Conde Surf Camp (Vila do Conde, Portugal) ★★★

The beautiful ancient town of Vila do Conde, 20km north from Porto is a - must in the region.Known for his participation on the Portuguese discoveries era ( wood ship builders and sailors) beautiful beaches and neighborhoods (old traditional seaside resort) and for be the home/inspiration for some famous poets/writers and artists along the time.Also known for fishery (fresh fish to place directly in our barbecue!!) and conventual sweetsWhen not surfing, you always have a beautiful beach to enjoy at the end of the street, with nice beach bars, restaurants /'movida' and of course - a whole charmy old city to walk around and discover – and - i will give you some hints - of course!

The Surfspots
Both a five-minute walk from the camp, we have two surf spots available:

Praia Azul – consistent beachbreak of good quality, multiple peaks preferably at low tide.

Rock – Mixed Bottom lefthander , low tide/half tide – generally receives less ripple than the blue beach so it can be an excellent option when the waves are larger.

Azurara – A 5 minute drive from the camp, on the south side of the city on the other side of the river, this beach is excellent for beginners as it is sheltered from the swell and the northwest wind is' cross off '

Flowing / Urban Beach / Small Camp / Premium Location

Raised on these waters, I’v been surfing for more than 30 years and still on it
I like to share my experiences and for me surfing is much more than a sport/hobbie and i think that in a certain way each year i'm getting more into the - introspective/meditative side of surfing
In the past I used to compete a bit and I’m a certified FPS (Portuguese Surfing Federation) coach and all my team/collaborators also are FPS certified and experienced surfers.
I use to paddle out in different boards and stances but my favorite stance is – dropknee!
I founded The Conde surf camp to share the stoke and make you have a good time here in the water and at my loved hometown

Essentially built with organic and sustainable materials part of the furniture was made using or recycling parts and parts of the owner previous business. The house is equipped with boards and suits that you can use for your free surf sessions (two surf spots a five-minute walk) and has a bedroom with eight comfortable ‘capsule beds’ (four are convertible to two double beds) all with individual curtains, lamps, and electric sockets, a double bathroom, and a cozy living room with sofas, smart TV, fast internet, and fully equipped kitchenette. There are also two peculiar outdoor spaces, one with a barbecue, perfect for relaxing.

Breakfast and other meals are at your own expense but you are free to use the small but fully equipped kitchen. You will have a nice seafront beach bar, one minute walk perfect for breakfast, snacks or meals and the surroundings have a lot of good options. There are also nice take-away restaurants within or a short distance. Nice restaurants around. Traditional and modern markets too. Conde Surf Camp will share some tips or indications based on preferences.

At each camp, Conde Surf Camp will divide surfers into two groups according to their experience or skills: beginner and intermediate.

-Beginner program goals

*Learn the basics of positioning and timing

*Catch small waves and get good or satisfactory pop-up technique

*Improve paddling or paddle-out techniques to be - independent

-Intermediate program goals

*Improve on the basics

*Take off and button turn on - green waves

You will start each surf week with a specific theory or brief class for each level in which some important knowledge will be shared to help improve your performance in the ocean: equipment, understanding and reading forecast, analysis of conditions, etiquette, and "rules", safety positioning and strategies. The five surf lessons for each level will preferably be in the morning starting at 10:30 a.m., considering the chosen location and conditions or tides there may be adjustments. The classes last two and a half hours to three hours (total time).

The camp is small and they will always try to keep each group and each class small for better learning. It will be easier to follow your evolution curve and identify the main aspects to improve. Classes for both groups will not always coincide in location and time, they will always try to have the best possible conditions for each group. They will try whenever possible to have free afternoons so you can free surf, practice, and consolidate your skills. The plan for each day (class start time and surf spot location) will be announced the day before at 7:00 p.m. As an extra we organize sup tours in Rio Ave - (Super recommended).