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Surf Lesson vs Surf Coaching: What’s the Difference?

If you’re looking to improve your surfing, it’s very common to wonder:

Should I choose a Surf Lesson or a Surf Coaching? 

Although these terms are often mixed up, they actually represent different approaches, designed for different levels and goals.

Here, we explain the differences between Surf Lessons and Surf Coaching, so that you can choose the right option for your surf progression.


Surf lesson and surf coaching comparison showing in-water instruction and performance-focused video analysis


What is a Surf Lesson?


A Surf Lesson is the right way to learn how to surf. It’s ideal for beginners or lower-intermediate surfers who want to build and consolidate core skills.


Key characteristics:

  • Focus on basic and essential surfing techniques. Without consolidating these, consistent progression is going to be harder

  • More standardized lesson structure

  • Taught in groups or privately

  • Practical, hands-on approach

  • The surf instructor stays with you in the water throughout the session


What do you learn in a Surf Lesson?

Surf lesson in Ericeira with a student catching a wave during in-water instruction


  • Ocean Safety and Surf Etiquette

  • Consistent pop-up (this technique is the foundation for your surfing success)

  • Essential ocean and wave reading

  • Paddling technique and board positioning

  • First maneuvers (for beginners plus - intermediate levels)



👉 Ideal for:

  • First-time surfers

  • Surfers building confidence and consistency

  • Those looking for a fun and accessible surf experience




What is Surf Coaching?


Surf Coaching is a more advanced, strategic, and personalized approach. It’s designed for surfers who already know how to surf and have consolidated the core techniques. Coaching involves analyzing, correcting, and optimizing your surfing on an individual level, with video as an essential tool.


Key characteristics:

  • Goal-oriented training

  • Primarily one-on-one

  • Detailed technical and tactical analysis

  • Fully personalized coaching sessions

  • Video analysis as a central tool

  • Real-time and post-session, performance-focused feedback


What do you work on in Surf Coaching?

Surf coaching focusing on performance and technique, with coach filming the session in Ericeira

  • Individual technical assessment and surf profiling

  • Wave selection and positioning strategy

  • Identifying and correcting individual technical flaws

  • Bottom turns, top turns, and linking maneuvers

  • Tactical decision-making adapted to different wave conditions

  • Developing confidence and clarity in the water

  • Video-based analysis and targeted technical correction


Important Note on Video Analysis in Surf Coaching

Video analysis is a coaching tool, not a content or filming service.

In Surf Coaching, video is used to analyze technique, positioning, timing, and decision-making. The surf coach’s role is to observe, assess, and provide targeted feedback, not to produce video footage.

Surf Coaching works when surfers already have the ability to catch waves consistently and independently. Without this foundation, video analysis becomes limited, and progression is better supported through a structured private surf lesson first.


👉 Ideal for:

  • Intermediate to advanced surfers

  • Surfers with solid fundamentals who already catch waves consistently and independently

  • Those seeking structured, goal-oriented, and accelerated progression


A Note on the Growing Use of the Term “Surf Coaching”

In recent years, we’ve seen a significant increase in the number of surf experiences being marketed as Surf Coaching. While this reflects a growing interest in performance-focused surfing, it’s important to understand why this trend exists.


  • In many destinations, Surf Coaching can be offered without the legal and operational requirements of a licensed surf school, as it is considered professional training rather than formal surf education.

  • As a result, many surf coaching services operate outside the regulatory framework required for licensed surf schools. In reality, providing Surf Coaching requires a specific coaching certification, but many coaches offer this service without holding the required qualification.

  • Because of this, Surf Coaching is often used to offer what is, in practice, a private surf lesson, and in some cases even group lessons, under a different label.


True Surf Coaching is defined by methodology, personalization, and performance-driven work, not by the name alone.


Understanding this difference helps you choose the experience that genuinely supports your progression and keeps you safe in the water.



Final Thoughts

Surf Lesson vs Surf Coaching


The key is understanding where you are in your surf journey and where you want to go: Surf Lesson vs Surf Coaching.


While Surf Lessons build a solid foundation and confidence in the water, Surf Coaching is the natural next step for surfers who want to improve technique, consistency, and performance.


If you’re unsure which option is best for you, feel free to reach out. We’ll be happy to guide you toward the right path for your surf progression.



Ready to Take the Next Step?

Whether you’re looking to build solid foundations or take your surfing to the next level, we offer the right option for your surf journey:


  • 👉 [ Book a Surf Lesson ] if you’re starting or want to improve your basics in a safe, structured environment.

  • 👉 [ Book a Surf Coaching ] if you already surf consistently and want personalized, performance-focused training.


Explore our programs and choose the surf experience that truly matches your goals: the ocean is waiting.

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