How We Teach
And why this way matters…
Our Soul of Surfing programme, used in our all-inclusive retreats, offers experienced coaching across four levels to help you become an unconsciously able surfer – meaning you can surf without actively thinking about it. Progressing to the next level occurs once you become an “integrated surfer,” which involves understanding more than just standing on the board. Remember, learning to surf is a cyclical, not linear, process. We focus on delivering skills and techniques to achieve this integrated understanding.
Everyone Can Surf
A philosophy that underpins our entire teaching approach. Our aim extends beyond simply getting beginners to stand on foam boards. We delve into the fundamental principles of surfing, exploring the ‘whys’ and ‘hows’. Our lessons accommodate all skill levels, from beginner to advanced, encompassing wave riding on various boards tailored to individual abilities. We also emphasise ocean awareness and conservation, surfing etiquette, and the positive impact of the ocean on well-being. Throughout the learning journey, we provide comprehensive guidance and support.
Coaching with Care
We combine the activity of surfing with yoga and mindfulness practices we’ve honed over the last 15 years of operating Soul & Surf. We encourage our students to develop a deeper connection with the ocean, themselves, and the Now, as well as giving them technical, considered coaching so they progress as quickly as possible.
With our Soul of Surfing programme, we aim to increase the sense of play (not just success) in the water and give a bit of an understanding of the soul surfing lifestyle.
Technical Coaching
We take our lessons to the best location for the day – based on surf conditions and the group’s experience level – including Lagos, Sagres, and the west coast. And we keep our groups small, making sure you get all the attention you deserve.
Join us for a Soulful surfing experience that will leave you with a deeper connection to the ocean and nature – and discover the joy of surfing in the Algarve.
What does that actually mean, then?
Why do we think all we need to do is learn to stand up and then we are ready to be alone in the ocean and understand how to progress ourselves?
Paddle!!
Many surf schools are guilty of the pack-’em-in mentality, of promising that you’ll be standing on your first lesson – and that’s often all you get. Along with the word ‘paddle’ relentlessly screamed at you by macho-dudes while you are, in fact, paddling as hard as you can (instead of that ‘coach’ explaining how to paddle properly in the first place).
We think that needs to change.
Once you are past the white water, that is when the real challenge starts. And that is when you need good, considered coaching the most.
We teach you the good stuff
Whether you are ready to learn to duck dive, cutback, cross-stop, nose ride, to top turn – or simply feel safe and confident in the ocean.
Sustainability
Soul & Surf, our parent company, is a ‘Sustaibale-ish’ Surf Travel Company. Why Sustainable-ish? Because we accept that a travel company cannot actually be sustainable. But that doesn’t mean we give up. We accept that sustainable travel is a process not an actual goal and that keeps us working towards being the very best that we can be. Read more about Soul & Surf’s Sustainability goals, plans and commitments here.
As a surf school in the Algarve, Soul & Surf / School is committed to minimising our environmental impact. We actively recycle and upcycle our equipment to reduce landfill waste, donating surf boards and wetsuits to the Gil Eanes Secondary School in Lagos. Furthermore, we educate our surfers on responsible practices, encouraging them to leave the beach and ocean better than they found it by participating in initiatives like Take 3 for the Sea. This dedication reflects our core drive to excel while protecting the environment.