Surf Lessons in Porto da Cruz, Madeira

Calhau Surf School was created in summer of 2010, making them the first surf school to operate on Madeira Island! Their extensive surfing experience means that they will teach you the best techniques and coach you to become an independent surfer in the least amount of time possible.

For your surfing experience in Madeira, you will have the option to take a taster lesson, where you'll learn basic techniques and see if surfing is the sport for you; a pack of lessons (from 3 to 5), where you'll learn as many skills and techniques as possible and have a wide amount of time to practice what you've learned, or a private lesson, which will be completely adapted to your needs. Either way, the instructors will develop a suitable program for you that will be adapted to your level of experience and your surfing goals.

And you'll be taken out to the best surf spot around Porto da Cruz (depending on the weather conditions) that will be perfect for your surfing skill level, so that you can learn to surf on the coast of Madeira.

Below is a list of the spots you could visit:

Praia de Alagoa

Alagoa is in the center of Porto da Cruz, here you'll experience a small bay reef break and sand that has quite consistent surf. The best wind direction is from the southwest. The ideal swell direction is from the northwest and north. A left-hand reef and a good right-hand near the rock when the swell is from the northeast. Best around mid-tide when the tide is rising.
- Swell: NW/N/NE
- Surf height (m): 0,5 – 2
- Tide: Low/medium
- Wind (kt/s): SW/S/SE
- Wave direction: Left & right
- Surf level: Beginner/intermediate
- Reliability: Fairly consistent
- Type: Reef and beach break

Praia de Maiata

Maiata is a fairly exposed reef break and sand that has quite consistent surf. The best wind direction is from the southwest.
Groundswells and wind swells are equally likely and the ideal swell direction is from the northwest and north. This spot is best around mid-tide when the tide is rising. It is very rarely crowded here.
- Swell: NW/N/NE
- Surf height (m): 0,5 – 2
- Tide: Low/medium
- Wind (kt/s): SW/S/SE
- Wave direction: Left & right
- Surf level: Beginner/intermediate
- Reliability: Fairly consistent
- Type: Reef and beach break

Machico

Machico in Madeira is a quite exposed beach break that has unreliable waves. Autumn and winter are the best times of year for waves. The best wind direction is from the northwest. Windswells are much more typical than groundswells and the best wave direction is from the southeast. The beach break offers both left and right-hand waves. Best around mid-tide when the tide is rising. Unlikely to be too crowded, even when the surf is up. Take care to avoid the rocks.
- Swell: ENE/E/SE
- Surf height (m): 0,5 – 2
- Tide: Low/medium
- Wind (kt/s): N/ NW
- Wave direction: Left & right
- Surf level: Beginner/intermediate
- Reliability: Inconsistent
- Type: Reef and beach break

So, if you want to learn how to surf, and do it in a beautiful place with great waves, don't hesitate to book a surfing lesson in Porto da Cruz, Madeira! It will be an experience to remember.