Learn Surfing all year round

Your Surf School in Milfontes

At Club Vagabond Surf School in Vila Nova de Milfontes we work with very small groups and specialise in customized lessons. Open all year, we offer surf lessons for all levels, from complete beginner to advanced surfer. We have highly experienced surf teachers who are certified by the Portuguese Surf Federation. It is our priority to teach in a fun and safe environment, according to the needs of each person.

What’s Included in
a surf Lesson?

Lessons available in English, Portuguese, German, Spanish

  • Surf board
  • Wetsuit
  • Leash
  • Insurance
  • Transport (if required)
  • Helmet (if required)
  • Certified Coaches
  • Ratio 1:5 max.

Surf students walking toward the waves with a Club Vagabond surf instructor, all carrying surfboards and ready to begin their lesson.
Let’s go surfing!

Lesson Options

The Full Services


Group of surf students standing in a circle with two Club Vagabond instructors on the sandy beach of Furnas on a sunny day.

Group Lesson


Duration: 2H

Coach Ratio: 1 Coach for Max. 5 People.

Includes: Insurance, Transport, Wetsuit, Board; Theory & Practice Components

Ideal for: all Ages and Levels


from 45€

×

Groups are organized by skill level. Additionally, our group mobility system lets you switch to a more suitable group as you progress, ensuring you’re always challenged and supported.

  • 1x Surf Lesson

    45€
  • 3x Surf Lesson

    120€
  • 5x Surf Lesson

    180€
  • 10x Surf Lesson

    290€

* Personal package, valid for 30 days
** Personal package, valid for 90 days

Private Lesson


Duration: 2H

Coach Ratio: 1 Coach for a Max. of 2 Students

Includes: Insurance, Transport, Wetsuit, Board; Theory & Practice Components

Ideal for: all Ages and Levels

Scheduling: Pick from Open Slots


from 90€

×

Perfect for those seeking a more exclusive, tailored session.

Great for overcoming personal challenges like fears, phobias, or physical/mental restraints, with the coach adapting the lesson to your needs.

  • 1x Surf Lesson | 1 Person

    90€
  • 1x Surf Lesson | 2 People

    150€
Surf instructor Pedro riding a wave, demonstrating correct surfing posture and technique, while a surf student watches attentively from the water.

Coaching


Includes: all kind of Surfboards, Video Analysis, Surf Skate, several Beachs and Peaks; In Depth Theory and/or Practice Components

Ideal for: intermediate and advanced Surfer; Surfers of all Levels seeking for personal guidance


Prices on demand

×

On the coaching we can focus on specific components and explore them. This is a highly customized service which can be focus on the theory, on the practice, or on both.

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On Surf Theory we can work:

  • Forecast interpretation
  • Video analysis
  • Surf terminology
  • History of surf
  • Tactics and strategy
  • Surf etiquette

On Surf Practice we can work:

  • any surf level (technique)
  • filming
  • customized program

Prices on demand

Club Vagabond surf instructor team sitting together on a bench in front of the shop, all smiling at the camera.

Meet the team

Coaching and Methods

At Club Vagabond we have an extraordinary team of coaches and instructors who are professional, certified and bring extensive experience and in-depth knowledge of local beaches and conditions. With this team you can expect to have not only the best assistance from beginner to advance level, but also coaches level II who are exclusively qualified by the Portuguese Surf Federation to assist advance, performance and competition surfers.

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Although each coach has its own style and surf preferences, all of them tailor the lesson with a blend of theory and practical sessions to your needs and they might use any resources they find relevant to customize the sessions.

Why Choose Us?

At Club Vagabond, we combine the thrill of surfing with the tranquility of the Alentejo region in Portugal.
Our surf school is dedicated to providing a unique and immersive experience, where every guest can connect with the ocean, refine their skills, and embrace the laid-back lifestyle of coastal living.
With experienced instructors, a welcoming community, and the breathtaking beauty of Alentejo as your backdrop, Club Vagabond is the ultimate destination for surf enthusiasts of all levels. Come ride the waves and create memories that will last a lifetime

Group of surfers wearing blue Surf Club Vagabond shirts and wetsuits standing on the beach, ready to begin a surf lesson.
Surf instructor Ivo helping a student by opening the leash of a surfboard, while other students prepare their boards on the beach; a Vagabond flag is planted in the sand, fluttering in the wind.

From beginner to advanced

Surf Lessons for all Levels

Curious about what our Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced Surf Classes offer? Check them out!

You’re not sure about your Level? Take a look at our Chart below and set realistic goals, overcome challenges, and enjoy steady, rewarding progress.

Welcome to the Club

What’s my Surf Level?

It is very import to know what is your surf level in order to set the right goals and manage your expectations. There are different stages of difficulty in surf. It doesn´t matter what level you are, there is always a new challenge. However, many students don’t know how to evaluate their level or don’t do it fairly.

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An experienced coach knows how to evaluate your level and can do it in few minutes. From there, the coach can tell in which level you are, what can you expect and what goals and steps you will work on. Therefore, we developed a level chart where you can estimate your surf level and set realistic expectations according to each level. Nevertheless, the most important thing is to learn safely and have fun.

Beginner
Intermediate
Advanced

Beginner #1

What do I know:

  • Very little / nothing

Goals:

  • Take-off in white water (foam)
  • Keeping the balance
  • Journey straight ahead in the wave

Beginner #2

What do I know:

  • Take off in white water without knee

Goals:

  • Consolidate take-off in white water
  • Learning how and when to paddle (timing)
  • “White water” autonomy

Intermediate #1

What do I know:

  • Take off without knees
  • Paddle autonomy
  • The difference between inside (white water) /outside (green waves)

Goals:

  • Take-off in a ´green wave´ (before it breaks)
  • Paddling (technique and timing)
  • Positioning in the water

Intermediate #2

What do I know:

  • Take-off on green waves
  • Positioning and paddling

Goals:

  • Cutting the wave (left or right)
  • Explore the length and the high of the wave
  • Learning to generate speed
  • High level of autonomy

Intermediate #3

What do I know:

  • Catching and cutting green waves
  • Paddling autonomy
  • Generating speed
  • Selecting waves

Goals:

  • Learning and /or perfecting key maneuvers (bottom-turn, top-turn, roudhouse)
  • Learning /or perfecting duck dive technique
  • Learning to adjust the goals to the ocean conditions

Advanced #1

What do I know:

  • Maneuvers (bottom-turn, top turn and roundhouse) on a green wave
  • Duck dive
  • Select waves

Goals:

  • Learning and perfecting maneuvers (cutback, roundhouse, bottam-turn with the rails, etc)
  • Focus on the detail
  • Visualization of the wave

Performance

What do I know:

  • Generating speed and maneuvers
  • Select a surf pick
  • Full autonomy

Goals:

  • Execution of maneuvers with high performance
  • Tactical approach to the wave (understand the different sections of the waves and the suitable maneuver to that section)
  • Managing goals

Competition

What do I know:

  • Performative surf

Goals:

  • Results and rankings
  • Competition: regional, national and international
Beginner
Intermediate
Advanced

Beginner #1

What do I know:

  • Very little / nothing

Goals:

  • Take-off in white water (foam)
  • Keeping the balance
  • Journey straight ahead in the wave

Beginner #2

What do I know:

  • Take off in white water without knee

Goals:

  • Consolidate take-off in white water
  • Learning how and when to paddle (timing)
  • “White water” autonomy

Intermediate #1

What do I know:

  • Take off without knees
  • Paddle autonomy
  • The difference between inside (white water) /outside (green waves)

Goals:

  • Take-off in a ´green wave´ (before it breaks)
  • Paddling (technique and timing)
  • Positioning in the water

Intermediate #2

What do I know:

  • Take-off on green waves
  • Positioning and paddling

Goals:

  • Cutting the wave (left or right)
  • Explore the length and the high of the wave
  • Learning to generate speed
  • High level of autonomy

Intermediate #3

What do I know:

  • Catching and cutting green waves
  • Paddling autonomy
  • Generating speed
  • Selecting waves

Goals:

  • Learning and /or perfecting key maneuvers (bottom-turn, top-turn, roudhouse)
  • Learning /or perfecting duck dive technique
  • Learning to adjust the goals to the ocean conditions

Advanced #1

What do I know:

  • Maneuvers (bottom-turn, top turn and roundhouse) on a green wave
  • Duck dive
  • Select waves

Goals:

  • Learning and perfecting maneuvers (cutback, roundhouse, bottam-turn with the rails, etc)
  • Focus on the detail
  • Visualization of the wave

Performance

What do I know:

  • Generating speed and maneuvers
  • Select a surf pick
  • Full autonomy

Goals:

  • Execution of maneuvers with high performance
  • Tactical approach to the wave (understand the different sections of the waves and the suitable maneuver to that section)
  • Managing goals

Competition

What do I know:

  • Performative surf

Goals:

  • Results and rankings
  • Competition: regional, national and international
Surf instructor Finn hiking with two customers through a wooded path alongside a river.

Special Programs & Packages

Our Special Programs & Packages enhance your surf experience from every angle.
Refine balance and flow with Surf Skate Training, combine adventure and ocean with our Hike & Surf Package, and stay strong on wave-free days with Functional Training.

Surf Skate Classes

– Train with Pedro

Improve your balance, flow, and body positioning on land with surf skate lessons. These sessions are ideal for practicing surf techniques and building muscle memory, helping you progress faster in the water. Pedro, one of our certified surf instructors, leads these classes with the same passion and expertise he brings to the ocean.

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Functional Training

– Stay Strong with Pedro

On days when the surf is flat, functional training helps you stay active and improve your strength, flexibility, and endurance. Pedro leads these workouts, focusing on core stability and surf-specific movements, so you’re always ready to perform when the waves return.

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Hike & Surf Package

– Explore with Finn

Join Finn, one of our certified instructors, for a guided hike through the scenic Alentejo landscape, followed by a surf session at one of the best local beaches. This package blends land and sea adventures—perfect for those looking to immerse themselves in Alentejo´s beauty.

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Sounds exciting? When reaching out, feel free to indicate your interest.

Scenic view of a beach at sunset with soft, warm light and a few scattered clouds in the sky.

Learn at the Best Beaches

Surf Spots

Our surf lessons take place at some of the finest surf spots on the Alentejo coast. We select the best location for each lesson based on the day’s conditions and your skill level.

Got questions? We’re here to help!

Book your Surf Lesson


Feel free to reach out—we’d love to hear from you. Just fill out the form below, and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible!

    Book your Surf Lesson








    Group of surf students in wetsuits attentively listening to a Club Vagabond surf instructor, with surfboards laid out on the sand

    All you need to know

    FAQ

    Surf Lesson Basics

    How long is the surf lesson?

    Surf lessons have 2 hours duration and a theory and practice components.

    Is the material included?

    All the gear is included in the price. We have the best gear and will be given to you according to your skills and level

    What time is the surf lesson?

    Varies depending on the tide. The best time for surf lessons is around low tide (more safe, more quality waves, more space). Therefore, we plan all the sessions according to that main aspect. In spite the lessons can be in different schedules around the week, we can tell in advance all the schedules for all year, because the tides are predictable for all year round.

    Lesson Structure & Organization

    How are the surf lessons organized?

    Surf classes are normally organized according to levels of the surfers and in small groups. 1 coach for maxim 5 people

    Is surf theory included?

    The theory and the practice contents are always delivered according to the level of the surfer.

    Should I have a private or group lesson?

    We have 1 coach for maxim 5 people in a group. The groups are small and organized according to the level. You will have plenty of attention and feedback in a group lesson. However, if you want to have a different time schedule for the lesson, work on a specific issue or dealing with phobia, fears, physical or mental restraint, maybe a private lesson can be more suitable for you.

    Location & Transport

    Do you have transport to the beach?

    Yes. If you don’t have the possibility to meet us directly at the beach, we offer the transport from our shop 30 minutes before the time of the lesson.

    Which beach are we going?

    We can go to Malhao beach and /or Furnas beach. Malhão beach is 7km north of VN MIlfontes and is widely exposed to the Atlantic swell, therefore there is a lot of waves all year round. Furnas Beach is is a protected bay on the shore of the river, just in front of our surf school headquarters and is perfect for those days that is big everywhere and you don’t know where to go. At Furnas you will find perfect conditions for beginners and gentle green waves for more experienced surfers

    Progress & Skill Level

    How do I know my level?

    The level of the surfer is decided by the coach and not by the surfer, however we have a “surf skills charter” where you can find by yourself your surf level.

    How fast can I progress?

    Every person is different regarding to the level, skills, expectations and time available for surfing. According to each one of these items we can give a very accurate assessment of what you can expect. In general, from beginner to intermediate level, the progress is quite quick and, in each session, you can experience the learning curve. Nevertheless, is very important to be aware that surfing sessions vary according to the conditions.

    Equipment & Suitability

    What is the right board for me?

    Bigger boards are the best for first steps. Boards with lots of volume are tolerant for mistakes, therefore you can learn but also have some fun. Shorter is the board, more technically precise the surfer needs to be. However, intermediate and advance level can also surf with bigger boards. A good surfer is able to surf with every board.

    What is the age range for surfing?

    From 6 years old any age is suitable.


    If you still have any questions after reading our FAQ, feel free to reach out. We’re happy to assist!