Surf Classes in Madeira: Learn to Ride Waves

You'll stand on a board in your first lesson, even as a complete beginner.

Surf classes in Madeira teach you to ride waves or improve your technique across three hours, with a live guide in English, Portuguese, Italian or French. Beginners are guaranteed to stand on a board during the first session. The instructor tailors the lesson to your level (beginner, intermediate or advanced), and adjusts the beach and time based on daily tide and sea conditions, confirmed by WhatsApp the day before.

The experience

The lesson runs two hours in the water, with the full session lasting three hours total. You get a surfboard, a fitted surf suit, and insurance included. The guide also takes photos unless weather or technical issues prevent it. Bring a swimsuit or bikini to wear under the suit, a beach towel, sunscreen and water. The instructor works through the fundamentals (tide knowledge, safety, equipment handling and technique) tailored to whether you're starting from scratch or already surfing and looking to progress.

The beach and meeting time shift based on conditions, which change daily. That flexibility is what keeps you surfing in good waves rather than fighting choppy water or waiting for the swell. Confirmation arrives by WhatsApp one day ahead, so you'll know exactly where and when to show up. The guide speaks English, Portuguese, Italian or French, and the class stays small enough that you get individual attention on your technique.

What’s included

• Surfboard and fitted surf suit.
• insurance.
• photos taken during the class.
• live guide in English, Portuguese, Italian or French.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day

AgesAdult (8 to 80 years) · Under 8: can't be booked

GroupUp to 6

Live guideEnglish, French, Italian and Portuguese

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 4 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleStroller-friendlyPets welcomeNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Calhau Surf School

Is this one for you?Take this class if you're arriving with a free afternoon or morning and want to try surfing for the first time, or if you already surf and want focused instruction on your technique. Small groups mean the guide watches your form and adjusts the lesson to your level.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, French, Italian and Portuguese.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What happens if I've never surfed before?

Beginners are guaranteed to stand on a board during the first class. The instructor teaches you safety, how to read the water and the basic movements, then gets you up and riding in controlled conditions.

How does the guide choose which beach to use?

The beach changes based on tide and sea conditions, which shift every day. The instructor picks the spot that offers the safest, most suitable waves for your level that day, and confirms the location by WhatsApp the evening before.

What's included in the three-hour session?

The surfboard, a fitted surf suit, insurance and photos are all included. You bring your own swimsuit to wear underneath, plus a towel, sunscreen and water.

Can I take the class if I already know how to surf?

Yes. The instructor designs the lesson around your level (beginner, intermediate or advanced), and focuses on improving your technique and skills specific to where you are in your practice.