Who would have said that in my old age I would suddenly start learning how to surf…
I usually skipped too demanding activities in Madeira, but during the last trip, I was full of energy… So when after a successful canyoning lesson I got an invitation to also try out surfing with Aroundfreedom Madeira Surf School, I didn’t hesitate for a second.
Surfing in Madeira
There are a couple of surfing schools in Madeira. One of the most experienced, or even pioneering, is the school Aroundfreedom Madeira Surf School. The school is located in Caniço, but the lessons take place on various beaches – often in Machico. Beginning surfers sliding and ungraciously falling from surfboards are a well-known sight there…
The evening when our lesson took place wasn’t sunny, so the photos seem quite gloomy…
The beach in Machico has a completely different look and vibe during good weather and those who would like to see it in full sun are invited to check my coming-soon post – photo gallery of the beach in Machico.
My first ever surfing lesson…
My first surfing lesson took place at the beginning of September 2019 and our instructor was David Hasselhoff – pardon me – Orlando 🙂
The school offers its students a free pick-up from hotels located in the south-east of Madeira, which I really, really appreciated that day.
After reaching the beach in Machico, it was finally time to squeeze our bodies into the devilish wetsuits… After a traumatic experience of putting on canyoning wetsuits a couple of days earlier, I had quite a trauma … Fortunately, it turned out that surfing suites are much more flexible! What a relief…
There were three of us in total. Me and two other beginners from England. Surfing classes are never too crowded- one instructor can look after up to 5 students at a time.
The lesson began on the beach with an introduction to safety rules and learning the sequence of steps for getting up on a board. All fitness classes with Burpees and Knee to Elbow Push Ups finally came in handy!
Once we perfected that, we were ready to get into the water.
I won’t say it was easy, but I got better with every fall. Childhood karate lessons also helped me jumping into position and somewhere around the tenth attempt, I finally succeeded to stay balanced on board. Somewhere after the twentieth fall, I finally felt like I was surfing… And after the thirtieth fall, I had no energy for the thirty-first one…
On one hand, I didn’t want the lesson to end, but my unprepared for such effort arms begged me for mercy. I was actually surprised how much your arms need to work during surfing.
Experienced surfers will laugh at my first surfing attempts, but hey, everyone starts somewhere!
Surfing lesson in Madeira in 60 seconds – GoPro video
Here is a short video summary of my first surfing lesson ever:
So to sum up – it was an awesome experience. I had a great, but also so satisfyingly productive time. Thumbs up for Orlando for being a great instructor as well. I am sure it was not my last surfing lesson ever…
Surfing for beginners at Aroundfreedom Madeira – info
Are you looking for surf camps and surfing lessons on Madeira? You can always contact Aroundfreedom Madeira Surf School.
[WEBSITE] [FACEBOOK] [INSTAGRAM]
Beginner surfing lessons usually take place at one of these three beaches: Machico, Porto da Cruz or Seixal.
SEE ALSO: MADEIRA BEACHES
Of course, surfing is not the only activity they offer, you can also book SUP tours (stand-up paddle) and different trekking and levada walks.
Aroundfreedom – Instructors
Roberto Filipe is the manager of Aroundfreedom Madeira, he has 34 years of surf experience and has been teaching for 20 years. He can give surf lessons in Portuguese, English and French.
Orlando Pereira has 25 years of surf and big surf experience and has been teaching for 10 years. His lessons are in Portuguese and English.
Surfing lessons and courses – prices
Both individual lessons and packages are available at Aroundfreedom Madeira. Each group surfing lesson (max. 5 people) costs € 50.00, and a private lesson € 80.00. A package of 5 lessons costs € 225.00 and 10 lessons € 400.00.
Please always consult the official website or contact the school directly to makes sure that the prices are still valid.
Where on Madeira to stay if you are coming here to surf, surf, surf?
If you have no car it’s best to stay in Funchal, Caniço or Machico. In these areas, Aroundfreedom Madeira offers students complimentary pick-ups and drop-offs, which is not always a norm at some other surf schools.
And if you came to Madeira without even thinking about surfing, but are looking for some comfort-zone expanding activities, why not trying out surfing?
Have you tried it thanks to my review? Please tag us! #sayyestomadeira
Many thanks to Aroundfreedom Madeira Surf School for the complimentary trial lesson which allowed me to write this post.
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