Intermediate surf camp in Portugal
Is this the right camp for your level?
This week is designed for surfers who are past the beginner stage.
Catching green waves
You can paddle out through the lineup, catch unbroken waves at least some of the time, and ride with reasonable control. You want to do it more consistently and start turning.
Comfortable in whitewater
You ride whitewater waves confidently and you’re starting to venture out back on calmer days. You’re on the edge between beginner and intermediate — our instructors will assess you on day one and steer you right.
Beyond intermediate
You surf independently, pick your own waves, and you’re already working on manoeuvres. Our Advanced Surf Camp will challenge you more.
Not sure where you sit? Try our surf level guide or Zero to Hero camp if you’re still building the basics.
How is this different from the Zero to Hero camp?
Same camp. Same instructors. Different waves.
You’re in green waves from session one
The beginner camp builds up to green waves by the end of the week. This camp starts there. Beach selection, session structure, and what the instructors focus on — all of it is built around surfers who can already get out the back. No whitewater warmups. You’re working on turns from day one.
Video analysis included
Your instructor films you surfing on Wednesday. Thursday afternoon you watch it back together — your pop-up timing, your bottom turn entry, where you’re losing speed on the wave. Things that are nearly impossible to feel in the moment, clear as day on camera. Specific corrections, two sessions left to apply them.
Surf skate as dry-land training
The intermediate week includes a dedicated surf skate session — 1 hour on smooth concrete drilling the body mechanics of bottom turns and weight shifts. The movements are the same as in the water, but you can repeat them endlessly without waiting for a set. Beginners don’t do this session. Intermediates do.
What you’ll work on this week
This isn’t a list of activities — it’s a list of outcomes. Each one is a real thing you can improve in a week, given the right conditions and focus. Everyone’s progression looks different, but these are the goals we work toward.
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1Catch green (unbroken) waves consistently Not just occasionally — reading the swell, positioning yourself right, and committing to the paddle when the moment comes.
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2Execute a bottom turn The foundation of all surfing — driving off the bottom and setting up for the face of the wave. We work on this in the water and reinforce it with surf skate sessions on land.
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3Ride the face of the wave Not just going straight — generating speed along the wave and staying in the power zone.
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4Read surf forecasts and pick the right beach Tuesday theory session covers wave anatomy, swell direction, tide influence, and how to choose the right spot for your level.
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5Paddle out efficiently through the lineup Duck diving, timing, where to position yourself — the things that separate someone who struggles out back from someone who flows.
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6Understand wave selection Which waves to take and which to let go. This is one of the biggest levers for intermediate surfers — getting on better waves more often.
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7Apply surf etiquette in a real lineup Right of way, when to go, where to sit — behaving correctly in the water makes everyone’s session better, including yours.
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8Understand your own technique through video review Thursday session: your instructor walks you through footage from the day before. What’s working, what to change, and exactly how it looks from the outside.
These are goals, not guarantees — surf progression depends on conditions, fitness, and how the week goes. Our instructors adjust to you.
How we coach intermediates
Intermediate surfers train separately from beginners — sessions move at a different pace, cover different skills, and use tools that beginners don’t need yet.
Video analysis
Every Wednesday we film sessions. Thursday afternoon your instructor reviews the footage with you — individual feedback, what to correct, and exactly how your surfing looks from the shore. 30 minutes to 1.5 hours, depending on group size and footage.
Surf skate session
1-hour session on smooth concrete with a purpose-built course. Focus on bottom turn mechanics, body positioning, weight distribution, and flow — the same movements you need in the water. Builds muscle memory so turns feel familiar when you’re on a wave.
Beach selection
Intermediates need green waves — not whitewater. Instructors check swell, wind direction, and tide the evening before and pick the break that gives you the best shot at clean waves. Confirmed at 18:00 the day before, never sooner.
Grouped by level
Intermediate sessions run separately from beginner groups — different beach timing, different focus, different feedback. You’re surfing with people at the same stage, so the pace of the session matches where you actually are.
How much does an intermediate surf week cost?
All packages include 7 nights at The Kitehouse, breakfast and dinner, daily yoga, all equipment, and transport to the surf spots.
5 group surf lessons focused on green waves and technique, 1 surf skate session, 2 theory sessions including video analysis. Grouped with other intermediates. Max 6 per instructor.
Not sure if you’re Level 3+? See the level check above.
- 5 group surf lessons (max 6 per instructor, intermediate level)
- 1 surf skate session (bottom turn mechanics, body positioning)
- 2 theory sessions — surf theory + video analysis
- All surf equipment included (wetsuit, board)
- Daily breakfast + 5 camp dinners + Wednesday pizza night at the Wake Park
- Accommodation, daily yoga, transport to surf spots
Other surf packages
Never surfed or still building the basics. 5 group lessons with an introduction to green waves by the end of the week.
Book Zero to HeroYou catch 1m+ green waves and are working on manoeuvres. Smaller groups, advanced breaks, coaching that pushes you further.
Book AdvancedSplit your week between surfing and kitesurfing. Best of both worlds. Great if you want variety or a partner does a different sport.
Book Surf + KiteLow season prices shown. High season and peak season prices vary. All prices per person, shared dorm. Room upgrade charges available — see accommodation options. Seasonal deals available.
Every package includes accommodation, meals, lessons, yoga, equipment, and transport. No hidden costs.
Questions about the intermediate camp
Ready to take your surfing further?
A week in Lagos, green waves, a crew of people who take surfing seriously without taking themselves too seriously. Everything sorted.
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