Surf guide / Beginners

Surf lessons for beginners: what to expect

Your first surf lesson is tiring, fun and full of salt water. Knowing what will happen helps you enjoy it far more.

Surf guide / Beginners

Your first lesson, step by step

A typical first lesson starts on land. The instructor explains the equipment, the board and the leash, and shows how to lie down, paddle and stand up, the so-called pop-up. There is usually a warm-up and basic safety rules: how to fall, how to protect your head, who has priority on a wave.

Then you head into the water, normally onto waves that have already broken, the whitewater, where the instructor gives you a push so you can feel the board. The first successes come sooner than you expect, and so do the first falls. That is fine; it is part of it.

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How many lessons you need

There is no single answer. Some people stand up in the first lesson; others need several. As a rule, the first few lessons are for gaining confidence in the whitewater, and only then does it make sense to move to unbroken waves. People who take lessons on consecutive days usually progress faster than those who space them far apart. But everyone has their own pace, and comparing yourself with others only gets in the way.

Safety in the water

Respect the beach flag and the lifeguards' warnings, and always stay in the zone marked for surfers. Hold the board with your hands when a wave comes towards you, protect your head when you fall and never turn your back on the board in shallow water. If you feel tired, stop and say so. Learn to spot rip currents and to swim diagonally to escape them. Portuguese water can be cold, so the right wetsuit is part of staying safe.

Common beginner mistakes

The most frequent: looking at your feet instead of ahead, getting up in stages instead of one movement, sitting too far back or too far forward on the board, paddling with tense arms and stopping paddling too early. Almost all of them are fixed with repetition and an attentive instructor. Another mistake is moving to a smaller board too soon: see our guide on how to choose a surfboard.

What to bring to the lesson

Swimwear underneath (if the school provides the wetsuit), a towel, waterproof sun cream, a rash vest or protective top, water to drink and something to eat afterwards. Arrive with some time to spare and do not eat a heavy meal beforehand.

A keepsake of your first lesson

BAD SURF PHOTO does surf photography and video and does not teach. But a first wave is something you will want to keep. If you want photos or video of your lesson, we can arrange it with your instructor and the school. Photo €40 per hour, video €50 per hour, group of up to five at €70 and €90 per hour, plus VAT, editing included and delivery in 48 hours. Book on WhatsApp.

Who it is for

Surf lessons for beginners: what to expect

Theory on land

A good lesson starts on land with safety rules, the pop-up and reading the beach.

Your own pace

There is no right number of lessons; compare yourself with yourself, not with others.

Safety first

Respect the flag, the surf zone and the lifeguards' warnings.

Surf lessons for beginners: what to expect - BAD SURF PHOTO

Photograph on WhatsApp How to choose a surf school Beginner surf gear checklist Surf lessons and photography Photo and video sessions

FAQ

Quick questions.

Will I stand up in my first lesson?

It can happen, but it is not guaranteed and it is not the main goal. The first lesson is mostly about understanding the sea and the board.

How many lessons until I can surf alone?

It depends on the person, how often you go and the sea. Generally, several lessons are needed before surfing unsupervised.

What age can I start?

Many schools take children and adults of various ages as long as they can swim. Check with the school and, where relevant, with your doctor.