Surf Educa® & Surf Special

Confidence, safety & fun for kids, teens and people with disabilities

Surfing Life Club offers two programs that open the ocean to all. Surf Educa® teaches kids and teens water safety, confidence and real skills. Surf Special supports people with disabilities through adapted lessons and full guidance. Both are built around joy, progress and connection.

Surf Educa® – A Revolutionary Program That Combines Surfing & Education

Surf Educa® teaches kids and teens how to stay safe in the water. It builds confidence. It helps them grow stronger, more independent and more aware. They’ll learn real-life skills and leave the beach proud, capable and ready for more. It’s a surf holiday experience built for learning… and made for fun.

About Surf Educa®

What students learn

  • Students gain practical surf and ocean safety skills designed for real situations
  • They learn how to read waves, identify currents and stay calm in the water
  • Surf sessions are adapted for all levels, using soft boards in safe zones
  • They float, dive and move with control while growing confident in the sea
  • Team games and challenges help build trust, cooperation and resilience
  • The experience encourages focus, independence and physical awareness
  • Along the way, they develop a deep respect for the ocean and how to protect it
  • They leave not just better surfers, but stronger and more capable individuals

How the program works

  • Theoretical class on ocean safety, rescue techniques and surf knowledge
  • Practical surf class taught in a safe, shallow environment
  • Use of all equipment (isothermal wetsuit, surfboard, rescue float)
  • Access to surf club facilities (changing rooms, WC and personal storage)
  • Supervised at a ratio of 1 instructor per 7 students
  • Led by João Diogo and a team of accredited coaches with decades of experience

 Who it’s for

  • Ages 6+
  • Groups of 12 or more
  • Adapted programs available for students with special educational needs

Whether it’s your first time or you’re looking for a new trip idea for your school, Surf Educa® offers something for everyone.

When

  • Monday to Friday
  • Available months: September, October, November, February, March, April, May, June and July

That means you can enjoy Surf Educa® in summer, autumn, winter and spring. Essentially, it’s a year round program that fits your school calendar!

What to bring

  • Swimsuit
  • Towel
  • Sunscreen

Everything else is handled. Just bring the basics, show up and get ready to feel confident in the water.

Surf Educa® pricing

Program 1: Surf Educa® (2h30)

  • Theory and practical surf class
  • 6–15 students: €18.45/person
  • 16+ students: €15/person

VAT at legal rate.

Program 2: Surf Educa® + beach & sea activities (4h)

  • Includes beach games, sea relay challenges and traditional team activities
  • 6–15 students: €22/person
  • 16+ students: €18/person

VAT at legal rate.

Program 3: Surf class + theory (2h)

  • Shortened version of the full Surf Educa® experience
  • 6–15 students: €17/person
  • 16+ students: €15/person

VAT at legal rate.

Program 4: Surf class only (1h30)

  • Just the surf lesson, ideal for repeat groups or quick sessions
  • 6–15 students: €18/person
  • 16+ students: €15/person

VAT at legal rate.

Booking info

All bookings must be confirmed at least 72 hours in advance with a full list of participant names to ensure insurance coverage. Surf Educa® is flexible, scalable and designed to meet the needs of schools around the country. From city schools near Lisbon and Porto to coastal schools further afield in Portugal.

Surf Educa® FAQ

The program is led by João Diogo, a certified surf coach and former competitor, along with a team of instructors fully accredited by the Portuguese Surfing Federation. Our surf school was founded in 1994 and received a Merit Award from the Minister of Sports for its work with youth surf education.

No. While all activities take place in safe, shallow conditions and are fully supervised, non-swimmers may find the ocean exposure too intimidating.

It’s both. Surf Educa® is a certified educational project focused on teaching surf skills, ocean awareness, water safety and ecological responsibility. It’s been developed specifically for schools and youth groups in Portugal and beyond.

Surf Educa® blends theory and practice, with a strong focus on prevention, rescue techniques and respect for the environment. It’s more than just learning to stand on a board. It’s about building confidence, awareness and teamwork amongst young humans.

More than 15,000 students from schools across Portugal and Europe have joined, including Garcia da Orta, Rainha Santa Isabel, CLIP, the British School of Porto and many more. The program is also adapted for Special Education needs.

Whether you’re coming for a week, just a day, or even want to combine it with yoga, environmental sessions or video feedback, Surf Educa® can be part of a truly amazing school trip.

Surf Special – For People with Disabilities

Surf Special opens the ocean to adults and young people with autism or mental disabilities. In partnership with AAJUDE, RUMO À VIDA, APPC and APPDA, this adapted program uses step-by-step surf lessons to build confidence, connection and joy. It starts in the pool. Then moves to the sea. And every student is supported by trained instructors, therapy staff and the right gear to feel safe and capable in the water.



What to know

  • Designed for people with autism and mental disabilities
  • Supported by certified surf coaches and therapy assistants
  • Awarded the BPI training prize in partnership with AAJUDE
  • Begins in the pool before progressing to ocean sessions
  • All gear is provided, including suits and boards
  • Focused on safety, personal progress and positive experiences

What students learn

  • Comfort and safety in the water
  • Basic surfing and balance skills
  • Body awareness and coordination
  • Confidence through personal achievement
  • Respect for the ocean and others
  • Joy, focus and social connection