Who we are
FAMILY OF SURFERS IN ERICEIRA WITH OVER 40 YEARS OF SURFING
ERICEIRA'S FAMILY OF SURFERS, SHARING THE SURF PASSION SINCE 2005
We are a family of surfers based in Ericeira, united by a lifelong passion for the ocean and a commitment to helping others experience the joy of surfing.
Since 2005, we've welcomed thousands of surfers — from complete beginners to intermediate and advanced riders — helping them build confidence, develop solid skills, and enjoy meaningful progression in the water.
As one of the longest-established surf schools in Ericeira, we believe exceptional surf coaching goes beyond experience alone. That's why every coach is carefully selected and follows the same coaching philosophy, ensuring every lesson reflects the high standards, personalized guidance, and supportive atmosphere that define the Extra Surf School experience.
Today, we offer level-based surf lessons in small groups or private sessions, surf coaching, surf guiding, and equipment rentals, always with a strong focus on safety, progression, and quality
Our Journey
Extra Surf School is built on over 40 years of surfing experience and expertise developed by Vasco Dias. The school began as a partnership with the prestigious surf brand Rip Curl, becoming the first surf school with a surf shop in Ericeira, located in front of Praia de São Sebastião and serving surfers from around the world.
As the school evolved, so did our vision.
Since 2019, we have focused exclusively on delivering premium surf instruction and coaching, creating highly personalized experiences where every surfer receives the attention, feedback, and guidance needed to progress with confidence.
Over the years, our commitment has remained the same: quality over quantity, authentic coaching, and an experience that leaves every surfer feeling more confident in the ocean than when they arrived.
Surfing in Ericeira means learning to understand the ocean in all its diversity, building the skills, lasting confidence, and adaptability to surf anywhere in the world.
Our Mission
Our mission is to help every surfer embrace new challenges, progress with confidence, and make surfing a meaningful part of their lives.
For us, surfing is far more than learning to stand on a board. It builds resilience, awareness, balance, and respect for nature. It is a source of energy, personal growth, and a lifelong connection with the ocean.
Everything we do is guided by a coaching philosophy refined through decades of surfing and teaching experience. Every coach is trained to follow this approach, allowing us to deliver consistent, safe, and highly personalized instruction while respecting each surfer's individual goals, pace, and potential.
OUR COACHING APPROACH
Consistent surf coaching is the result of experience, shared knowledge, and continuous development.
Every coach who joins Extra Surf School is carefully selected for their surfing experience, certified coaching qualifications, and proven ability to teach surfers of all levels.
Under the guidance of our Head Coach, every coach learns the teaching methods, progression standards, and coaching methodology that define our school.
Our commitment to quality continues every day. Through ongoing mentoring, constructive feedback, and regular guidance, our Head Coach works closely with the coaching team to ensure every session reflects the same high standards of safety, professionalism, and personalized instruction.
While every coach brings their own personality to the beach, every surfer can expect the same high standards, genuine care, and consistent coaching experience that have defined Extra Surf School since 2005.
OUR VALUES
Personalized Experience
Every surfer learns differently. We tailor every session to each surfer’s level, goals, and progression, providing the right guidance and support throughout their surfing journey.
Beyond the Waves
Surfing is a way of life. We encourage environmental awareness, social responsibility, and genuine connections that extend far beyond the waves.
Ocean Connection
We help surfers understand the ocean, read the conditions, respect nature, and develop the confidence to make better decisions in the water.
Real Progression
Our goal isn't simply to get you riding your first wave. We focus on building solid technique, ocean knowledge, confidence, and lasting progression through clear, supportive, and effective coaching.
Shared Success
Nothing inspires us more than seeing our surfers progress, overcome challenges, and leave the water with a smile. Their confidence, progress, and enjoyment are the greatest measure of our success.
Partnerships Based on Value
We build partnerships based on the quality of the experience we provide, not financial considerations. Every collaboration is founded on trust, integrity, and a shared commitment to creating genuine value for surfers.
"The passion that drives us to surf is the same passion that inspires us to teach"
Personalized Coaching
Individual guidance
Meaningful feedback
Real progression
Safety First
Ocean knowledge
Local expertise
The right conditions for every surfer
Real Progression
Build skills
Gain confidence
Keep improving
Surf as a Way of Life
Connection
Balance
A lifelong relationship with the ocean