Surf Travel Company

Matosinhos Surf Camp - Porto city, Porto, Northern. Surf Camps in Portugal

INTRODUCTION

MATOSINHOS SURF CAMP / FISH SURF SCHOOL Overall rating: 5 out of 5 based on 4 reviews.
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Best Matosinhos surf experience! 365 days of surfing!!

 

The Surf Camp is a warm, friendly and cosy place where you can chill, surf and enjoy the world’s best in Matosinhos, Portugal.

 

Our surf camp not only offers excellent accommodation but also the opportunity to have surf lessons in one of the best Portuguese waves for beginners with the best professionals in town.

We guarantee you the best combination for surfing, accommodation, food, nightlife, culture, in an inspiring atmosphere in great company.

Don’t wait any longer and let us guide you through the ultimate city surfing experience. Welcome to Matosinhos: the world’s best surfer friendly community.

 

Surf can be the main reason for your travel or it can be a complement to add more fun and excitement.

 

We absolutely believe that surf is for everybody. No matter how old you are, where you’re from or what your surf level is, we offer you the best surfing experience adapted to your priorities.

Surf spots for all levels from Beginner to Expert.

 

There are surf camp packages and accommodations available for everyone and you have the option to stay in our double room with private bathroom, shared dorm rooms for 4 persons or in separate apartments for families with kids or couples.

 

Accommodation in a shared bunk system, an individual room for two guests with its own bathroom, as well as small apartments with kitchen for 3 guests each.

 

Our aim is to provide experiences based on what best Matosinhos has to offer: the Atlantic coast; with its water sports (surfing, body boarding, paddle surfing, paddle-boarding, kite-surfing, diving), as well as the wonderful gastronomy linked to the sea.

THE ACCOMMODATION

We have shared, private (single or double room) and loft/apartment accommodation. We always organize people in the most comfortable way, and avoid putting people from different groups or genders together in the same room.

 

We’re happy to say that we have customers from all around the world. There is no country that we can say that most our customers come from. Non surfers are welcome as well. We are open the whole year. We have many people in the surf camp who join us alone. Once at the surf camp you will meet more guests like you and making some new friends. If you are under 18, we require an authorization from your parents (guardians). Surf is not advice for pregnants. Make sure you’re healthy and you have no physical restrictions.

 

All the guests have free breakfast and have access to the kitchen in order to prepare their meals. There are several restaurants and shopping places near the surfcamp and a meal for 8€ is easily findable in the camp surroundings.

 

Internet and TV access are also provided as well as bed linen, towels and storing of valuables.

THE ACTIVITIES

SURF CLASSES: Group lesson/ Private Lesson

STAND UP PADLE BOARD: Group lesson/ Privet Lesson

SURF GEAR RENTALS

SURF GUIDE

SKATE

BIKE

 

 

We handle all levels of surfing, from beginner to expert. We have personalized programs for any level.

 

A great percentage of our clients have never had any previous contact with surfing. Our teaching method for beginners starts from zero. You need to be able to swim and to know that you will live and unforgettable experience. And if you have already reached a certain level you will join the improvement group. Here the ratio of instructor per student changes but also the layout of lessons. And you will improve your surfing technique and skills.

 

 

Praia (beach) de Matosinhos, one of the best beginners’ spot in the country, a currentless, small waved beach break, is at 5 minutes from surf camp1, 10/15min from surf camp 2, surf camp 3.

 

For 20 km North or South by the coast you’ll be presented with a variety of fantastic waves at your choice. Espinho, is a 20 minute drive South and is one of the best areas in the country to surf. We can provide transport and a guide for you to surf there (Find it in South/Oporto Surf Tour).

 

IS PORTO A GOOD PLACE TO SURF?

It provides very consistent surf all year long, from the best beginners’ wave, at Matosinhos or Leça da Palmeira, to incredible point-breaks in Espinho, where you can surf long perfect rights. All of Northern coast of Portugal is crowdless with excellent beach-breaks.

 

WHAT IS THE BEST TIME OF THE YEAR TO GET GOOD WAVES?

From early March to October.

 

IF WANT TO BUY A SURFBOARD OR A WETSUIT. CAN YOU HELP ME?

Of course yes. There is a few surf shops that we work with. Or let us know what board/wetsuit do you want and we contact our dealers to check availability.

 

 

SURFING EQUIPMENT

 

WHAT EQUIPMENTS DO WE USE IN LESSONS?

We’ve got wetsuits for all sizes, soft and hard boards for all stages of learning. Your instructor will advise you on equipment so that you will also have the board that best fits your skill level, weight and height.

 

CAN I BRING MY OWN EQUIPMENT TO THE SURF CAMP?

Of course, sometimes changing equipment once you are used to it is not a good idea. A common occurrence is students attempting to learn to surf by themselves using surfboards that are too advanced for their skill level. Surfboards that are too short, narrow or thin may only slow down your progression.

 

CAN SOMEONE FIX MY BOARD OVER THERE?

Yes, we have partner shapers to do that.

 

CAN I USE SURFING EQUIPMENT AFTER LESSONS?

The equipment is included in the surf lessons and in some programs. If you wish to use the surf material outside the classes, you need to rent and pay at the reception after you finish the surf lessons.

 

CAN WE RENT THE SURF EQUIPMENT?

Yes, but you have some rules to follow:

Rental rules:

1 – Passport required.

2 – Rental hours: From 8:30am to 6:30pm (until 8pm at high season).

3 – The client must bring all the equipment back before 8pm.

4 – The equipment must be returned everyday in good condition: wetsuit and surfboard washed and clean.

5 – If you wish to keep the equipment at home you must leave a deposit of 250 EUR which will be given back to you when you return the surf equipment in good condition!

 

CAN I RENT ONLY THE EQUIPMENT?

Yes

 

SURF LESSONS ARE THERE ANY RESTRICTIONS ON THE NUMBER OF PEOPLE ATTENDING A LESSON?

No, the number is unrestricted.

 

HOW LONG IS A SURF LESSON?

It takes about an hour and a half.

 

DO YOU HAVE SURF LESSONS EVERY DAY?

Yes, there are surf lessons every day of the week including weekends.

 

DO YOU GIVE PRIVATE LESSONS?

Yes, but these depend on the availability of the teachers. They will have an extra charge.

 

CAN I HAVE ONLY THE LESSONS?

Yes.

 

CAN I TAKE MY KIDS TO HAVE SURF LESSONS?

Yes. As long as they have more than 6 years old and know how to swim.

LOCATION & GETTING HERE

Location

Matosinhos Oporto surf spot

  • Praia de Matosinhos
  • Praia de Leça da Palmeira
  • Praia da Sacor/Aterro

 

Matosinhos in North Portugal is an exposed beach and reef break that has reasonably consistent surf and can work at any time of the year. Works best in offshore winds from the east. Waves just as likely from local windswells as from distant groundswells and the best swell direction is from the west. Waves at the beach are both lefts and rights. Best around low tide.

 

This beach is a sand bar with frequent sloppy waves. The swell size starts working at 1 meter and holds up to 2.5 meters. The waves come from right and left with a normal power.

 

The summers are pleasant here with water temperatures ranging from 12 degrees to about 19 degrees in the summer and air temperatures ranging from 10 degrees in the winter to 30 degrees in the summer. You can get by with just a pair of shorts or a shorty through the summer, in the winter months you need to suit up accordingly.

 

Matosinhos is located north west of Oporto looking out into the Atlantic Ocean. It houses the biggest artificial port in Portugal and has long been associated both with fishing and sea transport industries. Today, Matosinhos is geared towards tourism and its beach is regularly used throughout the year by surfers of all types and abilities. The beach is medium sized and sandy with lots of space.

 

The beach can be found easily on foot by leaving the metro station and following the avenue west until you come to the beach. By car you simply follow the IC24 via Rapida to Matosinhos.

There is plenty of free parking at this spot and the beach is only about a ten minute walk from the city center.

 

The first lesson starts with a simple theoretical introduction followed by a quick warm up on the sand. Next everybody is ready to go in the water and catch the first small waves, always with the instructor’s supervision. There is a break to eat, relax and enjoy the beauty and tranquillity of our coast. Each lesson takes between one and a half to two hours. Usually everybody is able to stand up on the second lesson.

 

The coldest water temperatures are registered during January and February, a winter (4/3mm) wetsuit will do fine. For the rest of the year, water temperature averages 18º, some days it can reach 21º. During the summer a thinner (3/2mm) wetsuit can also do the job. The beaches we use to surf are totally safe from dangerous currents.

 

NEARBY AREA

 

WHERE IS THE CLOSEST BAR?

There are a number of bars located only a few minutes away from the accommodation Surfcamp 2 and 4, when you arrive, you will not miss a party.

 

WHERE IS THE CLOSEST HOSPITAL?

From Surfcamp 2 and 3– Hospital S. António / From Surf School and Surfcamp1 – Hospital Pedro Hispano

 

WHERE IS THE CLOSEST RESTAURANT?

There are several restaurants we work with, all of them only a few minutes away from the hotel and the beach (depending what you want to eat and how much you want to pay we recommend some for you).

 

IS A CAR NECESSARY TO GO FROM PLACE TO PLACE?

If you rent a car, you certainly become more independent, but there are great public transports.

 

ARE THERE SHOPS NEARBY?

We have a small surf shop at the Surf school with the most useful equipment. You can also visit surf shops at Matosinhos and various shopping malls in town for shopping.

 

WHERE IS THE CLOSEST INTERNET ACCESS POINT?

At the Surf school or at the Surfcamps 1, 2 and 3. We provide a wireless service so bring your laptops. Internet is always free of charge.

Getting Here

Oporto international Francisco Sa Carneiro airport is only 8km away and easy to reach by Taxi or public transport.

Near the Surf Camp there are bus stations as well as the Metro (At Senhora da Hora take “Senhor de Matosinhos Line” and stop at “Matosinhos Sul” or “Brito Capelo”.

 

ARRIVAL AT PORTO

 

ARRIVAL AT PORTO WHAT IS THE NEAREST AIRPORT?

Porto’s airport, Francisco Sá Carneiro, is the closest (10 minute drive from the beach).

 

WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO GET TO PORTO?

The best way to get to Porto is definitely to make use of the endless amount of low cost flights that arrive from a variety of cities in Europe. Easyjet and Ryanair are for example two of the companies that fly to this airport.

 

To arrive to the surf camp 2 or 3 you can catch only one bus 602 (around half an hour) or by taxi (around 25€).

If you choose to rent a car you can choose to pick up at the airport.

 

IF I CHOOSE TO RENT A CAR, HOW WILL I REACH THE HOTEL?

We send to you GPS coordinates and address

 

WHAT SHOULD I TAKE WITH ME?

Besides your personal belongings, you should bring:

sunscreen;

sun block for the face (you can also use Zink cream for sensitive areas like, nose, lips and cheeks)

aloe vera (relieves sunburn)

sunglasses and cap

beach towel

waterproof ear plugs if you have “sensitive” ears or hearing problems.

Swim Suit to wear underneath the wetsuit. The temperature in Portugal drops down quite a bit when the sun goes down, so make sure you bring some warm clothes (jacket, pants, long sleeves, pullover) as well as your beach gear.

PRICES & PACKAGES

1 week – Low Season LS

November to March

 

260,00€ shared

295,00€ double

310,00€ single room

 

7 nights’ accommodation

Breakfast

6 days surf course (2 lessons day 2hrs duration each = 12 lessons)

Surf gear for the lessons

Photos and video analysis with surf theory

1 Week – Medium Season MD

April, May and October

 

365€ shared

400,00€ double

470,00€ single room

 

7 nights’ accommodation

Breakfast

6 days surf course (2 lessons day 2hrs duration each = 12 lessons)

Surf gear for the lessons

Photos and video analysis with surf theory

 

1 week – Hight Season HS

June to September

 

400,00€ shared

500,00€ double

570,00€ single room

 

7 nights’ accommodation

Breakfast

6 days surf course (2 lessons day 2hrs duration each = 12 lessons)

Surf gear for the lessons

Photos and video analysis with surf theory

CLIENTS REVIEWS

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