the bottom of the surfboard and help to provide stability and control when surfing. The number and placement of fins can vary, and different fin configurations can affect the performance of the surfboard.
  6. Leash: The leash is a cord that is attached to the tail of the surfboard and worn around the surfer’s ankle. It helps to keep the surfboard close to the surfer and prevents the surfboard from getting away in the event of a wipeout.

There are several different types of surfboards, each of which is designed to perform best in certain conditions, types of wave and surfing styles. Understanding the characteristics of different surfboards can help surfers choose the right board for the conditions they are facing.

Here are some of the main types of surfboards:

  • Shortboards: These are the most common type of surfboard and are typically between 5’6″ and 7’0″ in length. They are designed for high-performance surfing and are best for advanced surfers who want to do tricks and maneuvers.
  • Funboards: These surfboards are slightly longer and wider than shortboards and are typically between 7’0″ and 8’0″ in length. They are more stable and easier to ride than shortboards, making them a good choice for intermediate surfers.
  • Longboards: These surfboards are the longest of the three main types, usually over 9’0″ in length. They are more stable and easier to ride than shortboards, making them a good choice for beginner surfers or for riding small, slow-moving waves.
  • Fish surfboards: These surfboards are shorter and wider than shortboards, with a rounded nose and a fishtail at the back. They are designed for fast, maneuverable surfing in small to medium-sized waves and are popular with advanced surfers.
  • Gun surfboards: These surfboards are designed for riding big waves and are typically over 7’0″ in length. They have a pointed nose and a long, narrow tail, which allows them to handle the speed and power of large waves.
  • Respect the environment. Surf in a way that protects the ocean and the beach. Don’t litter, and respect the local wildlife.
  • Always check in with the lifeguard and follow their instructions.
  • Always be mindful of other surfers in the water, be aware of your surroundings, and never intentionally drop in on someone else’s wave.
  • Respect the right of way of other surfers. The surfer closest to the breaking part of the wave has the right of way.
  • Don’t drop in on another surfer’s wave. Dropping in means taking off on a wave that someone else is already riding.
  • Communicate. Use hand signals and vocal cues to let other surfers know what you’re doing. This is especially important when you’re taking off on a wave.
  • Be patient. Don’t rush or push your way into the lineup. Take turns catching waves. If you’re catching a lot of waves, take a break and let someone else have a turn.
  • Don’t paddle out through a line-up of surfers. Paddle around the outside or wait for a lull in the action.
  • If you fall off your board, move away from the lineup as quickly as possible.
  • Don’t paddle back to the lineup through the impact zone (the area where the wave is breaking). Paddle around the outside of the lineup.
  • Don’t paddle out to the lineup if you’re not comfortable surfing the conditions. If you’re not ready to surf a certain break, it’s better to wait for a day when the conditions are more suitable for your skill level.
  • Be safe. Always wear a leash to prevent your board from becoming a hazard to other surfers.

 

By following these guidelines, you can help create a safe and respectful surfing environment for everyone.

In surfing, the term “swell” refers to the long-distance movement of waves generated by wind and storms, which can travel hundreds or even thousands of miles before reaching the shore.

The size and shape of the swell is determined by the strength and duration of the wind that generated it, as well as the fetch (the distance over which the wind blows) and the depth of the water (in shallow water, the waves can become steep and break more quickly, resulting in shorter, more powerful waves; in deeper water, the waves may be longer and less powerful).

The “period” of a swell refers to the time it takes for two successive waves to pass a fixed point, and is measured in seconds. The period of a swell is an important factor in determining its size and shape, as well as its potential to produce good surfing conditions. In general, the longer the period of a swell, the larger the waves will be. This is because longer-period swells have more time to build up energy and momentum as they travel across the ocean, resulting in bigger and more powerful waves. On the other hand, shorter-period swells tend to produce smaller, more inconsistent waves. The size of the waves can have a significant impact on the quality of the surfing conditions. Larger waves tend to provide more challenging and exciting rides for experienced surfers, while smaller waves are often more suitable for beginner and intermediate surfers. The period of the swell is therefore an important factor to consider when looking for good surfing conditions, as it can influence the size and shape of the waves.

The “wind” refers to the movement of air caused by the difference in pressure between two different areas. In surfing, the direction and strength of the wind can have a significant effect on the quality of the waves and the conditions for surfing. Onshore winds, which blow from the land towards the sea, can cause choppy, unpredictable waves and make it difficult to surf. Offshore winds, which blow from the sea towards the land, can create clean, smooth waves that are ideal for surfing.

Understanding these factors can help surfers predict the size and shape of the waves and find good surfing conditions.

The moon does have an influence on the formation of waves, although it is not the primary driving force. The main force behind the formation of waves is the wind, which blows over the surface of the ocean and transfers energy to the water, causing it to move in a circular motion and form waves.

The moon does play a role in the formation of waves, however, through the process of tidal forcing. As the moon orbits the Earth, its gravitational pull creates a difference in the surface level of the oceans between the side of the Earth closest to the moon and the side farthest from the moon. This difference in surface level, known as the tidal range, causes a rise and fall of the water level twice a day, creating the tides.

The tides can also affect the formation of waves by changing the depth of the water and the shape of the seafloor. For example, when the tide is low, the water may be shallower and the waves may break more quickly and powerfully. When the tide is high, the water may be deeper and the waves may be longer and less powerful.

Charming surf beach house in Lisbon

Things to do

Cascais

Discover the stunning beauty of Cascais, a charming & picturesque coastal town located just a short distance from Lisbon. With its golden sandy beaches, historic landmarks, vibrant culture, amazing seafood, and lively nightlife.

Here are some tips about what we think you would like to do during your free time:

Beaches

- Conceição
- Guincho
- Arriba
- Cresmina
- Bafureira
- Avencas
- Parede
- Carcavelos

Restaurants

- Rua Amarela
- Casa da Guia
- Mercado da Vila
- Praça do Junqueiro
- House of Wonders (v)
- Hífen
- Ponta do Sal
- Adamastor
- Baía do Peixe
- Jay's Brunch Caffe

Culture

- Baía de Cascais
- Rua Direita
- Farol do Cabo da Roca
- Boca do Inferno
- Parque Marchel Carmona
- Casa da Paula Rego

Nightlife

- Marina's Bars
- Cascais Vila Center