Ericeira: 5-Day Surf Course with Video Analysis and Photos

Starting a surfing journey or polishing your skills? This 5-day surf course in Ericeira, Portugal, offers a friendly, focused environment with expert instructors, personalized feedback, and plenty of memorable moments. With small groups, video reviews, and a dedicated photo session, it’s designed to give beginners and intermediates a genuine boost in confidence and competence on the water.

What we love most is the emphasis on personalized feedback and video analysis, which truly helps you see your progress and pinpoint areas for improvement. The friendly setting, with small groups, means you won’t feel lost in the crowd, and you’ll get plenty of hands-on guidance. However, one thing to consider is that the activities are scheduled for about 3 hours a day, so if you’re after an ultra-intensive or long-day experience, this might feel a bit light.

This tour is ideal for those who want a well-rounded, supportive learning environment, whether you’re just starting out or looking to refine your intermediate skills. If you’re eager to understand your surfing better and keep some great photos to remember your trip, this course offers excellent value.

Key Points

• Balance of Theory and Practice: Includes a quick theory lesson, warm-up, and safety briefing before hitting the waves.
• Focus on Feedback: Video analysis provides visual feedback to track your progress.
• Small Group Setting: Ensures more personalized attention and instant feedback.
• Photo Memories Included: Take home professional photos of your surfing journey.
• All Equipment Provided: Wetsuit, board, leash, and wax are included, making it easier to focus on learning.
• Suitable for Beginners & Intermediates: Designed to help all levels improve in a supportive environment.

An In-Depth Look at the 5-Day Surf Course in Ericeira

Ericeira, often called Portugal’s surf capital, offers a perfect blend of consistent waves, scenic beaches, and a relaxed vibe. This course, hosted by Magikvanilla Surf Camp, is tailored to make the most of this legendary surf spot while ensuring safety, fun, and tangible progress.

The Itinerary Breakdown

The course runs for 5 sessions over one week, each lasting about 3 hours. The flexible schedule allows you to pick your start times, making it convenient regardless of your travel plans. Each day begins with a quick theory session, where guides cover essential safety tips, wave reading, and technique fundamentals. This helps set the tone, especially for first-timers, to understand what’s expected and how to stay safe in the water.

Next comes the warm-up and safety briefing, which is crucial for beginners or those less comfortable in the water. The guides, always attentive, pair you up with up to four other participants, creating an intimate learning environment. We loved the focus on small groups, which guarantees more personalized coaching and instant feedback during your time in the surf.

Learning to Surf—Step by Step

The core of each session is dedicated to developing key skills like pop-ups, paddling, turns, and posture. The guides are experienced and friendly, always ready with tips or encouragement. Based on reviews, the guides—though not named—are noted for their patience and expertise, which makes a huge difference when you’re trying to ride your first wave or improve your timing.

Participants often mention the video analysis as a game-changer. You get to see yourself surf, often accompanied by humorous moments like funny faces or wipeouts caught on camera. This visual feedback is invaluable because it allows you to see what you’re doing right and where you can improve. One review even noted, “Watching myself in slow motion made the biggest difference in understanding how I needed to adjust my stance.”

The Photo Session

A highlight of this experience is the professional photo session included in the package. You’ll have the chance to pose with your board, catch some action shots, and capture the fun moments of your surfing journey. These photos serve as authentic souvenirs, especially if you’re one of those travelers who loves sharing their adventures on social media.

Equipment and Inclusions

All necessary gear—wetsuit, surfboard, leash, wax—is provided, so you don’t need to worry about bringing your own or renting separately. This makes the experience straightforward and accessible, especially for those new to surfing. The included personal and public liability insurance adds peace of mind, letting you focus on having fun.

Transfers and Practicalities

Beach transfers are included, simplifying logistics so you don’t have to navigate to the surf spots yourself. The sessions are scheduled flexibly, and with a simple booking process, you can reserve your spot and pay later, which is great if you’re still finalizing your travel plans.

Who Will Love This?

This course is perfect for beginners eager to learn in a supportive environment or intermediate surfers wanting to fine-tune their skills. It’s especially suited for travelers who appreciate small-group instruction, visual feedback, and memorable photos. Non-swimmers and children under 9 are not suitable, so it’s best for those comfortable in the water.

The Experience Providers

Magikvanilla Surf Camp has a reputation for friendly, knowledgeable instructors and a well-organized setup. While specific guides aren’t named, reviews highlight their patience, enthusiasm, and ability to communicate effectively across language barriers.

Price and Value

While the exact price isn’t explicitly mentioned, considering it covers 5 sessions, equipment, transfers, video, and photos, it offers great value. You’re essentially getting a week’s worth of guided instruction, personalized feedback, and memories for a reasonable cost—especially compared to standalone lessons or equipment rentals.

Timing and Duration

Each session lasts approximately 3 hours, which is sufficient for focused instruction without burning out. The flexibility in start times allows you to fit lessons into your daily schedule. Be aware that these are not full-day courses, so if you’re after a more intense experience, you may want to supplement it with additional activities.

Final Thoughts

This 5-day surf course in Ericeira offers an ideal blend of instruction, support, and fun. If you’re someone who learns best with visual feedback and personalized coaching, the video analysis makes this stand out. The small-group setting ensures you don’t get lost in a crowd, and the included photos provide lasting memories.

For travelers seeking a practical, well-organized surf experience that balances learning and leisure, this tour hits the sweet spot. Whether you’re just starting or refining your intermediate skills, you’ll find support, encouragement, and plenty of waves to ride.

Who Should Book This Experience?

This course is best suited for beginners eager to learn or intermediate surfers who want to hone their techniques. It’s ideal for those who value personalized feedback, friendly guides, and memorable photos. If you prefer long, intensive lessons or have specific health concerns, you might want to explore other options, but for most travelers aiming to improve in a fun, supportive environment, this is a fantastic choice.

Is the course suitable for children?
Not for children under 9 years old, as the activity requires a certain level of water comfort and coordination.

Do I need to bring my own equipment?
No, all surf gear—wetsuits, boards, leashes, wax—is included in the package.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

What should I bring with me?
Bring swimwear, a change of clothes, towel, sunscreen, and water to stay hydrated.

Is the session time fixed?
No, you can check availability for different start times, adding flexibility to your schedule.

Are the lessons specifically tailored for my skill level?
Yes, the course begins with an assessment to pair you with appropriate peers and tailor instruction accordingly.

Will I get feedback during the lessons?
Absolutely, and the video analysis allows you to review your progress visually.

Is transportation included?
Yes, beach transfers are part of the package, making logistics straightforward.

This 5-day surf course in Ericeira combines expert guidance, personalized feedback, and great photos to make your surfing goals a reality. Whether you’re wanting to stand up for the first time or sharpen your skills, this experience offers genuine value and a fun, supportive environment.