Salty Wave Surf School Algarve – FAQs

Thinking about surfing in the Algarve? Here you’ll find answers to the most common questions about our surf lessons, logistics, and conditions in and around Lagos, Praia da Luz, and the west coast.

1. What type of surf lessons do you offer?

We offer daily group lessons for beginners and private surf coaching for all levels.
Each lesson includes surfboard, wetsuit, and beach transfer.

Our base is in Lagos. We usually surf on the south coast  – Lagos or, if conditions change, we go to the west coast — beaches like, Cordoama chosen daily for the best waves.

Each session lasts around 2.5 hours, including theory, warm-up, and practice time in the water.

Pick-ups are scheduled according to the time selected during booking. As surf lessons depend on tides and waves conditions, the final schedule may vary. We confirm the exact pick-up time and location by WhatsApp the evening before, around 22:00.

Yes! We offer free pick-ups from Lagos, Praia da Luz, and Burgau.

 If you’re staying outside these areas, you can meet us directly at one of our meeting point in Lagos or at the beach if you pretend to stay there after the lesson — we’ll share the location the day before.

Of course. We’ll send you the exact beach location the day before your lesson. There’s usually free parking available at all our surf spots.

Bring your swimwear, towel, sunscreen, water, snack, . Everything else (board, wetsuit, leash, wax) is included.

Yes! We welcome beginners and returning surfers. Private lessons are perfect if you already stand up and want to work on timing, turns, or confidence.

Maximum 8 students per instructor. This ensures personal feedback and safety at all times.

Yes — all instructors are licensed surf coaches by the Portuguese enteties and trained lifeguards, with years of experience in the Algarve’s surf conditions.

We always adapt! If conditions are flat or unsafe, we’ll reschedule, change location, or issue a a credit voucher or Refund if surfing isn’t possible.

  • Cancel 48 h or more → full refund
  • Cancel 24–48 h → 50 % refund
  • Cancel under 24 h → no refund

If we cancel due to weather or safety, you can reschedule or get a full refund.

Yes! The Algarve offers great waves all year round.

  • Spring & Summer (Mar–Oct): best for beginners
  • Autumn & Winter (Nov–Feb): ideal beginners and intermediate surfers

Yes — you can book 1 to 5-day courses.

Yes. You can rent surfboards, wetsuits, and bodyboards directly from our Praia da Luz Shop, for a few hours or several days.

Minimum 14 years old for group lessons. If they want a group lesson you can book with our kids surf lessons partner via our website.
Younger kids can join our private sessions with the parents for the Family private lesson experience. 

Our surf lessons are given in English, and it’s important that all participants understand basic English instructions to ensure safety and clear communication in the water.

Yes. All lessons include public liability and personal accident insurance while you’re surfing with us.

We work with partner photographers who can join your surf lesson for a photo session. This service depends on the photographer’s availability and needs to be arranged in advance. The cost is agreed directly with the photographer.

If your question isn’t answered in our FAQs, get in touch with the Salty Wave Surf School team — we’re always happy to help you plan your surf experience in the Algarve.

📞 WhatsApp: [+351 931692605]
📧 Email: lagos@saltywavesurf.com