Surf: more than a
sport, a way of life
The surfer lifestyle is closely tied to nature, adventure, and a deep connection with the ocean
Introduction to the best sport in the world
Welcome aboard
Ride this Wave!
DR. BERNARD SURF SCHOOL
We're here to help you achieve your dream of mastering the waves and surfing like a true hero of the sea, so we've put together some useful information to get you started on this incredible journey! Take a look at our Surf school, learn interesting facts about Surfing, try out different techniques, increase your understanding of the ocean and explore the best places to learn to surf.
Skill
All Levels
ATMOSPHERE
Good Vibe
Season
All Year
Sustainability
CO2 Compensation
THE DR. BERNARD LIFESTYLE
Live the ultimate surfing lifestyle!
Surfing gives you a unique sense of freedom, while triggering a real thrill that keeps you happy all day long! Connecting with the ocean, being immersed in the moment, and embracing the outdoors.
You will learn all the techniques of the best water sport there is, you will discover a new side of your personality and then surprise yourself with your skills.
Have the possibility of access to the best golden sand beaches and the best waves! In this country, many surfers have broken records with their techniques, making Portugal one of the most well-known surfing destinations. For all these reasons, Portugal has a long tradition of surfing.
Come aboard &You’ll make new friends from dawn to sunset.
DR. BERNARD SURF SCHOOL
Why surf with us?
After 29 years, 100,000 enthusiastic visitors and maybe around 1 million waves surfed, we know what true enthusiasm looks like.
We share our passion for Surfing since 1994 and we are the oldest and most prestigious Surf School in Costa da Caparica. With instructors certified by the Portuguese Surfing Federation and customized courses, we are here to offer you the best surfing experience possible.
Miguel Inácio
Dr. Bernard Surf Center
location
Costa da Caparica
1 minute walking from our Surf School.
An authentic part of Portugal, here we find the perfect waves and conditions for learning regardless of the level of each student.
Costa da Caparica is known for its consistent surfing and high-quality waves, and there is no shortage of options for surfers arriving in this area.
The waves are gentle and suitable for beginners during the summer and get bigger during the spring and fall.
Practice, explore, absorb, enjoy, live!
We believe that surfing is more than a sport: it’s a lifestyle. We want you to experience it with us here, in one of the most beautiful surfing destinations on the planet, and, in the end, to come to the conclusion that you have not only been left with better surfing knowledge, but also with memories for life, new friends and the feeling that every day should be like this.
HOW TO SURF? Welcome to surf theory "101"
Surfing is much more than just standing on a board in the water, it's a way to connect with nature and understand how the ocean works. By learning to surf, you will also learn how to be safe in the water and identify the waves. Don't worry, your instructor will guide you through everything. But for now, here are some surfing theories to get you started:
DR. BERNARD SURF SCHOOL
Safety first
The most important part of surfing is that you have as much fun as you feel safe in the water, while also doing your part to keep others safe too! There are some safety rules that you should follow when entering the water, such as always protecting your head when falling off the board, keeping a good distance from other surfers in the water, and staying calm when you fall.
Anatomy of a Surfboard
Surfers refer to the different parts of the surfboard with specific names, so it may be a good idea to start pinning down the anatomy of the surfboard now. It’s not a highly complicated science: the front of the board is called the Nose, the back is called the Tail, and the sides are called the Rails.
Parts of the Wave
Peak: The highest point of the wave and the first part of the wave that breaks.
Shoulder: also called the “Face”, it is the part of the wave that has not yet broken and where it is less powerful.
Pocket: where you want to catch the wave.
Tubo: também chamado de “Barell”, parte da onda com formato cilíndrico.
Águas brancas: as águas brancas são onde os surfistas iniciantes aprendem o básico do surf, essa parte da onda já quebrou e está menos potente.
Zona de impacto: a parte mais poderosa da onda onde ela bate na água plana.
Why learning to surf will change your life forever?
Surfing gives you an indescribable sense of freedom, makes you connect with nature, shows you how to be fully present in the moment and gives you a real sense of belonging through a close-knit community.
Not only that, but it’s also scientifically proven that surfing makes us happier. Salty air triggers the release of endorphins and serotonin, the hormones of happiness – making joy a real thing!
what people say about us...
5/5
S. Unglaub
5/5
Valentine Roux-Fouillet
5/5
Stefan Monovki
5/5
Benze Szollosky
SUSTAINABILITY
The Sea is our home. We’re leaving it better than we found it.
We make a commitment to our ocean, beaches and community. They are our playground, our home and our livelihood. Let’s leave them better than we found them. This means that all our employees, friends and guests help with recycling and other actions in favor of the environment. Every week there are cleaning and recycling activities on the beaches and Dr. Bernard equipment to ensure that our home remains as it should be.
Destroying the waves does, not destroying the beaches.