Another surfing adventure
I’ve blogged before about how I’d always wanted to learn to surf, and how I finally got to give it a go in Costa Rica in January last year. 18 months on I thought it was time to give surfing another go. This time on the other side of the Atlantic.
Another surfing adventure after this one in Costa Rica
Which is how I came to find myself in Ericeira in Portugal. I stayed at the Vila Gale hotel on a trip booked through Surf Holidays.
The hotel is a 4 Star Spa Hotel. It offers incredible panoramic ocean views, which I was able to enjoy from my room, from the bar, the terrace and the pool side – but that’s not why I was there.
There was little time for chilling out by the pool when I was in this small town. Ericeira owns the distinction for the first place in the world to be awarded the status of being a World Surf Reserve. No – I was there to ride waves.
With 12 surf beaches within 8km I was in a good place to do just that.
Surfing lessons
I took lessons with Pocean Surf Academy at Ribeira D’Ilhas beach. Joao was a wonder when it came to getting me reacquainted with the waves.
Another surfing adventure at Ericeira, Portugal
He took me through a warm up, recapped how to catch a wave and get myself standing up. Then we went out into the sea. I soon found out I was just as good as I’d been previously, i.e. not particularly!
I also got the chance to try surf yoga on the beach, with Joao’s colleague Cristiano taking lessons every morning and evening – which was a welcome bonus and helped me feel super relaxed.
Another surfing adventure in Ericeira, Portugal
Ultimately the trip was action packed and fun, but also laid back. This is thanks to the Portuguese way of life which is unaffected by tourism in Ericeira. I spent most of my time in the water and on the beach, but I equally enjoyed lunching in the cafes and wandering the traditional streets at night – and I’m sure you would too.
Adventure on!
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I wouldn’t have even thought about surfing in Portugal – let alone learning how to. Usually, you just hear about El Salvador, Costa Rica, South Africa, Australia, California, and Hawaii as surfing Meccas. Where do you foresee your next surfing destination to be after this?
Ray recently posted..The Tragically Hip – Saying Goodbye to Canada’s Favourite Band
Next surf adventure is Dominican Republic in November.
You should check out Arica, in Chile. The town is nothing special, but it sea condition are perfect for surfing. There’s a guy called Yo-yo, who lives opposite Sunny Days hostels. Fun guy and great instructor.
Thanks Mike for the surfing tip. I am going to Dominican Republic in November. Ever surfed there?
Check out Surfline Morocco surf camp
Looks beautiful. Had no idea Morocco had good surfing.