Portugal is the most wave-consistent country in Europe, according to some, in the whole world. The likelihood of finding perfect beginner waves here is therefore high all year round. However, most people choose to make their surf trip to Portugal during the summer. But the fact is that there are several advantages to learning to surf during the autumn, winter, or spring.

Firstly, the warmth lingers during the winter months thanks to the proximity to the Equator and the warming effect of the Atlantic. Secondly, there is plenty of space in the lineup, and you can fully focus on catching your waves. Thirdly, there are surf spots protected from the big winter swells, providing perfect conditions for beginners.

Baleal is a shining star on the surfing horizon. A small Portuguese coastal community that attracts surfers from all corners of the earth. Here, there are sheltered beaches where waves constantly roll in, offering long amazing rides that captivate one beginner surfer after another. In Baleal, you’ll find the highly praised Swedish surf school Magnus & friends, where you are welcome young or old, beginner or experienced, whether you travel alone, with friends, or with family.

Paradoxically, from Baleal, you can almost see all the way up to the world’s biggest wave breaking in towards the fishing town of Nazaré. The world championships in big wave surfing are held there every year. And close to your surf camp in Baleal, you’ll find Peniche and the beach of Supertubos, world-famous for its powerful waves forming astonishingly long “barrels”. The world championships in regular surfing are held there every year. After Pipeline and Sunset in Hawaii, the world’s elite flies into our little village.

As a beginner there, you’re best off staying on land and letting yourself be inspired as a spectator. Then, surf gentle beginner waves at the shallow sandy beaches in the protected coves of the Baleal Peninsula.

The beaches in Portugal, especially around Baleal, are surrounded by breathtaking mountain formations with irresistible views. With such stunning natural scenery framing your surf trip, there are plenty of opportunities for memorable moments even when you’re not surfing.

Additionally, the local bars and restaurants offer a variety of culinary delights, especially if you enjoy seafood. The nightlife is also not to be complained about, as there is always something happening here that attracts all the party-loving surfers.

For total beginners, small to medium-sized waves are best suited. It’s a big advantage if there’s a long shallow sand beach so you have plenty of time to stand up. It’s also great if you can find a sheltered bay where the currents aren’t too strong and the waves aren’t too big. When learning to surf, you should practice on small to medium-sized unbroken waves, commonly known as green waves, with your surf coach pushing you into them so you can focus solely on standing up, finding balance, and eventually starting to turn left and right.

It takes time to get used to the board, find the right balance, and optimize your pop-up, the movement that takes you from lying down to standing. Usually, most first-time surfers can stand up on the board by day one or two. Some may need more days. Patience is important, and it’s essential to practice enjoying the moment in this exciting and fun sport.

Once you’ve mastered the technique of standing up, it’s time to go out and catch those unbroken green waves entirely on your own. To catch these waves, you need to be in the right place at the right time. If you’re too late, the risk is that the wave breaks over you and washes you into the water. This comical maneuver is called a wipe out and is a constant presence for surfers at all levels. Another important difference is that you must steer the board in the direction the wave is “open,” meaning it hasn’t broken yet. This means you’re either surfing right or left, while the wave carries you toward the shore.

1. Find the right position in the water, a few meters further out than where the wave you want to catch will break.
2. As the wave approaches, you must time it correctly while paddling towards the shore.
3. When the wave is almost upon you, take a few strong paddle strokes to create enough speed. This way, you’ll get into the wave, which simultaneously pulls you backward and upward.
4. Once you feel the board gaining momentum in the direction you want, you can stand up and surf away on the wave.

Preferably as large and wide as possible! The more volume the board has, the better it floats, making it easier to catch waves. And the wider it is, the better balance you’ll have while surfing. Once you’re completely comfortable paddling and catching waves on a large board, you can choose to try a smaller one. But if you feel comfortable with your large board, then of course you can stick with it.

These two different branches within surfing are vastly different and can essentially be considered as two different sports. To perform aggressive maneuvers and turns in big waves, you need a smaller board, namely a shortboard. Longboarding is the more classic style within surfing where, for example, you dance your way all the way to the nose of the board and perform a so-called “noseride.” Such dance moves and balancing acts are performed on large surfboards.

It’s good to have confidence, but avoid paddling out completely alone the first few times you surf. With an instructor on hand, you’re much more likely to catch more waves than without. You’ll receive valuable tips and guidance in the right direction to catch the waves, quite literally. Moreover, as a completely inexperienced surfer, you may make mistakes that could potentially harm yourself or other surfers in the water. For these reasons, we highly recommend booking your first surf trip with lessons from a professional instructor.