Surf Lessons in Western Algarve

Overview

Available languages

Portuguese

English

Italian

French

Spanish

3 hours

Mobile ticket

Filsurf School was created in 2008 by a passionate Portuguese surfer from Porto with wide experience in surfing around the world, surfing competitions, and coaching.

We are a small surf school located in the Algarve whose priority is quality over quantity. At our surf lessons, you can be sure that you will have attention from a surf instructor, use high-quality equipment, stay safe, and learn a lot about surfing and how to surf.

Whether you are a beginner or intermediate surfer, we offer both group and private surf lessons at our surf school in Algarve. Our experienced surf instructors will provide you with personalized guidance to improve your surfing skills.

Join our group lessons for a fun and social experience or take private lessons if you prefer one-on-one attention.

Additional Info

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries

Not recommended for pregnant travelers

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

What To Expect

During a 2.5-hour surf lesson, beginner surfers will learn the basic of surfing, including the proper technique of paddling, standing up, controlling the board, and riding waves. We will start with a short theory part to learn about the waves, safety rules, and equipment. Then we warm up and go to catch waves in the ocean. Our experienced instructors will be close by and provide individual feedback and support to help you to improve your skills. Intermediate surfers will improve their technique and increase their confidence in the water by learning about reading waves, positioning on the line-up, and sharpening the technique.

What‘s Included

Transfer to the surf spot and back

We provide you with a surfboard, wetsuit and leash

Lunch

Pickup points

Select a pickup point

Options

Group surf lessons

Pickup included

Reviews

5.00

15 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

The best and most professional surf school I’ve ever tried
juliannaw564,Jan 21, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
The best and most professional surf school I’ve ever tried I’ve surfed with several schools over the years, and Filsurf is by far the best and most professional surf school I’ve ever experienced. What really makes the difference is Filipe, the owner. You immediately feel that he is a real surfer, not just someone running a business. His knowledge of the ocean, the conditions, and surfing technique is incredible, and he genuinely cares about helping you improve, not just pushing you into the water. I learned more in a short time here than I did with other schools in much longer periods. The explanations were clear, the coaching was personal, and everything felt well organised and safe. You can tell this school has years of real experience behind it. If you’re looking for a surf school run by passionate surfers who truly love what they do, not just a commercial operation, I can’t recommend Filsurf enough. I would 100% come back.
Two days that made me love surfing
Saranja ha,Aug 31, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
I booked a two-day surf course with Filsurf. I had never surfed before, but after these two days I know that I would love to do a longer course in the future. Filsurf made this sport really appealing to me. Riccardo and Pierre (sorry if I got the name wrong) were great surf instructors. I really liked that they always focused on safety. You could go to them anytime for help or tips. They also gave attention to every participant. On the first day, the waves were strong, and it wasn’t easy. But by the end of the lesson, I was already looking forward to the next one. The second lesson went much better. At the start, the group was split a bit, as some people were joining for the second time. We practiced the movements again on land, and then went into the water. I even managed to stand up on the board for a few seconds – such a great feeling!
Group Lesson
164dominikh,Aug 19, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Good group lessons with 3 family members. Registration by mail without any problems. Arrival by private car, we met on the beach. Price was fair.
Great Day Surfing with FilSurf
M5999NDoliverb,Aug 11, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Great first day back surfing after a while. Great coaches, improved a lot and massively recommend! Incredibly helpful when it comes to picking up from your preferred location in Lagos!
Great experience with Ricardo
Global59139235282,Jun 19, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
I did a 3 day package and it was a super experience. Ricardo put you at ease and is really trying to find solutions to your weak points. I did some surf classes before and I am a more heavy guy with less mobility so often coaches will tell one or two things and then they stop searching for solutions if I still fail. I felt that Ricardo was really trying to find different ways to explain what I should do to improve my pop-up. He is really trying to pay attention to everyone in the class. I absolutely recommend to take surf lessons with Filschool, I will surely comeback.
5 stars - incredible experience
CorinneB2098,Jun 18, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
I had the absolute best time learning to surf with Filsurf. The instructors (both Filipe and Ricardo) are not only highly skilled surfers, but also fantastic teachers — patient, encouraging, and full of energy. They tailored the lessons to each student's level, so whether you’re a total beginner (like I was) or more experienced, you’ll get the guidance you need to improve. What really sets this school apart is the personal touch. It doesn’t feel like a big, commercial operation — it feels more like being taught by passionate locals who truly love what they do. The small group sizes meant lots of individual attention, and I felt safe and supported in the water at all times. I can’t recommend this surf school enough. Whether you're looking for your first lesson or hoping to sharpen your skills, this is the place to go.
Amazing day learning to surf in the Algarve!
claudiodV349GN,Jun 17, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
We had such an amazing time learning to surf with the Filsurf instructors! Our 12 year old son loved it! We loved it too! We will sleep well tonight for sure! Thanks for an amazing day!
Great classes!
Companion49176154349,Nov 29, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Filipe is an amazing and experienced teacher, me and my husband were very happy with the classes. He is very dedicated to teaching everyone and at the same time the classes are also fun. If you are in Lagos don’t miss the opportunity.
Awesome first time surfing experience for a family of 4 (including 2 teenagers)
tomcL6447UO,Aug 7, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
We booked private lessons for a family of 4 (incl 2 teenagers). We wanted to surf for three days, it was our first surfing experience and we absolutely loved it. Filipe was our surf instructor and we felt like we made really good progress over the span of three days surfing. We like the fact that Filsurf is a family owned business with top notch instructors who are surfers delivering an authentic surfing experience, even for us as complete novices. Filipe was patient, he gave us a lot of explanation and information. I wouldn’t doubt booking Filsurf again if we are travelling in the same area. If you come with the right mindset and attitude of wanting to improve your surfing, you want to get training from Filsurf.
A real surf school.
francescasommella,Jul 22, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Fil is a trained and passionate teacher, it is impossible not to try surfing after hearing his explanations about the waves and winds. My boyfriend and I always felt safe and followed. Groups are small so that the teacher follows everyone. A real surf school, made up of real surfers.