SALTY SOULS
Group Surf Lessons
Salty Souls offers engaging group surf lessons in Cascais, Portugal. Our small-group approach combines social fun with quality instruction, ensuring rapid progress and an unforgettable experience at the best surf spots on the Portuguese coast.
How our Surf Rentals work
The perfect balance of fun and learning
Our group surf lessons create the ideal environment to learn surfing fundamentals while enjoying the camaraderie of fellow wave-riders. With a maximum of 5 students per instructor, you’ll receive personalized attention within a supportive group dynamic.
Each group surf lesson at Salty Souls is thoughtfully designed to ensure everyone progresses at their own pace while benefiting from shared experiences. Whether you’re catching your first wave or improving your technique, our instructors create a supportive atmosphere where achievements are celebrated together.
What makes our group surf lessons special
- Small groups: maximum 5 students per instructor for personalized attention
- Social experience: share the stoke and make new friends with similar interests
- Supportive environment: learn alongside others at similar skill levels
- Cost-effective learning: quality instruction at accessible prices
- All equipment included: premium surfboards, wetsuits, and accessories provided
Our experienced instructors adapt teaching methods to accommodate different learning styles within the group while maintaining a cohesive lesson flow. They’ll demonstrate techniques, provide group instruction, and still offer individual feedback to help each participant improve.
Many students find that group surf lessons provide the perfect combination of instruction and peer motivation, creating an encouraging atmosphere that helps overcome challenges and celebrate successes together.
For first-timers
- Learn essential surfing fundamentals in a supportive environment
- Benefit from watching others and shared learning experiences
- Enjoy reduced pressure with peers at a similar level
- Build confidence through group encouragement
- Make friends while developing a new skill
For beginners with some experience
- Refine your pop-up technique and basic rides
- Improve wave selection and positioning
- Develop greater stability and control on the board
- Progress to riding unbroken (green) waves
- Share tips and experiences with fellow surfers
For improvers
- Perfect your turning techniques
- Enhance your understanding of surf etiquette
- Improve consistency with takeoffs and rides
- Develop more fluid style and movement
- Exchange insights with peers at similar levels
Flexible scheduling and ideal locations
Our group surf lessons are scheduled at optimal times throughout the week to accommodate different preferences.
Group surf lessons take place at carefully selected beaches around Cascais based on daily conditions and group skill level. Our locations include Carcavelos, São Pedro, Guincho, and other spots chosen for their beginner-friendly waves and safe learning environments.
Each location offers the perfect combination of gentle waves, sandy bottoms, and adequate space for group instruction. We rotate between different spots depending on tide, wind, and swell conditions to ensure the best possible learning experience.
What to expect in your Group Surf Lesson
Each group surf lesson follows a structured format designed to maximize learning while creating a fun, memorable experience for everyone involved.
Beach introduction and safety briefing
Every group surf lesson begins with introductions and a comprehensive safety briefing on the beach:
- Welcome and introductions: Meet your instructor and fellow participants
- Equipment familiarization: Learn about your surfboard, leash, and wetsuit
- Beach safety overview: Understand currents, hazards, and safe zones
- Surfing etiquette: Learn essential rules for sharing waves respectfully
- Communication signals: Hand signals for use while in the water
For first-timers, this includes demonstrations of proper stance, paddling technique, and pop-up movements practiced on the sand. More experienced groups might focus on refining technique, discussing wave selection, or learning about different surf breaks.
This beach portion typically takes 20-30 minutes and builds essential knowledge before entering the water.
Guided water session
The main portion of your group surf lesson takes place in the water, where your instructor will:
- Guide the group to the appropriate spot based on conditions
- Help identify suitable waves for your skill level
- Provide assistance with positioning and timing
- Offer immediate feedback after each attempt
- Ensure safety while encouraging progression
Beginners typically start in shallow water, focusing on board control and basic pop-ups on whitewater waves. As skills develop, the group gradually progresses to deeper water and catching unbroken waves under close supervision.
The water session lasts approximately 60 minutes, giving everyone plenty of opportunities to practice and improve while maintaining energy and enthusiasm.
Group debrief and next steps
After the water session, your group will reconvene on the beach for a debrief session:
- Group feedback: General observations about common challenges and successes
- Individual pointers: Brief personal feedback for each participant
- Progress assessment: Understanding what skills have been developed
- Next steps: Recommendations for continued improvement
- Photo/video review: When available, review of session highlights
Many participants choose to book multiple group surf lessons to build on their progress and continue developing alongside new friends. Our lesson packages offer excellent value for those committed to improving consistently.
About Salty Souls Portugal Surf School
The Salty Souls difference
What sets our group surf lessons apart is our commitment to quality instruction, premium equipment, and authentic surf culture.
At Salty Souls, we maintain the highest standards for both our teaching team and equipment. Our group lesson instructors are:
- Certified by the Portuguese Surf Federation
- First Aid and ocean safety trained
- Experienced in managing diverse group dynamics
- Multilingual, teaching in English, Portuguese, Spanish,
- Passionate about sharing their love for surfing
Unlike other schools that offer generic equipment, we match each student with gear specifically suited to their body type and skill level. From soft-top beginner boards to premium wetsuits in proper sizes, our personalized approach eliminates equipment struggles that often slow learning. This attention to detail helps everyone in the group progress faster and enjoy their experience more.
Beyond instruction, we provide a complete surf journey with clear progression paths, community events, and ongoing support. When you join our group surf lessons, you become part of the Salty Souls community – a supportive network of surf enthusiasts who celebrate every achievement together.
Frequently asked questions about Group Surf Lessons
1. How many people are in a group surf lesson?
Our group surf lessons maintain a maximum ratio of 5 students per instructor to ensure quality instruction and safety. For larger groups, we add additional certified instructors to maintain this optimal ratio while preserving the social, supportive atmosphere.
2. Do I need any experience for group surf lessons?
No previous experience is required for our beginner group surf lessons. We welcome complete novices and design our lessons to teach fundamentals from the ground up. For those with some experience, we offer improver group lessons focusing on refining techniques.
3. What's included in a group surf lesson?
Each group surf lesson includes professional instruction, equipment (surfboard and wetsuit), and insurance. We provide everything you need for surfing – you only need to bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and water.
4. How long do group surf lessons last?
A standard group surf lesson lasts 2 hours in total. This includes about 20-30 minutes of beach instruction, followed by 80-90 minutes in the water practicing with your instructor’s guidance, and concludes with a brief feedback session.
5. Are group or private surf lessons better for beginners?
Group lessons are excellent for most beginners, offering a social environment, peer motivation, and affordable pricing. Private lessons provide more personalized attention and faster progression. Choose group lessons for a fun, social experience or private lessons for accelerated, customized learning.
6. What should I bring to a group surf lesson?
Bring a swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, and water to your group surf lesson. We provide all necessary surfing equipment, including boards and wetsuits appropriate for seasonal water temperatures.
7. What's the best age for group surf lessons?
Our standard group surf lessons are suitable for participants aged 12 and older. For children 8-11, we offer specialized kids’ group lessons. Younger children (6-7) are better suited to private lessons. There’s no upper age limit – we regularly teach surfers in their 50s and beyond.
8. Will I stand up on my first group surf lesson?
Many beginners successfully stand up during their first group surf lesson. Our teaching methodology, beginner-friendly boards, and careful wave selection maximize your chances of early success. Approximately 80% of first-timers stand up during their initial lesson.
9. Is there a weight limit for group surf lessons?
We don’t enforce strict weight limits, as we have equipment for various body types. Participants weighing over 220 pounds (100 kg) should notify us when booking so we can ensure appropriate board selection. Physical fitness is more relevant than weight for surfing success.
10. What if the weather is bad on the day of my group lesson?
If conditions make surfing unsafe or unproductive, we’ll contact you to reschedule at no additional cost. Our team monitors forecasts daily and will notify you at least 12 hours in advance when possible. Sometimes, we can relocate to a different beach rather than cancel.
For us Surf is everything! Book your Group Lesson today
Join Salty Souls for the best group surf lessons in Cascais and discover the thrill of surfing with friends new and old.
