Are you a beginner surfer who wants to improve their skills and meet likeminded people?
A surfers camp or surf camp in Portugal is a popular choice. Many beginners book a surfing holiday in Portugal because they know it offers the best surf experience for novices. But like chocolate chip cookies and mattresses, not all surf camps are created equal.
Save time and money by booking a beginner surf camp using the following tips!
What is a beginner surf camp?
A beginner surf camp is a type of accommodation specifically designed for individuals who are new to surfing.
These camps provide lessons, equipment and guidance from experienced surf instructors to help beginners learn the basics of surfing in a safe and supportive environment.
Surf camps offer you a holistic surf trip experience. There’s often yoga, cultural events, nature trips and even parties. Woo!
You’ll also learn how to read the ocean, determine the surf seasons and generally become a more well-rounded surfer.
Why are surf camps better than surf lessons?
Surf camps essentially combine your accommodation and surf lesson needs. In this way they represent great value for money.
Ordinarily, you would need to book a surf house, apartment or guesthouse and arrange surf lessons separately. A surf camp has everything in the one place, from meals to equipment, making it convenient and hassle-free.
Moreover, staying in a surf camp allows you to immerse yourself in the surfing culture and truly live like a surfer!
Can I book a surf camp if I’ve never surfed before?
100%!
Surf camps in Portugal and throughout the world cater to people exactly like you — eager beginners who not only want to surf the best surf spots for their skill level, but also meet other beginners and have an unforgettable experience.
From the Algarve to Lisbon, Carcavelos to Porto, all surf camps in Portugal are designed to give you a fun and carefree intro to surfing.
Anyone who has never surfed before will feel welcome in a surf camp.
If you don’t have family members or friends who surf, or you grew up in a landlocked country, surf camp surf courses are the perfect way to start!
6 tips for choosing a surf camp in Portugal
Ready to book a surf camp in Portugal? Not so fast!
You can guarantee an epic surf camp experience in this amazing country simply by following these 6 tips. We got these from past guests who booked with us, and we’re sure they’ll help you make an informed decision too!
Tip #1: Know your surfing holiday budget
Feel-good vibes and beachfront locations are tempting, but you have to be realistic about what your budget can afford.
Surf camps range from thousands of euros or dollars per week to a few hundred. What can you afford and still ensure you have an unforgettable surfing experience?
Remember, you’ll also need to budget for some meals, flights and possibly extra activities like yoga, mountain biking or whatever the surf camp doesn’t cover.
Just make sure to keep in mind that this is your surfing holiday. Don’t be afraid to indulge (a little) if you want — it’s totally up to you!
Tip #2: Location, location, location
Did you know that not all surf camps in Portugal are actually by the ocean? True story!
Some are located in the city or large towns inland.
While there’s nothing really wrong with that, wouldn’t you prefer to stay near the ocean? Always make sure you check the location of the surf camp and its proximity to the beach before booking.
You can do this by simply Googling the surf camp’s name and looking at its location on a map.
Being a short walk to the beach might be unrealistic, but having a surf camp that’s within a reasonable distance to the nearest surf spot is definitely a plus!
Tip #3: Scope their Instagram page for photos and engagement
Seriously, how did we scope out our future surf holiday destinations back in the day without Instagram? It’s literally a gold mine for all things surf-related, and surf camps are no different.
Every good surf camp worth their salt will have an Instagram account and be actively posting photos of their guests, surf session and all the fun activities they offer. This makes it the best place to assess the vibe of a particular camp.
Do they have an ex-pro surf instructor? Do they offer video analysis? Are they giving back to the environment? What are the waves like in their area?
Check their Instagram page to get an idea of what your surf holiday will look like and if you’ll fit in with the camp’s culture.
Tip #4: How professional is their website?
Have you ever looked at the front garden of a rundown house and cringed when you imagine what it looks like inside?
Chances are that a messy yard equals a messy interior.
The same applies to a surf camp’s website. If it feels clunky, unprofessional and lacks information, it’s possible that the camp is kinda dodgy.
The mark of a legit surf camp in Portugal is how tidy their website is.
After all, with so many surf school, surf camp, surf house and surf retreat options in the country, the difference is in the details.
So, before booking any surfing holiday in northern Portugal, take a good look at the camp’s website.
Tip #5: Check out Google and TripAdvisor reviews
Another way to determine whether a surf camp in Portugal is right for you is by reading reviews from former guests.
Google and TripAdvisor are both great resources for this. Not only can you see an overall rating, but you can also read specific comments and experiences from real people who have stayed at the camp.
This is an excellent way to get an unbiased view of the surf camp and what it has to offer.
Keep in mind that there may be some negative reviews, but as long as there are more positive ones, it’s a good sign!
Tip #6: Do your research on what’s included in the price
Like all packaged holidays, their are inclusions and exclusions in the price of a surf camp in Portugal.
Some may offer transportation to and from the airport, others may include meals or extra activities. It’s important to know exactly what you’re paying for so that there are no surprises when you arrive.
As a rule of thumb, most surf camps include the following in the advertised price:
- Rooms and accomodation
- At least 2 x meals per day
- Wetsuits, leashes, surfboards and surfboard wax
- Transport to/from the beaches
- Surf instruction and video analysis
- SOME activities
Possible extras might include:
- Yoga lessons
- Nature excursions
- Trips to the city or nearby towns
- Airport transfers
- Surf photography or videography services
So there you have it!
Hopefully with these 6 tips, you’ll be able to choose the perfect surf camp in Portugal for your next surfing holiday.
Whether you want to improve your skills, meet new people or just have an unforgettable experience, a surf camp is the best way to do it.
Ready to live the surfing lifestyle, make friends for life and FINALLY become a real surfer? Get in touch for more info about Maceda surf camp in Portugal.
