Odeceixe Surf School

Odeceixe Surf School was founded in 2008 by local surfer David Rosa, who still runs the school today with a small team of experienced instructors. The school is based near Praia de Odeceixe, on the border between the Algarve and the Alentejo, in a board room stocked with surfboards in a range of sizes and wetsuits that are upgraded every year. Lessons last around 2 hours 30 minutes to 3 hours and are taught by local, lifeguard-licensed instructors certified by the Portuguese Surfing Federation, in English, Portuguese, German, Italian or Dutch. Classes are kept small, at 6 to 8 students per instructor, and the school picks between its favourite beaches depending on conditions: Odeceixe beach itself, Amoreira, Arrifana and Monte Clerigo, all within reach on the drive from its base. A typical day starts with a pickup from guests' accommodation, a scenic drive past cork forests and sea cliffs, then a beach warm-up before the lesson. Prices for surf training run from EUR 55 for one day (EUR 60 in July to September) up to EUR 225 for a 5 day course, with an additional day at EUR 45 to EUR 50. Private lessons for 1 to 3 people start at EUR 170 for a single 2 hour lesson and range up to EUR 2,200 for 5 lessons for 3 people. Surfboard, bodyboard and wetsuit rentals are available separately, from EUR 20 for a half day surfboard up to EUR 100 for a full week, and the school can also arrange accommodation packages. Odeceixe Surf School is based at Praia Odeceixe, 8670-320, and can be reached by phone, email or the contact form on its website. The school is also linked from Facebook.