SURF LOCATION FEATURES
- Where do you provide the surf lessons?
We usually go to Praia da Riviera, located at Caparica Coast line, 20 km south of Lisbon.
- Are the waves too big? What about the water temperature?
The wave height and water temperature changes throughout the months of the year. From April to September, the height varies between 0.5 and 1.5 meters, with temperatures around 18ºC and 21ºC. From October to the end of April, the height can vary between 1.5 and 2.5 meters with temperatures between 15ºC and 18ºC. Anyway, the scheduling of the classes is always made according to the best time of the day in order to get the most suitable surfing conditions assuring all the safety conditions and comfort level of the students.
- Are there any rocks and strong sea currents?
It’s a beach with no rocks that offers a wide and flat sandy bottom where the intensity of the currents depends on the height of the waves and tide level. Anyway the scheduling of the classes is always based on the daily swell reports and weather forecasts, seeking to meet the safety and comfort of the students.
- Lifeguard support?
Yes. During the summer months, from June to September there’s a permanent lifeguard assistance station, every day from 9:00 am to 7:00 pm. In the remaining months of the year, the support is provided by Navy Police and life guards vehicles, which drive along the entire Caparica beaches, several times a day.
- Is there a Restaurant?
Yes there is. The Epic Surf School facilities are attached to Grão d’areia restaurant, which is open all year, except on rainy days between October 1st until end of May. During the summer season the restaurant is always open (even on cloudy days) from June 1st to end of September with parasols and beach beds available for rent.
- Are there any showers?
Yes. Inside the Epic Surf school facilities we have 2 available showers for the exclusive use of our students.
- What should I bring to the beach?
All you need to bring is your swim shorts or bikini, a beach towel and suncream. We take care of the rest!
- Where can I leave my personal belongings?
Your personal belongings can be safely stored at the Epic Surf School facilities, inside an individual compartment for each student, where you will also have a space to dress up before and after class.
STUDENT PROFILE
- Do I need to be a good swimmer to learn surfing?
For beginners’ classes it is not even necessary to know how to swim since we will carefully select the ideal sea conditions. Besides keeping your feet in contact with the ground the whole time, you will have the water level maximum up to your waist.
- It's my first time. How many classes do I need to stand up and ride a wave?
This will depend on your physical condition, previous sports habits, flexibility and balance control. Normally in 10 of our beginner students, 6 to 7 are able to stand up in the first class.
- Can I bring contact lenses for the class?
Yes. We only advise the use of disposable lenses as they may happen to be lost during your time in the sea.
LESSONS WITH TRANSPORT
- Do you provide front door pick up?
Normally we don’t. Yet we can open exceptions depending on the time of year and the ease of access your accommodation address since Lisbon is a city with a busy streets and limited car access in certain historic areas.
- Where is the meeting point and what are the departure and arrival times?
The meeting point is made in the center of Lisbon at Praça do Saldanha, next to the Evolution Hotel. Departure times can be arranged between 9am to 1pm and the arrivals from 1:00 to 6pm, depending on the booked packages (half or full day). This scheduling may also change according to the suitable sea conditions for the booked lessons and we’ll inform you during the booking process.
- What if I only book a morning Half Day package and decide to spend the whole day at the beach?
It’s totally fine as long as there are students who have purchased the full day package on the same date as you. The return trip to Lisbon will be made after the classes of those students have ended.
- If I arrive late at the meeting point?
We usually give 10 minutes tolerance. In case you need more time please contact us by phone stating the reason for the delay and we can also wait for you.
BOOKINGS & CANCELATIONS
- How do I schedule a lesson?
Your booking request can be made by:
- telephone (GSM or Whatsapp)
- Do I need to a pay a deposit?
Bookings made with more than 2 days in advance, we require 50% deposit . As soon as the deposit is received, we’ll send an email to confirm your booking. For less than 2 days in advance we discard the need of a deposit and in case of withdrawal, we only ask you to inform us as soon as possible, allowing us to accept other requests in your place.
- What are the payment options?
- Bank transfer (our bank account number will be given by email during the booking process).
- Credit card (a payment reference using PayPal processor is sent to your email, compatible with Visa, Master card, Maestro or American Express).
- Cash on the day (reservations made less than 48 hours in advance). Alternatively, payment can also be made by credit card.
- Can I cancel my booking?
Yes. You only have to send an email 48 hours prior to the booking date and your deposit will be fully refunded.
- What if I cancel 48h after the booking date?
In this case the deposit will not be refunded.
- I made a reservation for 5 days in a row, but after 2 days I needed to rest. Can I take a break and come back on another day?
Sure you can. The number of classes you booked can be used with breaks in between according to your need for rest or availability, with a maximum of 4 months expiration date for the 10 lesson packages.
- If sea or weather conditions force the class to be canceled on the same day, will the deposit be refunded?
Yes. Whenever sea conditions compromise the safety of students, the deposit is fully refunded.