Premium Surf Camp for Teens in Santa Cruz, Portugal

Course Description: Premium Surf Camp for Teens in Santa Cruz, Portugal

Surf Programme

The Surf Programme in Santa Cruz offers campers the opportunity to train in one of Europe’s most respected surf destinations. Designed for beginners through to advanced surfers, the programme combines professional instruction, daily ocean experience, and a strong focus on safety in a stunning Atlantic setting.

With over a decade of local expertise, instructors carefully monitor tides, sandbanks, and sea conditions to ensure optimal and safe learning environments each day.

***

Professional Surf Instruction 🏄‍♀️

Surf lessons take place Monday to Friday, averaging approximately 3 hours per day. While timing may vary depending on sea conditions, instructors always select the safest and most suitable beaches for the day’s training.

The main beach used is just 15 minutes’ walk from camp, and with over 20 beaches along 20km of coastline, surfers benefit from flexible access to ideal wave conditions for their ability level.

Training Focus:

• Ocean safety and awareness

• Wave reading and positioning

• Paddling technique

• Standing and balance

• Turning and maneuvering (intermediate/advanced)

• Confidence building in open water

The programme operates during peak summer months when Santa Cruz offers excellent surf conditions for all skill levels.

***

Equipment Provided �*

Campers are supplied with high-quality, specialist surf equipment, including:

• Surfboard (appropriate to ability level)

• Wetsuit

• Rash guard

All equipment is professionally maintained to ensure safety and performance.

***

Skill Levels �*

The programme accommodates:

• Beginners – Learning the fundamentals in controlled conditions

• Intermediate Surfers – Refining technique and consistency

• Advanced Surfers – Developing control, speed, and manoeuvres

Small group instruction allows for individual progression and personalised feedback.

***

Safety & Supervision �*

Safety is a top priority throughout the Surf Programme.

• All sessions are supervised by experienced surf instructors

• Local specialists provide first-hand knowledge of terrain and conditions

• Daily monitoring of tides and sandbars ensures safe practice areas

• High staff-to-camper ratios ensure close supervision

Camp counsellors work closely with specialist surf staff to provide continuous support both in and out of the water.

***

Beyond Surfing �*

While mornings are dedicated to surf training, campers join peers from all programmes for afternoon and evening activities.

These include:

• Outdoor sports

• Team games

• Beach events

• Cultural excursions

• Evening entertainment

Excursion highlights include:

• A full-day trip to Lisbon 🏛️

• Catamaran sailing & dolphin watching 🐬

• Visit to the medieval town of Óbidos 🏰

The Surf Programme offers the perfect balance of athletic challenge, cultural exploration, and summer fun.

***

Santa Cruz Summer Camp

Santa Cruz, Portugal 🌊☀️

Location & Setting

Located on the breathtaking west coast of Portugal, Santa Cruz is a vibrant seaside resort known for its golden beaches, dramatic coastal cliffs, and lively promenade lined with cafés, restaurants, and charming local shops.

Just one hour from Lisbon, the camp residence is situated only 15 minutes’ walk from the town centre and beach, offering the perfect balance of adventure, independence, and relaxation.

The Santa Cruz coastline is internationally recognised as one of the world’s premier surfing destinations, hosting global surf competitions each year. With consistent Atlantic waves and stunning scenery, it provides an exceptional natural playground for an unforgettable summer 🌍.

***

Accommodation �*

The residence is newly constructed and exclusively contracted for the summer programme.

Features:

• Apartments accommodating 4–6 campers

• Full en-suite facilities

• Spacious and modern interiors

• 15-minute walk to beaches and town centre

On-Site Facilities:

• Large private swimming pool 🏊

• Games court

• Fenced grass gardens

• Two dedicated activity rooms

• Common rooms for relaxation

During supervised free time, campers visit local cafés and shops in small groups. Younger campers are always accompanied by counsellors.

***

Meals 🍽️

Campers enjoy three nutritious meals daily, designed to support active, growing teenagers.

Highlights:

• Fresh salad bar at every meal

• Breakfast options: cereals, pastries, fruit and more

• Second helpings always available

• Packed lunches on excursion days

Most dietary requirements can be accommodated (advance notice required).

***

Facilities Overview �*

Residence Facilities:

• Swimming pool

• Games court

• Dining rooms

• Grassed gardens

• Common rooms

• Games equipment

Santa Cruz Town:

• Beaches 🏖️

• Shops & cafés

• Restaurants

• Beach volleyball

• Museums

Outdoor Areas Nearby:

• Hiking trails

• Mountain biking routes

• Adventure trails

• Unspoiled forest areas

• Watersports centre

• Activity centres

***

Camp Organisation �*

Daily Structure (Monday–Friday)

*� Mornings

• 07:30 – Wake Up

• 08:00 – Breakfast

• 09:00 – 10:30 – Specialty Programme (Period A)

• 10:45 – 12:15 – Specialty Programme (Period B)

☀️ Afternoons

• 12:15 – Lunch

• 13:30 – All Camp Meeting

• 14:00 – 15:30 – Sign-up Activities (Period C)

• 15:45 – 17:15 – Sign-up Activities (Period D)

• 17:15 – 18:15 – Free Time

*� Evenings

• 18:15 – Dinner

• 19:30 – 21:30 – Evening Programme

• 22:00 – Lights Out (Ages 10–12)

• 22:30 – Lights Out (Ages 13–14)

• 23:00 – Lights Out (Ages 15+)

Saturday

Excursion Day 🚌

Sunday

Late wake-up and relaxed morning

(Schedule subject to change.)

***

Supervision & Safety 🛡️

• Average staff-to-camper ratio: 1:6

• Counsellors aged approximately 21–35

• International staff team

• Pre-camp training for all counsellors

• 24/7 supervision

• Strong focus on wellbeing and safety

***

Evening Activities �*

Evenings are imaginative, energetic, and community-building.

Highlights include:

• 🎭 Carnival Night

• 🌍 International Night

• 🎬 Movie Night

• 🌲 Forest Games (“Capture the Flag”)

• 🔥 Beach Campfire

• 🏖️ Beach Olympics

• 🍽️ Special Farewell Dinner

• 🏆 Sand Creation Competition

• 💃 Final Disco & Presentations

Some evenings are organised by age group, others bring the entire camp together.

***

Excursions �*

Excursions combine culture, adventure, and fun. Admission fees are included.

Highlights over the two-week session include:

• 🏰 Óbidos (UNESCO medieval village)

• 🌊 Óbidos Lagoon (water sports & picnic)

• 🐬 Dolphin Watching (Sado Dolphins by catamaran)

• 🏛️ Lisbon (Oceanarium, Interactive Science Museum, monuments)

Free time for shopping and exploring in supervised small groups is included.

***

Travel Information ✈️

Arrival & Departure Form

Parents must complete the travel form in the parent portal by May 1st.

Airport Transfers

• Lisbon Airport

• Operating hours: 09:00–19:00

• One way: EUR 75

• Return: EUR 150

Children arriving early or departing late require prior approval.

Supplement: CHF 215 / EUR 150 per night.

Not available before the first session or after the final session.

***

Mobile Phone Policy �*

Camp is designed to foster independence, friendship, and real-world interaction.

Policy Overview:

• Mobile phones are discouraged

• Camp is not responsible for loss or damage

• Devices must be handed in upon arrival

• Phones are allowed during official daily free time only

• Further guidelines explained on arrival

• Abuse of policy results in confiscation

The aim is to:

• Reduce homesickness

• Encourage independence

• Prevent cyberbullying

• Protect privacy

***

Why Santa Cruz? 🌊✨

• International community

• Safe and structured environment

• Balance of independence and supervision

• Outdoor adventure & cultural exposure

• Stunning Atlantic coastal setting

Santa Cruz offers a rare combination of surf, sunshine, adventure, and cultural discovery — creating a summer experience that is active, international, and unforgettable.