Cascais: Surf Lesson at Guincho or Carcavelos Beach with Gear

Summary

Surfing the atlantic in cascais with locals guiding every wave

You’ll paddle out with a local surf instructor on Cascais’ best beaches — Guincho or Carcavelos — learning by doing as you catch your first waves. Expect hands-on tips, all equipment provided, and plenty of laughs (plus maybe some tumbles). It’s less about perfect form, more about feeling alive in the Atlantic spray.

What’s the experience like?

Wax on my palms, sand already sneaking into my wetsuit — that’s how our morning started in Cascais. Someone was laughing about how cold the water looked (it really did), but our instructor João just grinned and tossed us boards anyway. He checked the wind and pointed toward Guincho Beach — apparently today’s best bet for beginners like me. I didn’t realize how much the ocean changes from hour to hour here, but João seemed to know every ripple. The salt air was sharp and bright, and there was this faint smell of grilled sardines drifting from somewhere behind the dunes.

We huddled together for a quick warm-up, mostly stretching and some jumping around to shake off nerves. João explained a bit about reading waves — honestly, I only caught half of it because I was watching a local kid paddle out like he’d been born on a board. My first try? Total wipeout, but João just shouted encouragement and showed me again how to pop up. The Atlantic is colder than I expected; it kind of wakes you up in your bones. But after a few tries (and some very patient corrections), I actually caught one — not far, but enough that everyone cheered from the sand. That feeling stuck with me all day.

Afterwards we sprawled on our towels, shivering and grinning while João told stories about big winter swells and how Carcavelos gets packed when Lisbon empties out on weekends. I tried to say “obrigado” right and he laughed — probably deserved it. The lesson ran just over two hours, but nobody rushed us off the beach or anything. There’s something about learning to surf here that feels both humbling and weirdly joyful at once… maybe it’s just being part of the rhythm for a little while.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Surf lesson at best Cascais beaches

• Warm up exercises
• Surf theory session
• Practice surfing waves
• Choose best waves at Guincho or Carcavelos
• Receive instructor corrections

Top questions

Where does the surf lesson take place in Cascais?

The lesson happens at either Guincho or Carcavelos Beach in Cascais, depending on sea conditions and your skill level.

How long is the surf lesson?

The surf lesson lasts around 2 hours.

Is surfing equipment included?

Yes, all surf material is included: surfboard, wetsuit, and leash.

Are instructors certified?

Yes, you’ll be taught by professional and certified surf instructors.

Is insurance provided during the lesson?

Sport insurance is included for all participants during the activity.

Can beginners join this surf experience?

Yes, it’s suitable for all fitness levels including beginners.

Are there public transportation options nearby?

Yes, public transportation options are available near the meeting point.

Is this activity recommended for travelers with health issues?

No, it’s not recommended for those with spinal injuries, poor cardiovascular health or pregnant travelers.

What’s included

Your day includes all necessary surf equipment (board, wetsuit, leash), hands-on instruction from certified local surfers who know every break around Cascais, plus sport insurance so you can focus on catching waves instead of worrying about logistics.