FAQ

Frequently Asked Question

Should I rather take the beginners or the advanced class?

A beginner surf course is not only for complete beginners. Even if you have surfed before or have already stood up on the board, but you are still mainly surfing in white water, the beginner course is usually the right choice. This is especially true if you still need practice with standing up, choosing the right waves, or keeping your balance.

You should book an intermediate surf course if, on normal days, you can paddle out to the line-up on your own and paddle for and surf green waves. At first, it is enough if you can surf the wave straight ahead. Turns and manoeuvres can then be worked on during the course. It is also important that you know and can follow the main safety and right-of-way rules in the water.

If you are unsure which level is right for you, it is better to book a beginner course or contact us briefly before booking. If needed, we can assess your level on site and place you in the right group or adjust your course accordingly.

What is the average age at the camp?

This question is no longer so easy to answer, as we have specialized more and more in families with children. The parents are mostly in their mid-thirties and late forties. All ages are represented among the children. Some of the children come to us for the first time with their parents and when they are teenagers, they come to visit us again and bring friends of the same age with them. We welcome all ages, but we are definitely not a party camp, although we do have a dance floor or two in our bar at the weekend :-)

Where is the closest airport? How do I arrive at the surf camp?

The nearest airport is in Lisbon, about 70 km from our camp. To get to the bus station, you can either take the subway, Uber, or taxi. The express bus ride from Lisbon to Praia da Areia Branca costs EUR 8.90 per person. We also offer you an airport transfer (from 80 EUR).

What about the catering?

At Da Silva Surfcamp a delicious breakfast buffet is offered every morning and two times a week there will be a joint dinner (barbecue). In all other evenings you can prepare the dinner by yourself in our kitchen of the surf house. Most times the students living in the camp cook together and share the cost. Or they take turns. Many reasonably priced restaurants are located in Praia da Areia Branca so that you need not cook every night in the surf house.

On what day do the surf classes start?

Surf courses usually start on Mondays. If the wave and weather conditions allow it, the lessons take place daily from Monday to Friday. As surfing depends on nature, it can sometimes happen that individual course days have to be moved because of the conditions. We will discuss this with you on site and adjust the schedule flexibly together with the surf instructors.

In which language will the classes take place?

Our surf instructors speak Portuguese and English. This won’t, however, be a problem at all as there are mainly practical classes. Most things will be demonstrated and explained accordingly through gestures. We have never faced communication problems between instructors and students.

Is your camp LGBTQ+ friendly?

Yes. Our camp is an open and respectful place where everyone should feel welcome. We welcome people of all identities and backgrounds and place great importance on a respectful, relaxed sense of community.