Ericeira: 2h Surfing Lesson

Ericeira is a fine place to try surfing, and this lesson keeps the first attempt simple: pickup, equipment, instruction, and water time are all handled for you. Instructor Julien has a warm, playful teaching style, and his patience matters when your first wave ends with you sliding off the board.

I especially like the small five-person limit and the personal feedback after each wave. I also like that you receive safety instruction before entering the water, not as an afterthought. The main consideration is the surf itself: conditions can change, and if the waves are unsuitable, you may be notified and asked if you still want to proceed.

Key points at a glance

• Instructor Julien brings patience and humor: His encouragement helps beginners treat falling as part of learning rather than a failure.
• Small groups keep the lesson personal: With no more than five participants, you have a better chance of receiving useful advice.
• Everything you need is included: Pickup, drop-off, wetsuit, surfboard, insurance, and a level 2 surf instructor are covered.
• The lesson has a clear teaching rhythm: Theory and exercises come first, followed by safety rules and coached practice in the water.
• Conditions are handled honestly: If the surf is not suitable, you can decide whether to continue.
• The $76 price covers more than board time: Transport, gear, instruction, insurance, and a post-surf drink and snack are included.

Why this two-hour lesson works for beginners

A first surf lesson can feel like a logistical puzzle. You need a board, wetsuit, transport, a beach, and someone who knows how to keep you safe. Waves Finder takes care of those basic pieces, leaving you to focus on the hard but enjoyable part: learning how to catch and ride a wave.

The lesson is designed for all levels, but beginners will get the clearest benefit. You do not need to arrive knowing how to paddle or stand. The session begins with a theory class and exercises that prepare your body and mind for the water.

That opening matters. Surfing looks easy from the beach, yet timing, balance, and board control all have to come together quickly. A short explanation on land gives you a framework before you begin trying it for real.

You also receive safety rules before entering the water. I consider this one of the most important parts of the experience. A fun lesson should still teach you how to behave around other surfers, how to handle your board, and how to stay more aware of changing conditions.

Pickup in the Waves Finder van

Pickup and return to your accommodation are included, with transport provided in a van marked Waves Finder. That may sound like a small convenience, but it removes one of the biggest hassles of a short activity.

You do not need to work out how to reach an unfamiliar surf spot with a board and wet gear. You also avoid arranging a taxi for the return journey, which is useful after two hours of physical effort.

The exact pickup time depends on the available starting slot. Check the schedule when you book, and keep your morning or afternoon reasonably open around the lesson. The activity lasts two hours, but changing into a wetsuit, collecting equipment, and returning to your accommodation may add time around that core session.

Bring a towel and water. Those are the only items specifically required. The provider supplies the surfboard and wetsuit, and insurance is included.

Starting on land with theory and safety

Once you reach the surf spot, the practical teaching begins on land. The theory lesson introduces the basic movements and includes exercises to prepare you for practice.

For a first-timer, this is where a good instructor can make the difference. You need instructions that are clear enough to remember once the water gets busy and the board starts moving. Julien’s approach, based on his work with this lesson, centers on patience, encouragement, and quick feedback.

The safety briefing comes before the water session. Pay close attention here, even if you are eager to begin. Surfing is more enjoyable when you understand how to act around waves, boards, and other people.

This land section also gives you a chance to ask questions. The lesson is available in English, Portuguese, French, and Spanish, so you can receive the main guidance in the language that suits you best.

Getting equipped for the water

The price includes the gear required for the lesson. That means a wetsuit and surfboard are provided, so you do not need to own or rent equipment separately.

The wetsuit is more than a clothing detail. It helps you stay comfortable while you spend time in the water, especially during the repeated attempts that come with learning. A board supplied for instruction also means you are using equipment selected for the lesson rather than bringing something unsuitable.

Insurance is included as well. That does not remove the need to follow instructions or behave carefully, but it is a useful part of the package and makes the booking feel more complete.

You should still bring a towel and your own water. The post-lesson juice and cookies are welcome, but they do not replace a bottle of water after physical activity.

Learning wave by wave with Julien

The main part of the experience takes place in the water. You practice the movements from the land session, try to catch waves, and work on getting into a standing position.

This is where instructor Julien receives the strongest praise. He is described as patient, enthusiastic, and genuinely excited by small successes. That is exactly the tone you want for a beginner lesson. You may stand for only a moment at first, and you may also fall many times. A good instructor keeps those falls from becoming discouraging.

Julien’s teaching style appears to be particularly strong for couples, friends, and first-time surfers who want a relaxed introduction. He encourages effort and treats progress as something worth noticing, even when the result is brief.

After each wave, you receive personal feedback. This is more useful than a single correction at the start of the session because you can test one change, receive advice, and try again. Perhaps you need to adjust your balance, improve your timing, or change how you move from lying down to standing. Short feedback between attempts helps you make sense of what happened.

Do not expect to master surfing in two hours. The realistic goal is to understand the basics, get a feel for the board, and perhaps stand up for a few seconds. One participant was able to learn the fundamentals quickly enough to feel ready to rent a board independently later. That is an encouraging result, but it should not be treated as a promise for every person.

Your success will depend on conditions, fitness, balance, and how quickly you respond to instruction. The important point is that the teaching is set up to help you improve during the session rather than simply sending you into the water with equipment.

Small-group coaching, capped at five

The maximum group size is five participants. This is one of the most useful details when comparing surf lessons.

A very large beginner group can mean long waits between attempts and only brief contact with the instructor. A five-person group gives Julien more room to watch what you are doing and offer a correction after each wave.

The small size also suits different ability levels. The lesson welcomes complete beginners as well as more experienced surfers, though the exact balance of the group can vary. If you already surf, you may find the basic instruction familiar. Still, the personal coaching and organized water time can make the session worthwhile, especially if you want guidance in a new surf area.

For couples or friends, the group format keeps the activity social without making it feel crowded. One couple described wishing they had booked the lesson earlier in their trip so they could have returned for another session. That is a useful hint: if surfing is a main interest, do not wait until the final day.

What happens if the surf is poor

Surf conditions are not fully under the provider’s control. If the waves are unsuitable, Waves Finder will notify you and let you decide if you want to proceed.

That policy is fair, but you should think about what proceed means in practice. The supplied information does not promise a replacement date or a different activity, so ask about your options if conditions look poor and your schedule is tight.

The notice is still a positive sign. A surf school that acknowledges unsuitable conditions is taking safety and lesson quality seriously. A beginner needs waves that can be managed, not conditions that make the session stressful or unsafe.

If you have only one free morning in Ericeira, keep this weather and surf uncertainty in mind. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the activity for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later, which helps if your plans are still shifting.

Is $76 a fair price?

At $76 per person, this is not the cheapest possible way to spend two hours near the water. It is also not just a board rental.

The fee includes transportation from and back to your accommodation, a wetsuit, surfboard, insurance, a professional level 2 instructor, and the teaching itself. You also receive juice and cookies after the session. When you add up the equipment, transport, and instruction separately, the package offers solid value for a first lesson.

The greatest value lies in the coaching. Renting a board alone might cost less, but it would not give you the theory session, safety briefing, wave-by-wave feedback, or help from Julien when you are struggling to stand.

I would consider the price reasonable for someone who wants a structured introduction without handling the details alone. It is especially useful if you are staying in the Lisbon District and do not have your own transport or equipment.

For an experienced surfer who only needs a board, the package may offer more instruction than necessary. For a beginner, the included support makes the price easier to justify.

Who should book this experience?

This lesson is a strong match for:

• First-time surfers who want instruction before trying the water
• Couples and friends looking for a shared activity
• Visitors without a car or surf equipment
• People who prefer small groups
• Surfers who want feedback rather than unsupervised rental time
• Anyone who values flexible cancellation and pay-later booking

It may be less suitable if you want a full-day surf program or several hours in the water. The session lasts two hours, so it is an introduction rather than a complete surf course.

It may also disappoint someone expecting guaranteed long rides or advanced coaching. The lesson is built around learning and practice. Your first successful stand may last only a moment, but that moment is the point.

Small details that improve the day

Wear something easy to change in and out of, though the supplied information only requires a towel and water. Keep your expectations practical. You may spend time listening, practicing movements, waiting for a suitable wave, and trying again after a fall.

The juice and cookies at the end are a simple touch, but they fit the format well. Surfing uses more energy than it appears to from shore, and a small refreshment gives the session a pleasant finish.

Communication before the activity is also reported as quick, open, and clear. That matters when pickup is included. Make sure your accommodation details and contact information are correct so the transport arrangement goes smoothly.

The instructors can teach in English, Portuguese, French, or Spanish. If you have a specific language preference, select or confirm it when arranging the lesson.

My verdict on Waves Finder in Ericeira

I would book this lesson if I wanted a friendly first taste of surfing without arranging transport, gear, or a separate instructor. The best features are practical rather than flashy: a small group, a clear land briefing, safety coaching, individual corrections, and an instructor who seems to enjoy helping beginners make progress.

Julien’s patience is the strongest reason to choose this particular session. Falling is unavoidable for most new surfers, and an instructor who keeps the mood light can turn frustration into another attempt.

The main caution is the two-hour limit and the uncertainty of surf conditions. You may not become independent in one session, and a poor forecast can change the plan. Still, for $76, the package covers enough services to make it a sensible choice for beginners staying in the Lisbon District.

Book it earlier in your stay if you can. That gives you time to take another lesson or rent a board later if the first session leaves you wanting more.

FAQ

How long does the surf lesson last?

The lesson lasts two hours.

What is included in the price?

The price includes transportation to and from your accommodation, surf gear, insurance, a professional level 2 surf instructor, and the lesson. Juice and cookies are also provided after the session.

Is pickup included?

Yes. Pickup and drop-off are included, using a van marked Waves Finder.

How many people are in the group?

The group is limited to five participants.

What languages can the instructor speak?

Instruction is available in English, Portuguese, French, and Spanish.

What should I bring?

Bring a towel and water. The surfboard and wetsuit are provided.

What happens if the surf conditions are unsuitable?

You will be notified and can decide whether to proceed with the lesson.

Can I cancel the booking?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. You can also reserve your place and pay later.