Maximum 6 students per day, total — not per instructor. We don't run parallel groups, so it's always Coach Ale and up to six surfers.

A 6:1 ratio just means one instructor per six students and is common in surf school marketing, but some schools run several 6:1 groups side by side on the same beach — meaning 20 or more students in the water at once. The ratio describes supervision per instructor, not the total number of people in the session. A true small group also caps the total headcount — at Surf Clinic Lagos, we only teach six people per day and the instructor is always Coach Ale who's been teaching for over 20 years.

Yes, private lessons are available for individuals, grou of friends, or families who want fully personalised, one-on-one coaching. From €150 (1:1).

Fewer people means more waves per person, more direct feedback from your coach, and a calmer, less crowded learning environment.

Beginner to advanced. Whether it's your first time standing on a board or you're working on carving turns in bigger surf, sessions are built around your level and goals. Intermediate and Longboard coaching are my passion and specialties.

Read our Intermediate Surf Coaching in Lagos: Your Questions Answered here!

Lessons run for 2,5 hours, including warm-up, technique on the beach, and time in the water.

Yes, through Private Lessons and Longboard Coaching, both tailored to your specific goals rather than a fixed curriculum. Longboard Coaching is aimed at surfers who already have control on the board and want to refine style, footwork, and nose riding. Choose Private Lesson if you are a shortboarder looking to improve your bottom turn, cutbacks and top turns.

Group lessons (beginner or intermediate) start at 70€ per person for 2.5 hours. Private lessons start at 150€ per person. Family lessons run 90–95€ per person depending on group size. Portuguese residents get 20% off.

Board and wetsuit rental, insurance, and a qualified instructor. A pick-up and drop-off in Lagos if needed or you can meet directly at the beach. 

Boards (soft tops) and wetsuits are provided for all group lessons. Just bring swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen.

For longboard and advanced coaching surfboards are not included but you can rent one with us, just get in touch.

Primarily at Porto de Mós or Meia Praia, some of the more consistent and beginner-friendly beaches in Lagos, Algarve — though the exact spot can shift depending on the day's swell and tide to make sure conditions suit your level. 

👉 Want a deep dive into how these spots work? Read our comprehensive Lagos Surf Guide: Mastering Meia Praia & Porto de Mós to see which beach matches your surfing goals!

Lessons run between 7am and 4pm, depending on tide and swell — the best surf isn't always at 9am. We check conditions and confirm your exact time a few days ahead, so you'll know whether you're an early morning or an afternoon session.

Alessandro (Ale), Italian-born and Lagos-based, with 20 years of coaching experience on the Algarve coast. Coaching surf lessons commercially in Portugal legally requires certification, and Ale holds a Level II IPDJ coaching certification plus a Level 3 ASI Instructor accreditation. From 2016 to 2019 he trained other surf instructors as an ASI Instructor Trainer, teaching the people who go on to teach others.

No. The Beginner Group Lesson is built for people who have never surfed, or who've only tried it a couple of times. It covers everything from ocean safety to standing up and controlling your speed.

No formal fitness test and no swimming skills are required as a beginner. It definitely helps to have some basic swimming skills and a decent fitenss level. If you're unsure, tell us before booking and we'll match you with a beach and lesson type that suits your comfort level.

Our Family Lesson is designed for kids aged 6 to 12, surfing alongside their parents or family members, each coached at their own level.

When booking you have the option to pay the full amount (preferred if your booking less than 48h prior to the lesson) or a 30% deposit via Credit Card Link. I accept Cash, Revolut, Credit Cards and PayPal.

Cancellations made more than 7 days before your lesson are eligible for a full refund or reschedule. Cancellations between 48 hours and 7 days before the lesson forfeit the deposit (or 30% if paid in full); the rest is refunded. Cancellations within 48 hours are non-refundable. If we cancel due to unsafe sea, weather, or wind conditions, you'll always get a full refund or reschedule at no extra cost.

Full details in our Terms and Conditions.