Our story
Born in the water,
built by surfers.
Since 2014, Ericeira Waves has been turning hesitant first-timers into people who rearrange their entire holiday schedule around a surf forecast.
How it started
Quality from the first email to the last photo.
Ericeira Waves was founded in 2014 by a group of surfers who grew up in the water at Ribeira d'Ilhas and wanted to share what they loved about it — not just the sport, but the feeling. The slow morning paddle out. The silence before a set arrives. The uncontrollable grin that follows your first proper ride.
A decade later, we've taught over 5,000 students from 60+ countries. We're the surf school with the highest Google rating in Ericeira and a TripAdvisor Travelers' Choice award. But what we're most proud of is something you can't measure: the percentage of our students who book a second lesson before they've showered after the first.
We operate exclusively at Ribeira d'Ilhas — Ericeira's crown jewel and a wave that works for absolute beginners and world-class surfers on the same morning. Every one of our instructors is certified by the Portuguese Surf Federation, trained in water safety, and has been surfing this coastline for years.
By the numbers
A decade of surf lessons
5,000+
Students taught
60+
Countries represented
4.9
Google rating
10
Years in Ericeira
Our mission
Three things we do obsessively
01
Teach well, not just teach
Our instructors follow the Portuguese Surf Federation's progressive methodology. You won't just stand up — you'll understand why, so you can reproduce it alone, anywhere in the world.
02
Keep everyone safe
Every session begins with a full water safety briefing. We monitor conditions daily and match groups to appropriate spots. Safety isn't a checkbox — it's the reason we're still here after 10 years.
03
Make it the best part of your trip
A surf lesson is often the highlight of a Portugal holiday. We take that seriously. From the first reply to your booking email to the photos we send after the session — every touchpoint is designed to be exceptional.
Our values
What guides every decision
Ocean First
We operate with minimal environmental impact and actively participate in beach clean-ups and ocean conservation projects.
Certified Excellence
Every instructor holds full FPS certification and water safety qualifications. No exceptions, no shortcuts.
Honest Communication
We tell you when conditions aren't right. We reschedule or refund — no argument, no hassle.
Inclusive by Default
From age 8 to 71, from non-swimmers to advanced surfers. Everyone belongs in the ocean.
Ready to catch your first wave?
Join 373+ students who stood up on their first lesson at Ericeira Waves. Spots fill fast in summer — book yours now.