Surf Riders & Co Ericeira

Surf Riders is a surf school and shop in the centre of Ericeira, open since 2016. It gives group lessons by level and takes each group to the beach that works best that day.

Who they are

The team is made up of local surfers and instructors. They include Sami, a professional surfer from Ericeira, surf and paddleboard instructor and lifeguard; Catarina and Miguel, certified instructors on the team since 2018, the latter trained in adaptive surfing; and other instructors such as Constança, Jorge, Alan and Renan. The team is completed by two yoga teachers and the person who handles bookings. The school does not say on its website who founded it; it does say that the instructors are certified, although it does not name the body.

What it offers

The core of the business is group surf lessons, for beginners and for intermediate level, single or in weeks of five lessons, and coaching for advanced surfers. They also have lessons for children, private lessons and family packages. In addition they offer paddleboarding in groups and privately, yoga sessions and experiences, boat trips, equipment hire and transfers.

For anyone who wants to stay several days, they organise a surf camp with private villas at Rua do Miramar, 22, close to the waves, with stay-and-surf packages, retreats and special weeks. The website does not publish what each package includes or its prices; they are requested when booking.

Where to meet and how the lessons work

All lessons leave from the shop at Rua do Carmo, 33A, right in the centre of Ericeira, open all year. From there the group goes to the beach with the best conditions that day. The website does not say how long each lesson lasts, how many students there are per instructor, whether transport to the beach is included or the minimum age; it is best to ask when you book.

Bookings and languages

Lessons, paddleboarding and the surf camp are booked on its website, by email at [email protected] or by phone. The website does not publish cancellation terms, or what happens if the sea does not allow the lesson: it is worth asking for them in writing before paying. The website is in English, with the names of the lessons also in Portuguese, and does not say in which languages they are given.

Tips

If you are without a car, choosing the school for its meeting point in the centre of the village saves transfers. In the same shop you can buy or hire equipment, useful if after the week of lessons you want to keep surfing on your own.