Kids Surf Lessons
A safe and fun way for kids to learn surfing and feel confident in the water
Introduce your children to the exciting world of surfing with our specially designed kids’ surf lessons in Lagos. At Jah Shaka, we offer a safe and engaging environment where young surfers can learn the fundamentals of surfing, build confidence, and enjoy their first waves.Our experienced instructors focus on creating a supportive atmosphere that emphasizes safety, fun, and learning. They teach essential surfing skills, ocean safety, and environmental awareness, aiming to instill a lifelong respect for the sea and surfing. Whether your child is stepping onto a surfboard for the first time or looking to refine their skills, our kids’ surf lessons are tailored to inspire a deep love for surfing and the outdoors.
Additional Details
What is included in Kids Surf Lessons?
Equipment like surfboard, wetsuit and lycra is included
When does it run?
Surf Lessons are available all year round except on 25th of December and 1rst of January.
What is the minimum and maximum age?
Kids surf lessons run from age 6 to 15. Younger children can sometimes join when accompanied by an adult, contact us first so we can confirm with the partner school. From age 16, kids join our adult group lessons.
How are the kids supervised?
Kids groups cap at 4 children per instructor, well below the legal maximum. Every kids instructor holds lifeguard training in addition to teaching qualifications, and follows ISA safety rules. There is always an instructor in the water with the group.
Do parents need to stay during the lesson?
Parents are welcome to stay on the beach to watch, the south-coast beaches we use are family-friendly with cafés nearby. You do not have to stay if your child is 12 or older and comfortable, we will have your number for the day and reach out if needed.
What does my kid need to bring?
A towel, swimwear to wear under the wetsuit, sunscreen, water, and a snack. The lesson includes the surfboard (kid-sized soft-top foam board), wetsuit, and a rash vest. No prior surfing experience needed.
Are the kids instructors certified?
Yes. Partner-school kids instructors hold the qualifications required to teach surfing commercially in Portugal, plus additional lifeguard training. They follow ISA safety guidelines that govern beach selection, group ratios, and equipment.
Where do kids surf lessons take place?
Kids depart from Climb & Surf Camp Quinta Formosinho and usually surf at Meia Praia or another beginner-safe south-coast beach with no rip currents. The partner school picks the beach the evening before based on the forecast.
Are other activities available?
In addition to this activity, we offer a large variety of other activities in Lagos and the Algarve. Check out our Activities page.
Booking
Ready to go? Pick your option below and book your spot online.
Lessons run in English by default. Pick another language and we ask the partner school for a coach who speaks it, then confirm by email.
What parents ask before booking a kids lesson
Kids surf lessons are the partner schools most carefully run sessions, supervised by lifeguard-trained instructors and limited to 4 kids per coach.
Lifeguard-trained instructors, every session
Every kids instructor holds lifeguard certification on top of teaching qualifications. ISA safety rules govern beach choice, group size, and equipment.
4 kids per instructor, never more
We cap at half the legal Portuguese maximum. A coach is always in the water with the group, with attention to spot a tired kid before they ask for a break.
Beach picked for kids, not for waves
Kids lessons run at sheltered south-coast beaches with no rip currents, Meia Praia by default, or an alternative chosen the evening before based on conditions.
Pickup, gear, and snacks ready
Sessions depart from Climb & Surf Camp Quinta Formosinho. Kid-sized foam boards and wetsuits are provided. Bring water and a snack.
More activities
From surf lessons and SUP to boat trips and jeep adventures: explore everything Lagos has to offer and make the most out of your time in the Algarve with Jah Shaka Surf Shop.
Good to know before you book
Where we meet, the best months to go, and how a booking with Jah Shaka works.
Where do we meet?
Where you meet us depends on the activity.
- Boat tours (catamaran, dolphin watching, fishing) depart from Marina de Lagos
- Kayak tours of Ponta da Piedade meet at Praia da Batata
- Surf lessons and surf guiding meet at Meia Praia or Porto de Mós
- E-bike, e-dirtbike and walking tours start at the shop, Rua Candido dos Reis 112
- Coasteering, mountain biking and west coast hikes meet at the trailhead
When is the best time for Kids Surf Lessons?
Water activities in Lagos run from April to October, with the calmest Atlantic and the least wind in May and September. The sea sits around 20 to 23 °C through summer and is at its warmest in September, after the long summer. In July and August the wind usually picks up after lunch, so a morning slot is the calmer option.
How booking works
Pick your date, then pay securely with Stripe at checkout. We then confirm your place with the operator. Free cancellation up to 24 hours before.
Once we have the booking confirmed with the operator, we email you everything you need for the day. Meeting points move now and then, so the email is always the version to trust.
Booked through the shop, run by locals
We are a booking hub, not the operator: every activity is run by a certified local partner, and we tell you who you are meeting and where before you go. One message reaches a real person here for the whole trip, whether that is an activity, a surf lesson or a board rental for the days in between.
Booking with us also unlocks 10% off products in the shop that week. Retail products only: it excludes selected technical products, and does not apply to lessons, rentals or other activities.
Updated September 2026
Looking for some local insights? Our team is here to help you find the perfect adventure for your unforgettable experience. Just visit us in our shop or reach out online.