Girl with curly hair entering the ocean holding a white soft surfboard at Cordoama beach, Algarve

Get Ready For Your Surf Lessons

Before booking your surf lessons, it’s helpful to know your surfing level, where we surf, and what you’ll need to bring to the beach. This guide will make sure you arrive confident, prepared, and ready for an amazing session.

Understanding Your Surfing Level

These days, many new surfers feel confused about their actual surfing level. A common mistake is to judge your level by the number of surf sessions or surf trips you have done. At Filsurf  Surf School, we divide our students into beginner and intermediate levels based on their actual abilities, after observing them in the water. Here is how we define these categories:

Beginner Surfers

  • Absolute beginners who have never surfed before;

  • Those who have taken just a few lessons and know some basics;

  • Surfers who can stand up on the board, ride whitewater waves, manage to paddle out in easy conditions, and catch some green waves by themselves.

Intermediate Surfers

  • Have some knowledge about surfing conditions and can paddle out in moderate waves;

  • Manage to distinguish between left and right waves, can select and catch some green waves by themselves, and ride them confidently;

  • Know and follow basic surfing etiquette rules.

 

Where We Surf

Located between the West and South coasts of the Algarve, FilSurf School can choose the most suitable beaches for surfing throughout the year. This gives us access to different surf spots and the possibility to surf almost every day.

We assess the surf level of our students and select the beach not only according to the conditions, but also taking into account the students’ level and how crowded the spot is.

FilSurf School is officially licensed to operate on the beaches of the municipalities of Lagos, Vila do Bispo, and Aljezur, which allows us to use a wide range of beaches in the area.

We Pick You Up

Our school is situated near Lagos, and we surf on both the South and West coasts depending on the conditions. We don’t operate from a fixed physical address; instead, we arrange lessons by phone, email, or WhatsApp, so you don’t need to spend time coming to a shop.

We offer convenient pick-ups from various meeting points in Lagos, Praia da Luz, and Burgau, and then drive to the surf spot chosen on the day of the lesson. If you prefer to come by car, we can also meet directly at the beach.

What to Bring

Swimsuit

Sunscreen

Towel

Water

Snack

Hat

Jumper

✓ Please come wearing your swimsuit so you can put on your wetsuit easily on the beach.

         ✓ We also advise avoiding bringing valuables, as there may not be a secure place to store them.

Ready To Your Surf Journey?

  • Before booking your surf lessons, make sure to check our Surf School & Lessons FAQ page for all practical information — including booking and cancellation policy, age requirements, equipment use, surf spots, beach facilities, and more.
  • Planning a longer surf trip? Explore our Surf Accommodation Options in Praia da Luz and Almádena — ideal for surfers joining our courses.
  • Want to know more about us? Visit the FilSurf Surf School About Us page to learn about our story and team.
  • If you still have any questions, feel free to contact us through our Contact Form, or reach out directly via WhatsApp or email.
    We usually respond within an hour.