surf lessons for beginners in winter

Winter Surfing in the Algarve

Picture this: While your friends back home are bundled up in winter coats, scraping ice off car windows, you’re paddling out into sunshine-filled waves with only a handful of other surfers in sight.

This isn’t a dream. This is winter in Portugal’s Algarve and surf lessons for beginners in winter.

If you’ve been putting off that surf trip because “it’s winter,” we have the best news for you: Your winter is our summer in the Algarve. And it might just be the perfect time to finally learn to surf or take your skills to the next level.

Why Winter? Because the Conditions Are Actually Perfect

Forget Everything You Think About Winter Surfing

When most people hear “winter surfing,” they imagine freezing water and miserable conditions. That’s not the Algarve.

Here’s what winter really looks like: - Sunny days with temperatures around 15-20°C (59-68°F) - Comfortable surfing in a 4/3mm wetsuit - Over 200 sunny days per year, even in winter - Warm enough to enjoy lunch on the beach after your session - No frozen fingers, no survival mode—just great surfing

Compare that to the UK, northern Europe, or even northern Portugal where winter means thick wetsuits, gloves, boots, and genuinely cold water. The Algarve is different. It’s comfortable. It’s enjoyable.

The Real Secret: Empty Beaches, More Waves, Faster Progress

Here’s what changes everything about winter surfing in the Algarve: the beaches empty out.

Most surf schools close. Tourists head home. And suddenly, you have the waves almost to yourself.

What this means for you:

3x More Waves Per SessionIn summer, you might catch 5-10 waves in a two-hour lesson while navigating crowds. In winter? You can catch 20-30 waves with space to breathe and learn. That’s triple the practice time.

Personalized AttentionSmaller groups and relaxed lineups mean your instructor can focus completely on you. Every wave becomes a learning opportunity with detailed, real-time feedback.

Zero PressureNo stress about getting in someone’s way. No rushing. No competing for position. Just you, your instructor, and perfect conditions for learning.

The Result? Students often progress more in one winter week than in two summer weeks. More waves + better coaching + relaxed atmosphere = dramatically faster improvement.

Perfect Waves for Every Level

Beginners: Gentle, Friendly Waves on the South Coast

If you’re taking your first surf lesson or still building confidence, winter on the Algarve’s south coast is ideal.

Protected bays like Praia da Luz, Porto de Mós, and Meia Praia offer: - Gentle, rolling waves perfect for learning - Sandy bottoms (soft landings!) - Calm, manageable conditions - Sheltered spots even when there’s swell elsewhere

These beaches work beautifully in winter, giving you consistent waves without any intimidation factor. You’ll learn proper technique on real waves that have just enough push to teach you how surfing actually works.

The best part? You’ll likely be sharing these perfect beginner waves with just a handful of other learners instead of summer’s crowds.

Intermediate & Advanced: Quality Waves on the West Coast

Ready for more challenge? Winter opens up the Algarve’s west coast with consistent, clean waves perfect for progression.

Spots like Cordoama and Amado deliver: - Smooth, well-shaped waves for practicing turns - Consistent conditions for building skills - Space to experiment and try new maneuvers - The kind of quality waves that make you better

This isn’t about survival or proving anything. It’s about having the right conditions to genuinely improve your surfing in a supportive, uncrowded environment.

A Typical Winter Surf Day in the Algarve

Morning: Wake up to sunshine. Meet your small group and instructor. Drive to whichever beach has the best conditions today—that’s the advantage of local expertise.

Paddle out into uncrowded, clean waves. Spend two hours catching wave after wave, getting feedback, improving with each ride. Exit the water tired in the best way, buzzing with progress.

Afternoon: Lunch at a sunny beachside restaurant. Fresh grilled fish, cold beer, good conversation. Then maybe another surf session, explore Lagos’ beautiful old town, or simply relax and soak up the Portuguese winter sunshine.

Evening: Watch the sunset from dramatic cliffs. Enjoy incredible seafood. Share stories about your best waves of the day.

This is what winter looks like in the Algarve. Not suffering—thriving.

Why Winter Might Be Better Than Summer

We know that sounds bold, but hear us out.

Summer gives you: - Slightly warmer water - Guaranteed hot weather - Busy beaches and vibrant atmosphere - Inconsistent, often tiny waves - Crowded lineups - Slower progression

Winter gives you: - Comfortable conditions (with proper wetsuit) - Mostly sunny, pleasant weather - Peaceful, authentic atmosphere - Consistent, quality waves - Empty lineups - Rapid improvement

If your goal is to actually learn to surf or genuinely improve your skills, winter delivers better conditions for that goal.

What Makes the Algarve Special for Winter

Geography Creates Perfect Options

The Algarve’s coastline faces multiple directions, which is crucial in winter.

South coast beaches stay protected and gentle—perfect for beginners and relaxed sessions.

West coast beaches pick up more swell—ideal when you want quality waves for progression.

This variety means there’s always somewhere perfect for your level, regardless of conditions. Experienced instructors know exactly which beach will work best each day.

Everything Stays Open

Unlike other European surf destinations that shut down for winter, the Algarve keeps going.

Restaurants, cafes, and surf infrastructure remain open. You get the benefits of fewer crowds without the downside of everything being closed. The region feels alive and welcoming, not dead and empty.

Better Value

Winter brings lower accommodation prices, less expensive restaurants, and better availability. You get more for your money while experiencing better surf conditions.

Who is Winter Surfing For?

Winter in the Algarve is perfect if you: - Want to actually improve your surfing, not just try it once - Appreciate quality experiences over crowded tourist scenes - Don’t need guaranteed 30°C weather (comfortable 15-20°C is fine) - Value authentic Portuguese culture alongside great surf - Want personalized attention and real progression

It might not be for you if: - You need guaranteed hot beach weather - You prefer busy, resort-style atmospheres - You’re not open to occasional cloudy days

Be honest about what you want from your trip. If it’s serious surf progression in beautiful, comfortable conditions, winter is your answer.

The Salty Wave Difference in Winter

Not all surf schools operate in winter, and there’s a reason why.

Summer is easy. Almost any beach works for beginners. Conditions are forgiving. You don’t need deep local knowledge.

Winter requires expertise. Choosing the right beach for conditions matters. Understanding swell direction, wind, and tide becomes crucial. This knowledge only comes from years of year-round teaching.

Salty Wave has been teaching winter surfing since 2004. We’re one of the few schools that stay open all year because we know winter offers incredible conditions—when you know where to go.

What we provide: - Certified instructors with 20+ years of experience - Small groups - Daily beach selection based on conditions and your level - Quality equipment including warm, comfortable wetsuits - Transportation to the best spots - Genuine local knowledge you can’t get from seasonal schools

Your Winter Adventure Awaits

While northern Europe endures short, grey days, the Algarve enjoys sunshine, comfortable temperatures, and the year’s most consistent waves.

While summer surf destinations pack lineups with crowds fighting over inconsistent waves, the Algarve’s winter beaches stay peaceful with perfect learning conditions.

This is your winter. This is your chance to finally learn to surf properly, or to take your skills from beginner to confident surfer.

The water is comfortable. The weather is beautiful. The waves are perfect. The beaches are empty.

Your winter is our summer. Come discover why.

Ready to make this winter unforgettable?

Salty Wave Surf School has been welcoming winter surfers to the Algarve for over 20 years. We know exactly where to find perfect beginner waves on the south coast and quality progression waves on the west coast—every single day.

Our small groups, experienced instructors, and genuine passion for teaching mean you’ll progress faster while having more fun than you thought possible.

Book your winter surf lessons today. Escape the cold, catch amazing waves, and discover why winter might just be the best time to surf in Portugal.