That Portugal is one of the European cradles for surfing is an unquestionable axiom, as much as two plus two are four. But not everything is Supertubos, in Peniche; Ericeira, with Ribeira d'Ilhas or Grande beach; or Nazaré, with the considered biggest waves in the world. In the central region of the country, due to the demarcation of Lisbon, there are several sites where surfing activities are undertaken. Cascais, Sintra or Colares are good examples of this, with dazzling beaches, conducive to carry out a good number of water sports or simply relax.

Our most sincere advice is this: it is never too late to get fully involved in this activity, no matter if you have tried to ride a wave or not, if you are possessor of certain special skills or not, if you move in this terrain like fish in the water or not, this divertimento is suitable for all audiences. From Yumping, we invite you to immerse yourself in the surf culture of this beautiful city founded in 1200 BC, if for anything it is worth coming to surf in this region is for the amount of incentives (gastronomy, architecture, cordiality of its inhabitants, natural landscapes of dream, etc.) that grants us apart from this activity in particular. And, as always, your most faithful ally in this decision, at your side, without separating from you, is Yumping.

Where are the best surfing beaches in Lisbon?

• Carcavelos beach: Carcavelos was an old freguesia belonging to the municipality of Cascais that, after a resolution of the Assembly of the Portuguese Republic, was refounded in the new freguesia of Carcavelos and Paredes. What makes this population interesting? We could define Carcavelos as a sleeping district of Lisbon, a natural continuation from the Promenade of Oeiras. It is also worth mentioning, beside its magnificent beach or the impressive Forte de São Julião da Barra, which is a town well connected between the nation’s capital and Cascais thanks to the railway network, which covers the journey at different times in just 26 minutes approximately.

As for its beach, it is commonly considered the most famous of the coast of Lisbon, partly because of its proximity, it is the first town after the mouth of the Tagus River, embracing the entire Atlantic. Other attractions that accredit is that we will find an immense beach, of fine sand, with waves of medium caliber, quite decent for those who are learning to surf from the hand of an accredited teacher.

• Grande beach: Colares, a small village in the municipality of Sintra, is home to two of the best beaches to become an authentic surfer: the beaches of Grande and das Maças, which we will talk about below. But Colares also gives visitors other incentives such as the beauty of its cliffs, on the edge of the Sierra de Sintra, its serenity or the precious (and rare) wine of Colares, with denomination of origin.

Praia Grande is one of the rigor scales in the European Surf Championship, for something will be. Easily accessible, as the name suggests, it has a large area that annually brings together thousands of fans of this hobby, hosts one of the largest saltwater pools in the Old Continent and, at its southern end, you can see traces of dinosaur tracks, with a site formed by eleven trails.

• Das Maças beach: Next to the one that precedes it, one of the most recognized destinations for inland tourism. It owes its appellation, "beach of apples", to which, during the storms, this fruit was dragged by the current of the Colares river and ended up on the perimeter of the beach. As it could not be otherwise, of course, the swell that occurs in the limit bounded by the valley is strong, suitable for surfing or other sports specialties.

• Do Guincho beach: That Cascais is one of the most beautiful towns in the whole country is not an open secret, and that do Guincho beach is one of the standards for surfers either. This ancient fishing village, the last holiday destination of families of aristocrats and artists, retains the charm of yesteryear through its decadent palaces and luxurious mansions. And what about Guincho. Nestled between the hills of the Sierra de Sintra, in a spectacular landscape, with its characteristic dune system, Guincho is totally exposed to the Atlantic Ocean to give the traveler some of the most impressive waves in the nation. In addition, despite its wild and rugged appearance, it enjoys excellent facilities including car parks, restaurants, showers and beach bars.

What types of surfing activities are available in Lisbon?

- Initiation classes: We know that the only offer that explicitly provides an initiation a class or baptism is the one that takes place in Carcavelos, of 1 and a half hours, although definitely, as we will see below, both collective and private classes are easily adapted to the level of the participants, so that groups are usually formed by the experience of each contestant.

- Packs: We were surprised to see that most of the schools in Lisbon dedicated to surfing encourage the purchase of vouchers composed of an indeterminate number of classes, usually 3 or 5, private or open. In this way, since the most logical thing is that if you start not stay on the road, having done it only once, you will have several opportunities to spend it according to your availability, on alternate days. Another good way, on the other hand, to save money by doing what you like best.

- Group lessons: The most basic of all, perfect for surfing, ideal for beginners or newborns. There is no complex in the Portuguese capital or surroundings that does not bet in its catalog for this modality, a necessary safe conduct to continue progressing in this water sport. They have a somewhat cheaper price than personalized classes, are equally fun and even allow us to meet new friends. From 1 hour and 30 minutes to 2 and a half hours, these shared courses are the most recurring formula to start your adventure on top of a Malibu or Funboard.

- Private: The preferred of those who want to improve their technique and notice the change after a few sessions, here there is a constant attention, in small groups of no more than 5 people. On the other hand, one of the biggest advantages of this variety is that we will not waste time, they go to the point and cover the user’s needs. Have you tried taking private lessons at the beaches of Carcavelos, Cascais, das Maças or Grande beach to compare the similarities and differences between them? Now is your time.

- Equipment rental: for those who are one step ahead of the rest of the mortals, for those who are confident enough, for the fearless, for those who perceive themselves as lone wolves, renting surf equipment on your own is the best option. All the centers established in Lisbon, without exception, have this quite demanded alternative, with a considerable number of followers, with different durations: 2 or 4 hours, half a day or full. It will depend on your level of experience and your desire to surf for that specific day.

What requirements are mandatory for the experience?

Let’s be honest, surfing does not carry associated requirements as it does with other risky sports, especially regarding weight, health problems or diseases of different range. In addition, in Lisbon in particular and in Portugal in general, surfing is a true religion that brings together the most varied profiles: we can meet people of very different condition or physical build practicing their favorite sport, a certainly iconic picture along the Portuguese coast.

However, all schools operating in the Lisbon area do apply age restrictions. Then, the majority marks the limit from the age of 6, a clause based on official legislation that affects, obviously, children of 5 years or younger. This must be so because it is understood that, below that age, the child’s psychomotor abilities are not sufficiently developed (such as maintaining balance, orientation or strength).

Is this type of sport safe?

If it weren’t so popular, if it weren’t so widespread throughout the planet, we might harbor certain doubts about its reliability. But the truth is that, if we follow the rules and use common sense, absolutely nothing has to happen. We are in Lisbon and not in Sydney or Melbourne, so the appearance of sharks lurking near the coast is completely ruled out. One less headache for you.

Other factors of enormous importance must also be considered. First, those who start in this area of Portugal, will always have the support of several monitors who will ensure their safety, who will teach them, staggered, what waves they can ride, which are out of reach and other mandatory measures that are enforceable. Those who will have to exercise extreme caution are those experienced surfers who choose to rent the material, already without the presence of any qualified instructor, and move freely to Carcavelos or Colares.

What do I have to wear the day I booked the activity?

We are going to insist on something fundamental, in what we will later deepen: as much as there is some adventurous who decides to get on a board in autumn or winter, the most usual thing is to do it in summer time because, traditionally, through popular culture, taking into account the fact that it celebrates in a marine environment, surfing is a sport linked to the sun. For this reason, we think it is best to present yourself with summer clothes and swimsuits. You are going to the beach, not to a closed asphalt circuit.

Anyway, we reiterate that the chosen station will be the one that will determine that you wear more layers or less. We remind you that Lisbon has a typical Mediterranean climate, influenced by the Gulf Stream, with variable rainfall, dry summers and mild winters. This is precisely why neoprene is used to protect our body temperature from scratches and wounds. You will not have to worry, the companies operating in Lisbon will give you a suit or other depending on the weather.

When is the best time to surf in Lisbon?

Surfing is a water sport that is totally subject to sea conditions. However, several factors must be taken into account, not any state is worth regardless of the danger it may represent. Of course, if the weather accompanies, if it is sunny, the body is better suited to the temperature of the water, if it does not make an excessive wind, the handling on the board will be more efficient than if it blows air. Returning to the sea, with red flag signage is not advised to get inside. The red flag simply means a forbidden, contraindicated because it represents a very high risk to the safety and physical integrity of the user.

This is where the common sense of anyone and, of course, of the company in charge of providing the service comes into play, as they will be the first to guarantee the welfare of their customers. It is difficult, if not impossible, for a Lisbon company to give carte blanche for the user to jump into the water when the sea is rough. You will agree with us that, regardless of where we are, this is an inviolable maxim that any business adopts.

The reality, and in that there is no discussion, is that professional surfers take advantage of any occasion, without prejudice to the weather, to catch a board, come to the beaches of the area, some of which are the most prestigious on the globe, and practice this discipline. Let’s not fool ourselves, historically, surfing has always been associated with summer and music, with great hits like Surfin Safari or Surfin USA, both from the Beach Boys, or Surfers are back from The Barracudas.

As long as decades pass, centuries after its invention, surfing will always be synonymous with heat, sand and manes to the wind. And the city of light is one of their flagships. Not hiring in Yumping one of the many activities at your disposal is a sin from which you will not be absolved :)