About us...
...and about the way we teach
Soul of Surfing
Welcome to our surf school based in the beautiful Algarve region of Portugal. Our experienced instructors are passionate about sharing their love of surfing with students of all levels, from beginners to those of you who might actually be better surfers than us.
We believe that surfing is not just a sport but a lifestyle, and our holistic approach to surf lessons aims to pass on all the soulful things we love about surfing.
Rather than just teaching people to stand up on foamies and churning out beginners, we teach some of the ‘whys’ and the ‘how’s behind surfing. From wave-riding on all kinds of craft (focused for your level - be that beginner, improver, intermediate or beyond) to ocean awareness and activism, etiquette, to blue health and how the ocean is good for the soul. Our lessons cater to all levels of surfers, and we provide guidance and support throughout the learning process.
With our Soul of Surfing programme we aim to increase the sense of play (not just success) in the water and give a bit of an understanding of the soul surfing lifestyle.
At Soul & Surf / School Portugal, we combine the activity of surfing with yoga and mindfulness – practices we’ve honed over the last 10+ years of operating Soul & Surf. We encourage our students to develop a deeper connection with the ocean, themselves, and the Now, as well as giving them technical, considered coaching so they progress as quickly as possible.
Read all about our Soul of Surfing syllabus...
Technical Coaching
What does that actually mean, then?
It’s essential for progression in all sport - think about the nuances involved in honing jiu-jitsu movements, the perfect serve in tennis, training for a marathon - or even learning to practise inversions after years of yoga classes.
Why not in surf coaching? Why do we think all we need to do is learn to stand up and then we are ready to be alone in the ocean and understand how to progress ourselves?
Adult surf coaching has a bad rep - surf schools are guilty of the pack-'em-in mentality, of promising that you'll be standing on your first lesson – and that's often all you get. Along with the deep joy of the word 'paddle' relentlessly screamed at you by macho-dudes while you are, in fact, paddling as hard as you can (instead of that ‘coach’ explaining how to paddle properly in the first place).
Well, we think that needs to change. Once you are past the white water, that is when the real challenge starts. And that is when you need good, considered coaching the most.
Which is what we believe in. We believe in teaching you the good stuff - whether you are ready to learn to duck dive, cutback, cross-stop, nose ride, to top turn - or simply feel safe and confident in the ocean.
Soul & Surf / School Portugal - Lagos, Luz, Burgau and more
We take our lessons to the best location for the day - based on surf conditions and the group’s experience level - including Lagos, Sagres, and the west coast. And we keep our groups small, making sure you get all the attention you deserve.
Join us for a Soulful surfing experience that will leave you with a deeper connection to the ocean and nature - and discover the joy of surfing in the Algarve.
Book your lesson today
Surf Lessons - with Soul
We firmly believe that surfing is for everyone – and so this thread is woven through everything we teach.
