Azores: Surfing Lessons for All Levels

If you’re dreaming of catching your first wave or refining your surf skills in a stunning setting, the Azores Surf School offers a solid option. This experience promises a personalized, safety-focused approach with lessons tailored for beginners, intermediates, and even children. From what we’ve seen, it’s a great pick for anyone eager to try surfing in a relaxed, scenic environment.

What really catches our eye are the small group sizes and professional guides—plus, the chance to learn in diverse surf spots across the Azores. The only thing to keep in mind is that, at just 1.5 hours, the lesson is relatively short, so it’s perfect for a quick intro but may leave you craving more time in the water. Overall, it’s well-suited for travel couples, families, or solo adventurers who love the idea of learning or improving their surfing skills in an accessible, fun way.

Key Points

• All levels welcome: From complete beginners to those looking to sharpen their skills.
• Personalized attention: Small groups and private lessons ensure tailored feedback.
• Professional guides: Experienced instructors prioritize safety and clear instruction.
• Beautiful locations: The Azores offers some of the most scenic surf spots in Portugal.
• Flexible booking: Cancel up to 24 hours in advance with a full refund, ideal for flexible travelers.
• Family friendly: Children over 5 can join, making it a good option for families with non-swimmers.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Why You’ll Love Surfing in the Azores

The Azores, Portugal’s volcanic archipelago, isn’t just a destination for lush landscapes and whale watching. Its waters are a haven for surfers of all stripes, largely thanks to diverse beaches with gentle, small waves perfect for learning. The backdrop isn’t too shabby either—craggy coastlines, lush greenery, and a peaceful vibe that makes even a beginner feel like they’re in a special spot.

This surf experience is run by the Azores Surf School, a recognized outfit that emphasizes safety, personalized attention, and local expertise. Their instructors speak Portuguese, English, and Spanish, making it accessible for a range of travelers. The fact that they are recognized by the Portuguese Surfing Federation adds a layer of credibility.

The Itinerary Breakdown

One of the nice features of this experience is its straightforward, well-structured itinerary. It starts with a pickup from your hotel—specifically, Canada do Borralho 26—and takes about 15 minutes to reach the surf location near Ribeira Grande. Here, you’ll receive a safety briefing and your gear, including a board and wetsuit, setting you up comfortably for the water.

The lesson itself lasts about 1.5 hours, during which your instructor will guide you through the basics, help you improve your technique, and give tips tailored to your level. The focus for beginners is on understanding the waves, paddling, and catching your first rides, while intermediates will work on more advanced maneuvers like paddling outside the surf zone, positioning, and wave selection.

The small class size (or private group) ensures you get plenty of individual feedback, making the most of your limited time in the water. The instructor’s friendly, patient style is described as a significant plus, with one reviewer mentioning, “Andre was a fantastic instructor! He was very hands-on with his teaching, giving us helpful feedback both in and out of the water.”

At the end of the session, you’ll return to your starting point, feeling accomplished and eager to hit the waves again.

What the Lessons Cover

Beginner classes are perfect if you’ve never been on a surfboard or find it tricky to get up. The instructors look for small, manageable waves, so you’re likely to spend more time on your board and less battling powerful currents.

Intermediate lessons focus on positioning in the outside zone, helping you catch more significant waves and improving paddling and take-off skills. The goal is to get you comfortable outside the foam zone, where you can start riding real waves confidently.

Children aged 5 and up are welcome to join these lessons, provided they are comfortable in the water (swimming isn’t a requirement, which is good news for parents). The instructors prioritize safety and look for ideal conditions—no strong currents or excessive winds—making this a safe environment for young learners.

The Location and Surf Spots

While the experience doesn’t specify exact beaches, it hints at local surf spots with small, gentle waves suitable for learners. The Azores’ coastline offers a variety of beaches, many with calm waters and shallow surf—ideal for beginners and families.

The instructors are well-versed in choosing the best spot for conditions on the day, which means you’ll be in good hands, especially if you’re new to the area or unsure about where to surf.

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Transport and Practical Details

Your adventure begins with a pickup at your hotel, making logistics hassle-free. The ride to the surf spot is quick—about 15 minutes—so you spend less time traveling and more time on the water. The lessons are conducted at a beach where the instructors recognize the flags of the Azores Surf School, making it easy to find them.

Gear, including wetsuits and surfboards, is provided, so you don’t need to worry about packing your own equipment. Just bring your swimsuit, towel, sunscreen (preferably biodegradable, to protect the environment), and a change of clothes.

The group size is private or small, which ensures personalized coaching and a calm atmosphere. It’s wheelchair accessible, adding to the inclusiveness of the activity.

Pricing and Booking

The booking process offers flexibility: you can reserve now and pay later, and you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. This is great for travelers who want to keep plans open or are uncertain about weather conditions.

Given the length of the lesson—1.5 hours—the price seems reasonable, especially considering the quality of instruction and the small group setting. It’s an efficient way to dip your toes into surfing without committing to multiple days or larger group sessions.

Authentic Feedback from Participants

Two reviews highlight why this experience is worth considering. Melissa from the United States mentions, “We had such a great time during our surfing lesson! We were all complete beginners with very different athletic abilities, and we were all able to get up and catch some waves.” She appreciated the friendly, patient instructor and the relaxed, fun atmosphere.

Holly from Canada praises Andre, saying, “He was very hands-on with his teaching, giving us helpful feedback both in and out of the water.” She notes that the instructor tailored the experience to suit both her and her partner’s levels, which adds a personal touch.

Who Should Consider This Experience?

This surfing lesson is ideal for beginners and families wanting an introduction to the sport. The focus on safety, small group sizes, and experienced guides make it suitable for those who are nervous or new to surfing. It’s also a good choice if you’re traveling with children over 5 or want a quick, fun activity that won’t take up your whole day.

Travelers with some water sports experience may find the 1.5-hour session a nice starter or refresher, but if you’re after advanced techniques, this might only be a stepping stone.

Final Thoughts

If you’re planning a trip to the Azores and want a safe, personalized surfing experience with stunning scenery as your backdrop, this tour ticks many boxes. It’s especially good for first-timers or those looking for a fun, low-pressure way to get on the water. The guides’ professionalism and local knowledge shine through in reviews, making it clear you’re in capable hands.

The relatively short, half-day format makes it flexible to fit into the rest of your travel plans. Plus, with the option to cancel or reschedule, it suits spontaneous or thoughtfully planned trips alike. Whether you’re traveling solo, as a couple, or with family, this surfing lesson promises a memorable, feel-good experience on your Azores adventure.

FAQ

Is this suitable for complete beginners?
Yes, the classes are designed for all levels, including complete beginners who have never surfed before. The instructors focus on safety and fundamental skills, making it a great introduction.

Can children participate?
Yes, children over 5 years old are welcomed, provided they are comfortable in the water. No swimming is required, but supervision and safety are priorities.

What should I bring?
Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen (preferably biodegradable), a change of clothes, and anything else you might need for comfort after the lesson.

Is the lesson private or group-based?
You can choose a private group or small group setting, which allows for more personalized attention and a relaxed learning environment.

How long does the lesson last?
The lesson lasts approximately 1.5 hours, including safety briefings, gear setup, and actual time in the water.

Where does the lesson take place?
You will meet directly at the beach where the lesson is scheduled, recognized by the Azores Surf School flags. The location is easily accessible after a short drive from your hotel.

What languages are instructors available in?
The guides speak Portuguese, English, and Spanish, making communication easy for most travelers.

Whether you’re after a first taste of surfing or looking to refine your skills, this experience offers a friendly, scenic, and safe way to enjoy the Azores’ waters. It’s a solid choice for anyone wanting an active, memorable part of their trip.

You can check availability for your dates here: