Frequently asked questions

Active4Surf isn't a traditional surf school - we offer much more than just basic surf lessons. A4S is a specialised surf development centre. We offer world-class surf coaching, employing a unique, integrated methodology for surfers of all levels - from beginner to advanced. Our methodology is built on four key elements - Technical training, Video analysis, Theoretical lessons, and Evolution planning - and has been developed by the A4S team to unblock and greatly accelerate the development of surfers' skills. Leveraging the expertise and experience of our parent organisation, International Surf School, our approach combines in-water and out-of-water coaching, expert analysis and instruction, technical and functional training, surf theory sessions, and spa and integrated movements mindset, stamina-building and recovery sessions.

Active4Surf is based in the heart of the Costa Vicentina National Park in the Western Algarve region of Portugal. Our office and Surf Camp are located in the internationally renowned surf destination of Sagres, and our Surf Development Centre is a short distance away in the quiet and picturesque traditional fishing village of Burgau. The Western Algarve provides the ideal location for our surf development centre, boasting the best conditions for surf instruction anywhere in Europe (with access to both the Portuguese West and South Atlantic Coasts), and incredibly consistent weather, with over 300 days of sunshine each year.

The Western Algarve has the best conditions for surf instruction anywhere in Europe, with access to both the Portuguese West and South Coasts. The West Coast offers incredibly consistent Atlantic surf, with reliable, punchy waves for surfers of all levels, whilst the South Coast offers sheltered breaks good for beginners when larger Atlantic swells wrap around. This means that whatever the swells are looking like, we are almost always able to find a spot suitable for the level of the group on your Surf Clinic.

Yes; our Surf Clinics include both outdoor, in-water and indoor, out-of-water coaching sessions. As well as coaching, we use expert video analysis of surfers' technique, body positions and movements both in-water and out-of-water to identify areas of focus for instruction and improvement. Ultimately, surfers want to improve their performance in the water. But when combined with in-water coaching, out-of-water technical analysis, instruction and training can help greatly accelerate progress.

Our parent company, International Surf School, is one of very few schools in the Western Algarve holding a licence allowing us to teach at any of the beaches on the West and South Coast. This means that for each coaching session, we are able to choose the beach with the very best conditions both for your level and considering the specific elements of your technique we might be working on on that day. Some of the beaches we teach at include: Praia do Tonel (Sagres) Praia do Beliche (Sagres) Praia da Mareta (Sagres) Praia da Cordoama (Vila do Bispo - West Coast) Praia do Zavial (Vila do Bispo - South Coast)