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There is a path.

A different learning approach that can accelerate your progression and dramatically increase your fun in the ocean.

Learning to surf can be one of the most fulfilling experiences of your life. But if you're anything like us and discovered surfing later in life, you'll know that learning is no easy feat.

You probably started surfing with the expectation that you'd progress from novice to advanced in a decent amount of time. And it's only now that the reality has sunk in — you've literally taken up the most difficult individual leisure sport there is.

Whether you just discovered surfing and have no idea where to start, aren't progressing as quickly as you hoped, or are plateauing and looking to advance your surfing — you've come to the right place.

We know first-hand that the combination of getting in the game as an adult and figuring things out by trial and error is a recipe for frustration and discouragement. When we were learning in our late teens, even though we dedicated loads of time and energy, we weren't progressing to our full potential.

Looking back, most of our mistakes could have been avoided with clear pointers, step-by-step explanations and consistent feedback. That is exactly what coaching gives you — and exactly what we built Surf Coaching Porto around.

Five ways to train with us

Every session is crafted to fit your interests and abilities — from your first pop-up to your next breakthrough. Pick your format.

In person

Small Group Surf Coaching

Comprehensive and dynamic surf training session, crafted to fit your interests and abilities. Includes all equipment and is designed for total beginners to intermediate surfers in a small group. Available every day, all year round!

On request

In person

Private Group Surf Coaching

Comprehensive and dynamic surf training session, crafted to fit your interests and abilities. Includes all equipment and is designed for total beginners to intermediate surfers in your own private group. Available every day, all year round!

On request

In person

One on One Surf Coaching

Comprehensive and dynamic surf training session, crafted to fit your interests and abilities. Possibility to include all equipment; designed for intermediate to advanced surfers. Available every day, all year round!

On request

In person

One on One Longboard Coaching

Comprehensive and dynamic classic longboard lesson, crafted to fit your interests and abilities. Includes all equipment and is designed for total beginners to intermediate surfers in a one-on-one format. Available every day, all year round!

On request

In person

Surf Coaching Trips

Comprehensive and dynamic surf training trips, tailored to your interests and abilities. All equipment can be included (depending on the coaching level provided), suiting beginners to advanced surfers (depending on the destination) — always in small groups.

On request

Before you book

Is equipment included?

Small group and private group coaching include all equipment — quality boards and wetsuits. One-on-one and longboard sessions can include all equipment too, and on coaching trips equipment can be included depending on the coaching level. Traveling without a surfboard is never a problem.

What level do I need to be?

There's a format for every stage. Small group, private group and longboard coaching suit total beginners to intermediate surfers. One-on-one coaching is built for intermediate to advanced surfers. Coaching trips run from beginner to advanced, depending on the destination.

How big are the groups?

Small — that's the whole point. Sessions are kept in small groups so each one can be crafted to fit your interests and abilities, with the focus on individual learning and progression rather than headcount. If you want the water entirely to yourself, go one-on-one.

When can I train?

Every day, all year round. Porto's coast works in all seasons, and coaching runs year-round — just message us on WhatsApp and we'll find the right session for your dates.

Surfers who came as strangers

João is amazing! It was my first time to try to surf in my life, it was so great. He kept supporting me nicely and kindly. I had amazing time with him, highly recommend you to try!

Jeong Hyun

Korea · via Airbnb, Aug 2023

THE MOST AMAZING SURF CAMP! My surf coach João told me he could get me to stand up on my first wave, even though I had only tried surfing once before, and he was actually right! Best surf instructor ever! Can't wait to come back again one day.

Helena L.

Denmark · via Book Surf Camps, Sep 2023

BEST PLACE TO GO IF YOU WANT TO LEARN HOW TO SURF! From the very first lesson, I could immediately tell that it was different from other surf schools. The focus here is on quality and attention to detail, both in teaching and equipment. He truly helped me in making significant progress and becoming a confident and independent surfer. The small class sizes and emphasis on individual learning and progression is what makes Surf Coaching Porto unique!

Guro V.

Norway · via TripAdvisor, Oct 2023

Stop figuring it out alone.

Tell João where your surfing is at — never touched a board, stuck on a plateau, or hunting your next breakthrough — and get a session crafted to fit your interests and abilities. Every day, all year round.