Surf guiding in the Algarve
For surfers who do not need a lesson, only a lift and someone who knows which corner of the Algarve is working today. We drive, you surf.
Price: [CONFIRM: surf guiding price]
The Algarve has two coasts facing different directions within an hour's drive of Lagos, which is the best thing about surfing here and the most confusing if you do not know it. A south swell that lights up Praia da Luz can leave the west coast unrideable, and a big Atlantic day that closes out Amado can be perfect around the corner at Arrifana. Guiding exists so you spend your day surfing instead of driving between car parks looking at flat water.
You get a seat in the van, a driver who has been checking these beaches for 17 years, and honest advice on where to paddle out once you are there: which peak is working, where the rip is, and when the tide will turn it off. We are not coaching you unless you ask. If you want feedback on your surfing, book a private lesson instead.
Guiding suits surfers who can paddle out on their own, catch unbroken waves and get themselves out of trouble. Bring your own board if you have one; if not, we can add a board and wetsuit from our Rent and Ride kit. Days run to the same rhythm as our lessons: early swell check, drive, surf, lunch, second surf, drive back.
What's included
- Transport to the beach that is working that day
- Local knowledge of peaks, rips, tides and access
- A driver who checks the forecast before dawn
- Boards and wetsuits available to hire if you need them
Price: [CONFIRM: surf guiding price]. Board and wetsuit hire can be added from €45.
How the day works
- 1
Forecast call
We look at swell direction, period, wind and tide the night before and again at dawn.
2Pickup
From Lagos or Praia da Luz. Pickup times: [CONFIRM: pickup times].
- 3
Drive to the coast that is working
South coast when the swell is small or the wind is northerly, west coast when the Atlantic is delivering.
4Line-up briefing
Two minutes on the sand: where the peak is, where the rip runs, what the tide is about to do.
5Surf, eat, surf
You surf your own session. We stay with the van and the kit.
6Move or stay
If the tide kills the bank we can drive to the next beach rather than waiting it out.
Prices
Guided surf day
On request
[CONFIRM: surf guiding price]
- Transport to the working coast
- Local knowledge and line-up briefing
- Option to move beaches with the tide
Guiding plus board and wetsuit
+€45
added to the guiding price
- Surfboard for the day
- Wetsuit in your size
- Same guided day
Who it's for
- Surfers who can already paddle out and catch unbroken waves
- Visitors without a car or with a hire car they would rather not park on a dirt track
- Anyone who has three days in the Algarve and does not want to waste one on a flat beach
- Travelling surfers who want a local read on the forecast
- Not for beginners: book a lesson instead
Where we surf
South coast: Meia Praia, Porto de Mós and the beaches around Lagos when the swell wraps in or the wind is from the north.
West coast: Arrifana, Amado and the beaches around Sagres and Aljezur on Atlantic swell.
Which one we choose is a morning decision, not a booking decision. [CONFIRM: full list of beaches used for guiding]
What people say
[REAL GOOGLE REVIEWS TO GO HERE]
[REAL GOOGLE REVIEW 1 — reviewer first name, rating and quote to be pulled from Google]
[REAL GOOGLE REVIEW 2 — reviewer first name, rating and quote to be pulled from Google]
[REAL GOOGLE REVIEW 3 — reviewer first name, rating and quote to be pulled from Google]
Questions
Do I need my own board?
No. Bring one if you have it, or add board and wetsuit hire for €45 and we will bring something suitable.
Will you coach me?
Not unless you ask. Guiding is transport and local knowledge. For coaching, book a private lesson.
What level do I need to be?
You should be able to paddle out through whitewater, catch unbroken waves and handle a rip. If that does not describe you yet, a lesson will get you more out of the day.
Can you guide a group of friends?
Yes. Tell us how many of you there are and we will confirm van space.
What happens if everywhere is bad?
We will tell you before you pay for the day. Some winter days have too much swell and wind for anywhere in the Algarve to be good, and pretending otherwise wastes your holiday.
Let us drive
Tell us your dates and what you ride. We will let you know the plan the evening before, once the forecast has settled.