About Filsurf Surf School
Filsurf School is one of the most experienced surf schools based in Lagos, Portugal.
Founded in 2008 by a passionate Portuguese surfer who has been surfing since his early childhood, Filsurf was born from a deep love for surfing and the ocean. With years of surfing around the world, our founder brought together a wealth of his experience and knowledge to create a surf school rooted in authentic surf culture.
The same passion and knowledge drive our team today. We teach surfers of all levels, always guided by the core principles of surfing etiquette, ocean safety, and deep respect for the sea.
We are a small team that cares more about teaching surfing the right way than turning it into a big business. That means smaller groups with more personal attention.
Filsurf is licensed to surf at the best beaches in the Western Algarve, that's why we run our surf lessons not only in Lagos and the South Coast beaches, but also on the West Coast surf spots. Our surf school is open for all levels of surfers. No matter if it’s your first time on a surfboard or you are looking to improve your skills, we are here to guide you into the world of surfing with true love for what we do. Come surf with us and feel the difference!
Why Choose Filsurf
Professional Surf Instructors/Real Surfers
The surf instructors at our school have more than 15 years of teaching experience and over 30 years of personal surfing experience around the world. As a result, with such extensive coaching experience, they can teach students of various levels and ages, and even prepare athletes for surfing competitions.
Comprehensive Education
Our surf lessons go beyond simply learning how to stand up on a surfboard. Indeed, we teach you to surf correctly from the start, avoid common mistakes and bad habits, read weather conditions, understand wave dynamics, and develop respect for the ocean and other surfers. As a result, you become a skilled and responsible surfer.
For All Surf Levels
Whether you are a complete beginner taking your first steps into surfing, an intermediate surfer looking to improve your technique, or an advanced surfer preparing for competitions, we invite you to join our surf school! Alternatively, you can simply enjoy a surf session with professional surfers at local spots through our surf guiding service.
High-Quality Equipment
We give you the best surf equipment of famous brands like "Ocean & Earth", "Rip Curl", and "Mick Fanning". Our wetsuits are always clean and sanitized after each use for your safety and comfort. Furthermore, the cars we use for transporting our students are kept clean and safe to make your surfing experience great from start to finish.
Surf Coaches Who Really Surf
Meet the passionate surf instructors of FilSurf Surf School — a team that combines decades of surfing experience with fresh energy, dedication, and a genuine love for teaching and the ocean.
Thanks to years of surfing around the world, competing in national and international contests, and teaching hundreds of students, our head instructor, Filipe, has developed his own unique method for helping people not only learn to surf but also understand the ocean itself.
Like the ocean, FilSurf is always dynamic — constantly evolving with new ideas, fresh energy, and the enthusiasm of our young instructors, who are great surfers and true ocean lovers!
What Makes FilSurf Instructors Different
Experience
Our head surf instructor brings over 35 years of surfing experience in Portugal and worldwide, and over 20 years of teaching experience in Portugal
Authenticity
We teach real surfing — not just how to stand up on the board, but how to read the ocean, choose the waves, and surf with awareness and respect
Dedication
We’re committed to helping every student grow — teaching with care, attention, and encouragement so you feel supported and confident in the water
Meet the FilSurf Team
Filipe is the founder and head surf instructor at FilSurf Surf School in Lagos, Algarve.
Born in Porto, on Portugal’s north coast, he started surfing at 12 and since then has surfed almost every day.
With more than 35 years of surfing and 20 years of teaching, Filipe knows the ocean and the Algarve’s surf spots like no one else.
He has surfed all types of waves all over the world — French Polynesia, Peru, Brazil, Panama, Costa Rica, Mexico, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Maldives, England, France, Spain and the Portuguese coast.
Certified by the Portuguese Surf Federation (FPS), Filipe began teaching in 1999 and has trained hundreds of students. Certified in 2024 as an ASI Level 2 Surf Coach, Filipe is qualified to train professional surfers for national and international events. His lessons go beyond the basics — he teaches how to read the ocean, choose the right waves, and surf with awareness and respect.
Ricardo was born in Italy and dreamed of waves since childhood.
He started surfing at 15, exploring surf spots across Spain, France, Morocco, and Portugal.
After falling in love with the Algarve’s waves and lifestyle, he moved here permanently and, since then, has been surfing almost every day.
Ricardo has been part of the FilSurf team for over two years, learning directly from our head instructor, Filipe. Under Filipe’s mentorship, he has developed his personal surfing skills, strong teaching skills, and a deep understanding of FilSurf’s real surfing philosophy.
Young, patient, and dedicated, Ricardo always prioritizes safety in the water. His supportive approach makes lessons enjoyable — especially for beginners and younger surfers.
Filipe also shares his personal thoughts, experience, and reflections on modern surfing, learning, and teaching in our Honest Blog.
Student Reviews
See what our students say about FilSurf Surf School!
Check out our 5-star reviews on Google and TripAdvisor to discover why FilSurf is one of the top-rated surf schools in Lagos, Algarve.
Our guests love the friendly instructors, small groups, and relaxed beach atmosphere that make learning to surf easy and fun for beginners and intermediate surfers!
Posted on GoogleTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. This surf experience was something incredible!! Instructor Ricardo is really awesome, he taught us everything: safety, how to ride a board and helped us catch waves. I do recommend it to everyone who wants to learn how to surf!Posted on GoogleTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Great surf lesson, perfect for beginners! The instructors really helped us progress, and at the end of the session we were able to catch waves on our own! Thank you :)Posted on GoogleTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Our girls had a great time with their instructor Marie!Posted on GoogleTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Very nice and experienced instructors. Good organization and beginner friendly. Had zero knowledge before and was able to make some steps during the lessons. Can recommend it and would do it again 100%. 👍Posted on GoogleTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I’m very happy with my surfing lesson. I felt safe the whole time and had a lot of fun. Ricardo is a great instructor, very patient and encouraging. Highly recommend!Posted on GoogleTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I had a wonderful day surfing with Filsurf Surf School! I came in without a ton of experience and knew I was in good hands right away. The instructors were incredible, beach was beautiful and waves were great, my only regret was booking only one day with them. I’ll come back to Lagos just to surf with them again, thanks guys!Posted on GoogleTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We had a great time with Filsurf at the Algarve -If you’re looking for a surf school with knowledgeable instructors, great organization and Passion for surfing I can recommend this surfschool🏄🌊 Mein Sohn 12 J. , durfte seine ersten Surferfahrungen mit dieser Surfschule machen, er war hier 10 Tage mit voller Begeisterung dabei und hatte riesig Spaß 🤩Posted on GoogleTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I joined an individual surf lesson as an intermediate/advanced surfer, with the aim of understanding the right beaches for my level and also improving my surfing. Filipe and the team were super helpful and experienced, really taking the time to find the right surf conditions according to my level, so I could truly enjoy the surf around Sagres, while also giving me great tips to improve my surfing. Once again, a big thank you to Filipe and the team for the great company and support. A great experience overall — highly recommended! David Q.
Ready to Surf With Us?
- Now that you’ve met our instructors, it’s time to experience their teaching in action!
Join our Surf Lessons in Lagos — designed for both beginners and intermediate surfers. Whether you’re catching your first wave or refining your existing skills, our experienced team will help you progress safely and confidently. - Planning a surf holiday? Discover our Surf House and Bungalows in the Lagos area — the perfect places to stay during your surf vacation.
- Before booking, make sure to visit our Surf School FAQ page for useful information about lessons, booking policy, and what to expect on the beach.
- Still have questions? Feel free to talk to us — we usually reply within an hour and will help you plan your perfect surf experience.