Surf & Turf
“Portugal’s ‘Silver Coast’ stretches from Lisbon all the way up to Porto and it’s famous for surfing. Like a fool, I decided to give it a go! ”
The fishing village of Peniche is only minutes from the Praia D'El Rey Marriott Golf Resort and for some of us more intrepid journos, they organised a surfing lesson.
Surf lessons at Peniche
WETSUITS & WIPEOUTS
Let’s say, we looked like pros... on dry land. But once we hit the Atlantic, we were a pod of confused seals flailing about, mostly under the waves.
Crazy seals! We were looking good posing on dry land but things soon got a lot less dignified!
The hotel offers a two-hour surf session for just €35, which includes transport to a nearby surf school, wetsuit rental, a surfboard, and a beach tutorial. They’ll scoop you up from the resort, drive you along sandy beach tracks to the school, zip you into a wetsuit (not the most flattering moment), and get you set up.
“And then—suddenly—you’re “stoked” and “hanging ten in a barrel!” ”
Nils, my golfing buddy feeling board in Peniche. (He insists he caught a wave but there were witnesses.)
Truth be told, it was glorious chaos. Standing up on what felt like a runaway ironing board was nearly impossible. I spent most of the session getting mercilessly ‘wiped out’ and flung around like a rag doll in a washing machine. Rita, my kind-hearted instructor, tried to comfort me with, “It’s easier with bigger waves.”
I ducked, I dived, I paddled like a man possessed. And the next day? Let’s just say I discovered muscles I didn’t know existed—because they were all sore. And bruised. In places best not to mention.
Still, it was worth every tumble and saltwater nose rinse.
We surfed with Escola de Surf, the main school in Peniche. They offer one-off lessons or multi-day packs, with all the gear included—surfboard, wetsuit, insurance, and personalised instruction from certified teachers. And yes, they were incredibly patient with us.
David & The Goliaths…I must have shrank from being in the water so much!
Golf might be safer after all!
For more information on surfing lessons on Portugal’s Silver Coast, visit www.escolasurfpeniche.com/en
