What we usually explain to people arriving at the beach: gear, schools, camps, training and season. Written by someone who spends the days on the sand photographing surf.
These guides come from the questions we hear most on the beach: which board to buy, how to choose a school or a surf camp, which wetsuit to wear, how to train. BAD SURF PHOTO is an independent photo and video service: we do not sell or rent gear and we do not teach.
An honest guide to choosing a surfboard in Portugal: soft-top, funboard, longboard, fish and shortboard, volume, size, and whether to buy new or used.
How to buy a used surfboard in Portugal: what to inspect (dings, delamination, soft spots, fin boxes, leash) and how to work out a fair price.
How to choose a surfing wetsuit for Portugal: 3/2, 4/3 and 5/4 thicknesses by water temperature, the right fit, boots and hood, and how to look after it.
What to check before choosing a surf school in Portugal: licence, insurance, instructor-to-student ratio, equipment, safety briefing, flags, lifeguards, reviews.
A guide to choosing a surf camp in Portugal: what is usually included, a typical week, the coastal areas, the time of year and questions to ask before booking.
What to expect from beginner surf lessons in Portugal: your first lesson, how many lessons you need, water safety and the most common beginner mistakes.
Fitness training for surfing at home or in the gym: paddling, pop-up, mobility, cardio and injury prevention, with a simple weekly routine.
How to choose a surf coach in Portugal and how video of your session speeds up progress: video analysis, what to ask a coach and how to prepare the session.
When to surf in Portugal: swell, wind, water temperature and crowds through the year, on the west coast, in the Algarve and on the islands, in broad terms.
A beginner's surf gear checklist: surfboard, leash, wax or deck pad, fins, wetsuit, rash vest, sun protection and a bag for the beach, in order of importance.
Board, wetsuit and basic equipment.
Schools, lessons, camps and coaches.
Training, season and spots in Portugal.
BAD SURF PHOTO, an independent surf photo and video service in Portugal, based in Cascais.
No. The guides help you choose and ask the right questions, but buying or renting is done with shops and schools of your choice.
Yes: photo €40/h, video €50/h, group up to 5 photo €70/h and video €90/h, plus VAT, with editing included.
