All Level SURF CLASSES in Ericeira (Beginner, Intermediate & Advanced)

If you’re looking to catch waves near Ribamar in Ericeira, the All Level Surf Classes offered by Progress Surf School stand out as a flexible, well-organized option. Priced at $71.29 per person, this 2-hour surf lesson caters to beginners, intermediates, and advanced surfers alike. The classes are set at various beaches around Ericeira, depending on surf conditions, making each session tailored to current wave quality. What makes these lessons particularly appealing is the small group size, with a maximum of 8 participants, ensuring a personal and focused coaching experience.

The package includes transportation to and from the beach, all necessary surf gear, and professional guidance from Joana Andrade, an internationally recognized Big Waves surfer. The convenient pickup service and mobile ticket make booking straightforward. While the average booking window is 29 days in advance, travelers seeking structured lessons with experienced instructors find this tour offers good value and safety. The 4.5 out of 5 rating from 22 reviews reflects high satisfaction, especially highlighting the expertise of the guides and the friendly, professional atmosphere.

Key Points

• All skill levels welcome: Classes are tailored for beginners, intermediates, and advanced surfers
• Professional instruction: Led by Joana Andrade, a seasoned big wave surfer
• Small groups: Max 8 participants for a personalized coaching experience
• All gear included: Surfboards, wetsuits, and safety equipment provided
• Transport included: Pickup from designated meeting points in Ericeira
• Flexible beaches: Classes occur at different beaches depending on surf conditions

Ericeira Surfing in Portugal: The Location and Its Waves

The Ericeira coastline is renowned for its diverse surf spots, offering waves suitable for all levels. The surf lessons primarily take place near Ribamar, a beach known for its consistent surf and welcoming waters. The variety of beaches in the area allows instructors to select the best location for wave quality on the day of your lesson, ensuring optimal conditions regardless of weather.

The local surf scene has attracted many, thanks to its world-class quality waves and varied surf breaks. The scenic surroundings add to the experience, with the ocean views and coastal cliffs providing a stunning backdrop. The area’s reputation as a surfing destination is reinforced by the presence of professional surfers and well-established surf schools like Progress Surf School.

The Experience: From Shore Warm-Up to Water Practice

The 2-hour class begins with a pickup, where participants are collected from designated locations in Ericeira. Upon arrival at the beach, there’s a dressing and warm-up session to prepare for time in the water. The instructors then lead a brief theory segment, covering safety, technique, and wave awareness, tailored to each skill level.

Following the classroom introduction, the focus shifts to practice in the water. The small groups allow for close attention and personalized tips. Participants use provided surf equipment, including wetsuits that are praised for their fresh and new condition. The session wraps up with a drop-off back at the meeting point, ending roughly 2 to 2.5 hours after it begins.

The class size and professional coaching make the experience suitable for beginners wishing to learn the basics, as well as intermediates and advanced surfers aiming to refine their skills and catch better waves.

Learning from Seasoned Surfer Joana Andrade and Her Team

Joana Andrade, a semi-famous big wave surfer, leads the instruction, bringing expertise and passion to every class. The reviews highlight her ability to explain techniques clearly and adjust coaching to individual needs. Her knowledgeable guidance helps surfers face their fears, improve technique, and progress faster.

Other team members, including Antonia, are also noted for their enthusiasm and supportive approach. The team’s friendly attitude and professional background—including former competing surfers from Portugal and Brazil—add confidence and depth to each lesson.

The small group format allows Joana and her team to dedicate more time and attention to each participant, which many reviews praise as a key strength of this surf school.

Variety of Beaches and Conditions for Each Skill Level

The lessons take place at different beaches around Ericeira, ensuring optimal surf conditions for each session. The choice of location depends on the wave quality, which can vary daily. This flexibility helps provide safer and more enjoyable experiences, especially for beginners who need gentler waves, or advanced surfers seeking bigger or more challenging breaks.

Participants can expect to surf at spots like Ribamar, known for its consistent surf, or other nearby beaches selected by the instructors based on surf forecast. This adaptability ensures that each lesson remains productive regardless of weather or swell conditions.

Equipment and Safety: All Gear Provided and Safety Measures

The surf gear provided is praised for its quality and newness, including wetsuits and boards suited to different skill levels. Participants do not need to bring their own equipment, making it convenient for travelers.

Safety is a priority; the small group sizes allow instructors to monitor swimmers closely. The lessons include warm-up exercises and theory about wave safety. The professional guidance ensures that even first-time surfers feel secure in the water while learning.

Booking Process and Flexibility

The tour requires a reservation, typically booked about 29 days in advance. The confirmation arrives within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability. The cancellation policy offers free cancellation if canceled at least 24 hours prior, providing peace of mind.

The mobile ticket system makes access easy, and pickup service simplifies logistics, especially for visitors staying in Ericeira or nearby Lisbon. The duration of 2 hours fits comfortably into a morning or afternoon schedule, leaving ample time to explore the town or other attractions.

Reviews and What Sets This Surf School Apart

The 22 reviews give this surf school an impressive 4.7 out of 5 rating, with positive remarks about the knowledgeable instructors, friendly atmosphere, and effective coaching. Many comments mention noticeable progress, confidence-building techniques, and fun lessons.

Noteworthy is the personalized approach: small group sizes and dedicated coaching make this experience stand out. Several reviews emphasize the helpfulness of instructors like Antonia and Antonio, along with Joana herself, for their supportive attitude and expertise.

Some critical reviews touch on larger classes or more commercial operations, but overall, the small-group focus and professional guidance distinguish Progress Surf School from less organized rivals.

Pricing and Overall Value

For $71.29, participants get about two hours of professional surfing instruction, all gear, transport, and a personalized experience with some of the best coaches in Ericeira. Considering the small group size and expert guidance, this price point offers good value for a quality surf lesson.

Travelers seeking comprehensive, safe, and well-led surf classes find this tour a worthwhile investment, especially given its high rating and reputation for progress.

Is This Tour Suitable for You?

This All Level Surf Class suits beginners eager to learn in a safe environment, intermediate surfers wanting to improve technique, and advanced surfers looking to push their limits with expert guidance. The small group setting makes it ideal for those who prefer personalized attention.

Travelers who appreciate professional instructors with big wave experience and flexibility in location will find this offering particularly appealing. The convenience of transportation and gear included ensures a smooth, hassle-free surf experience in Ericeira.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need prior surfing experience to join these classes?
No, the classes accommodate all skill levels, from complete beginners to advanced surfers.

Are the surf gear and wetsuits included?
Yes, all necessary surf gear and wetsuits are provided and praised for their quality.

How many people are in each class?
Classes have a maximum of 8 participants, ensuring a personalized coaching experience.

Can I cancel my booking if my plans change?
Yes, free cancellation is available if canceled at least 24 hours before the scheduled lesson.

What locations do the lessons take place at?
Lessons are held at different beaches around Ericeira, depending on daily surf conditions.

Is transportation included?
Yes, pickup and drop-off are included, making logistics simple for travelers.

What is the typical duration of the lesson?
Each session lasts approximately 2 hours, including warm-up, instruction, practice, and drop-off.

Can I book in advance?
Yes, bookings are typically made about 29 days in advance, with confirmation within 48 hours.