surfboard rentals selection at jah shaka surf shop lagos
Complete your booking request

Jah Shaka Surf Shop

One last step! Just fill in the details below. Submitting this request is risk-free and doesn't lock you into anything. Once you're done, you'll get an email with payment instructions to confirm your order. Got questions? Just drop us a message!

Your booking request is non-binding and the chosen configuration can still be adjusted.
Are you ready to hit the waves?

Go ahead and confirm your rental booking now. We just sent you an email with your booking details and payment information.

‍Can't find the email? Check your spam folder or search for bookings@jahshakasurf.com

Loading payment link.
You will be forwarded to a secure Stripe checkout.

Sorry, right now we were unable to get your personal payment link. Please check your emails for our booking summary email. You will find your unique payment link in there. Thank you!

Processing & checking availability...
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
close window

Book surf lessons in Lagos, group, kids & private, year-round since 2009

From our Old Town surf shop, we have been connecting surfers with Lagos’s certified local surf schools since 2009. Lessons run year-round with a maximum of 8 surfers per group (4 for kids, guided by lifeguard-trained coaches), so you get real coaching rather than crowd management. Every booking includes the surfboard, wetsuit and a van transfer to whichever beach has the best conditions that morning, Meia Praia for learning, the west coast when the swell is up. Partner-school instructors teach in English, Portuguese, German and French, just tell us your preference when you book. More than 2,000 five-star reviews say we get the match right.

Across 17 years of booking surfers into Lagos’s water, we have learned that two calls make or break a first session: the right beach for that day’s conditions, and a small enough group that the instructor sees every paddle. We make the beach call with the partner-school coaches each evening from the next morning’s forecast, then message you the meeting point before bed. The cap on group size is non-negotiable. That is the whole booking-hub job, getting those two calls right so every session is set up to ride.

· Lessons daily (closed 25 Dec & 1 Jan)

Beginner-friendly, all levels

From your very first session to refining a cutback, partner schools group surfers by level so you progress in the right water.

Lessons in EN · PT · DE · FR

Partner instructors teach in English, Portuguese, German and French. Mention your language at booking and we will match you with the right coach.

A woman having a surf lesson in Lagos
Group surf lesson on the beach in LagosMost popularFrom €60

Group Surf Lessons

Beginner-friendly sessions in a relaxed group of up to 8. Daily, year-round.

Max 8 surfers · 2–3 h water time
Book my group lesson
Viewing details
Kid riding a wave on a surfboard in LagosFamily-friendlyFrom €60

Kids Surf Lessons

Safe, fun coaching for ages 6+. Lifeguard-trained instructors, max 4 kids.

Ages 6+ · 4:1 ratio · ~2 h water time
Book my kids lesson
Surfer riding a wave during a private lesson in the AlgarveFastest progressFrom €170

Private Surf Lessons

1:1 coaching tailored to your level. The fastest way to progress in the Algarve.

1:1 coaching · 2 h water time
Book my private lesson
Group surf lesson on the beach in Lagos

Group Surf Lessons

Join our group surf lessons in Lagos for a memorable way to ride the waves. Offered year-round, these sessions welcome beginners and intermediate surfers who want to learn under experienced instructors. Come with friends or solo, and enjoy a relaxed atmosphere.

We usually start at 8:30 AM at our surf shop in the old town of Lagos and wrap up around 3:30 or 4:00 PM, based on the day's conditions. Our team selects beaches with the best waves, so you can improve your technique while exploring Portugal's stunning coastline. Meet new surfers, build your skills, and discover the magic of surfing in the Algarve.

You'll learn about ocean currents, types of waves, how to stand up, basic turns and more

To offer the best learning experience, the group lessons are a maximum of 8 surfers per instructor

Group lessons last 2-3 hours, allowing you enough time to learn and practice

Surfboard, wetsuit & transport to and from the beach included (Departing from Jah Shaka Surf Shop)

Prices
from €60
1 day60 €
2 days120 €
3 days165 €
4 days220 €
5 days250 €

Ready to learn surfing with us?

Book your group surf lesson in Lagos now online or reach out if you have any questions.

Book my group surf lessonContact us
A guy surfing a wave in the Algarve

Hit the waves in the Algarve: The ultimate surfing destination in Portugal

Portugal’s Algarve offers wide beaches, clear waters, and plenty of sunshine, perfect for surf lessons. At Jah Shaka Surf Shop, we team up with local surf schools so you can explore both the west and south coasts. Enjoy easy access to prime wave spots, guided by expert instructors who provide quality gear and insider tips.
‍
Whether you want private surf lessons or a group session with fellow surfers, you’ll find a relaxed, friendly environment. Gain new skills, see the stunning coastline, and make the most of your time in this must-visit region of Portugal.

Where you’ll surf around Lagos

We pick the beach the evening before based on the swell, wind, and your group’s level, then message you the meeting point.

Beginner

Meia Praia

5 min from the shop

Long, sandy south-coast bay. Sheltered, consistent small waves and no rip currents, the safest place to learn and where most kids lessons run.

Intermediate

Porto de Mós

10 min from the shop

South-coast beach with cleaner walls when the swell is up. A natural step up from Meia Praia once you can already stand and turn.

Developing

Arrifana or Amoreira

30–40 min from the shop

West-coast Atlantic breaks with more power and shape. We head here when conditions favour surfers progressing past the basics.

Read our guide to surf spots in Lagos & Algarve

When to surf in Lagos

Sea temperature, wetsuit thickness, and swell quality through the year, so you can pick the season that fits how you want to learn.

Jan – Feb

Cold and uncrowded

Sea
15–16 °C
Wetsuit
4/3 mm
Waves
SW swell, clean walls

Quiet line-ups, big-day potential. Beginners go on calmer south-coast days.

Mar – Apr

Spring shoulder

Sea
16–17 °C
Wetsuit
4/3 mm
Waves
Building swell

Warmer days, fewer crowds than summer. Solid first-lesson conditions.

May – Jun

Best-value window

Sea
17–19 °C
Wetsuit
3/2 mm
Waves
Consistent, light crowds

Low-season pricing from €60. Warm mornings, gentle swell. Top window for first-timers.

Jul – Aug

Peak summer

Sea
21–23 °C
Wetsuit
Boardshorts
Waves
Smaller, clean

Warmest water, busiest beaches. Great for kids and complete first-timers.

Sep – Oct

Locals’ favourite

Sea
21–22 °C
Wetsuit
3/2 mm
Waves
Best all-round swell

Warm water meets clean Atlantic swell. Strongest weeks for surfers already standing.

Nov – Dec

Big Atlantic season

Sea
17–18 °C
Wetsuit
4/3 mm
Waves
Bigger swell windows

Best for intermediate-plus surfers. Beginner lessons run on calmer south-coast days.

Wetsuits and rash vests are included in every lesson. Sea temperatures are typical ranges for Meia Praia, Lagos, sourced from regional marine forecasts.

Impressions

Surf Lesson introduction on the beach, people sitting on the sand
group lesson for surfers on a beach
A participant in a surf lesson riding a wave
A group of surfers about to hit the waves
A surf lesson group about to hit the waves
people learning surfing and carrying their surfboard
people learning surfing and carrying their surfboard
people learning surfing and carrying their surfboard
a woman learning to surf
A group surf lesson on the beach
A woman having a surf lesson in Lagos
a group of surf lesson warming up for the surf

Master the waves with advanced Surf Guiding or Video Analysis

If you are an advanced surfer ready to refine your skills, our surf guiding service is a strong choice. We limit groups to four surfers, so you get a personal approach. Our guides pick the best local spots on the south and west coasts, matching each surfer’s level to the right waves.
‍
For a deeper look at your technique, opt for our video analysis. The variety of breaks in the Algarve provides many chances to improve year-round. Review your footage with an experienced coach who offers focused feedback. This process helps you understand your form and fast-tracks your progress in the water.

Explore Surf Guiding
Explore Video Analysis
an advanced surfer riding the waves in Lagos

How booking a surf lesson works

Three steps from your message to your first wave, please book at least 24 hours in advance.

Step 1

Book online, by WhatsApp, or in-store

Send a booking request on this page, message us on WhatsApp, or walk into our Old Town shop at Rua Cândido dos Reis 112. We confirm your spot and message you the meeting point the evening before. Bookings should be made at least 24 hours in advance. Lessons run year-round except 25 December and 1 January.

Step 2

Meet at the shop and ride out together

Drop in at the shop in the morning. Grab your wetsuit and surfboard, then jump in the van with your partner-school instructor for the short ride to whichever beach has the best conditions for your level that day, usually Meia Praia on the south coast, or further west when the swell is up.

Step 3

Surf, get coached, get feedback

Roughly 2–3 hours on the beach with about 1.5–2 hours of water time. Group lessons cap at 8 surfers per instructor; kids cap at 4 per instructor with a lifeguard-trained coach. Lessons run in English by default, just request Portuguese, German, or French when you book.

What surfers say about our lesson bookings

A few of the 2,000+ five-star Google reviews left by guests who booked a surf lesson through Jah Shaka.

★★★★★
“Had a great first surf lesson with them. We went to a beautiful beach, and they even brought snacks and lunch which I was not expecting. Truly grateful for everything.”
Sonya Doroshenko
via Google · May 2025
★★★★★
“Booked a 1 day surf lesson from Jah Shaka. Everyone at the store was super friendly, kind and very helpful. Would recommend for any surfing needs or excursions.”
Jamie Hutchison
via Google · May 2024
★★★★★
“Really nice surf experience. They provide all the equipment, food, insurance and transport. Groups are small so you get the instructor’s attention. They really care. I’ll visit again.”
Krzysztof W
via Google · May 2021
Read all 2,000+ reviews on Google
Multi-day surfer?

Pair surf lessons with accommodation in our Surf Camp

If you are staying a week or longer, our Surf Camp partners bundle daily lessons, board and wetsuit, and a place to sleep, eat, and recover between sessions. Same booking-hub approach, packaged for the full trip.

Explore Surf Camp

Surf lessons in Lagos, FAQs

Everything first-timers and returning surfers ask before booking.

How much do surf lessons cost in Lagos?

Group surf lessons start at €60 per day in low season (Nov–Jun) and €70 in high season (Jul–Oct). Kids surf lessons start at €60. Private 1-to-1 lessons start at €170 for one person. Multi-day packages bring the per-day cost down, five days of group lessons run roughly €250–€300. Every price includes the surfboard, wetsuit, and beach transport.

Are surf lessons suitable for complete beginners?

Yes, most of our lessons are designed for first-timers. We start on dry sand with a safety briefing, paddling technique, and pop-up practice before you get in the water. Most first-timers ride a wave in the whitewater during their first session. If you have surfed before, tell us your level when you book and we will match you with the right session.

What is included in a surf lesson?

Every surf lesson includes the surfboard (soft-top foam board for beginners), wetsuit, rash vest, beach transport from our Old Town shop, and your partner-school instructor. You also receive a 10% discount on any products in our surf shop while you are with us (excludes selected technical products, rentals and other activities).

How long does a surf lesson last?

Group and private surf lessons last roughly 2–3 hours total, with about 1.5–2 hours of water time after the warm-up and beach briefing. Kids surf lessons run for about 2 hours. We typically meet at the shop in the morning and are back by early afternoon.

Are the surf instructors certified?

Yes. We partner with local surf schools whose instructors hold the qualifications required to teach surfing commercially in Portugal. All children’s instructors also hold lifeguard training and follow ISA safety rules. Lessons are available in English, Portuguese, German and French, please mention your language preference when you book.

Which beach do surf lessons take place at?

We pick the beach the evening before based on the forecast and your group’s level. Beginners typically surf at Meia Praia, a sheltered south-coast bay about 5 minutes from Lagos with consistent small waves and no rip currents. Intermediate surfers may head to Porto de Mós (about 10 minutes). More advanced groups head to the west coast, Arrifana or Amoreira (around 30–40 minutes). We confirm the meeting point the night before.

Do surf lessons include transport?

Yes. Group and private lessons include a van transfer from our shop at Rua Cândido dos Reis 112 in Old Town Lagos to the beach and back, you do not need a hire car. Kids surf lessons depart from Climb & Surf Camp Quinta Formosinho.

What is the minimum age for surf lessons?

Surf lessons are open from age 8. Children under 16 join our dedicated Kids Surf Lessons, which run with a maximum of 4 children per instructor, all lifeguard-trained and following ISA safety rules. Adults join the group or private lessons (no upper age limit).

Do I need to be able to swim?

Yes, you must be a competent swimmer to join any surf lesson. Kids surf lessons are always guided by an instructor with lifeguard training for extra safety in the water.

How many people are in a group surf lesson?

A maximum of 8 surfers per instructor in adult group lessons. Kids groups cap at 4 children per instructor. Groups are intentionally kept smaller than the legal maximum so each surfer gets real feedback during the session.

Do you offer private surf lessons?

Yes. Private surf lessons run 1-to-1 (or 1-to-2) with your own instructor and last about 2 hours. They are the fastest way to progress, whether you are a first-timer who wants personal attention or an improving surfer working on a specific technique. Private lessons start at €170.

What should I bring to a surf lesson?

Bring a towel, swimwear to wear under the wetsuit, sunscreen, and water. We provide the surfboard, wetsuit, and rash vest. No prior experience or equipment is needed.

Do you offer lessons in German, French, or Portuguese?

Yes. Lessons are in English by default, and we also teach in Portuguese, German and French. Mention your language preference when you book and we will match you with the right instructor.

What happens if the waves or weather are unsafe?

We monitor conditions every evening and shift to the best available beach for your level. If conditions are genuinely unsafe for surfing, we will reschedule your lesson or refund the lesson fee.

Can I rent equipment outside of a lesson?

Yes, surfboard and wetsuit rentals are available from the shop for surfers who want to practice on their own. See our Rentals page for daily and multi-day rates.

What other activities does Jah Shaka book?

Beyond surf lessons we book 30+ activities in and around Lagos, mountain biking, boat tours, stand-up paddleboarding, horse riding, kayaking, coasteering and more. Browse them on the Activities page.

Still have questions?

Contact us or visit our shop on Rua Cândido dos Reis 112 for further assistance.

Contact us
Chat with us
WhatsApp