For many years Portugal has been at the top of our list when choosing the ultimate surf holiday destination. Why? Some of the best surf spots in the world, stunning beaches, rich culture, lively nightlife and food that alone is worth the flight. These are just some of the reasons we added Portugal to our destinations.
To bring you the most exciting experiences, we partnered with one of the best surf accommodations in Peniche, where you can sign up for a professional tow-in course with experienced jet-ski drivers.
The course is for surfers of all levels, as long as you have previous wave-surfing experience
If you have always dreamed of learning the skills of the world’s best big-wave surfers and you see yourself as an ocean person, this course is for you. You do not need prior knowledge or professional technique to learn about big-wave surfing, or tow-in surfing.
During the course we focus on a wide range of skills, and every day we go deeper into the world of jet skis and tow-in.
In big-wave surfing the most important things are confidence, calm and the physical ability to deal with the dangers. The surfing itself is about bigger lines and fewer radical maneuvers, so the emphasis is on reading the ocean and the waves and drawing the right lines on the wave. The ability to handle the dangers – saving air and energy after a wipeout, rescue, and dealing with waves breaking on you – matters much more than your surfing level.
The course runs together with a strong, experienced big-wave team, especially in Nazaré. We will not push the level in extreme conditions; we provide a taste and preparation for dealing with massive conditions. The course is split into theory and practice: comprehensive theory on the topics below, alongside hands-on driving, rescue and towing into waves.
1) Basic jet-ski driving and control
This stage focuses on riding the jet ski in calm water to build basic skills, maneuvering and confidence: turns, acceleration, picking someone up from the water (impact zone), switching drivers and getting on and off the sled with the board in the safest, most efficient way. Some days we go to Praia do Norte in Nazaré, and on others we train around Peniche and Baleal.
2) Maneuvering the jet ski in the waves
Once you have built confidence on the jet ski, you learn to maneuver in the lineup between the waves: punching through the white water to the other side, moving between waves in each set and picking up a surfer. Then you learn to tow a surfer and whip them into the wave, with an emphasis on timing and safety. This stage is done in pairs, switching roles between driver and surfer, and prepares each of you for a tow-in session at any break in the world.
3) Theory – safety and understanding the ocean
- Big-wave dynamics – how waves form and break, getting to know the coast, landmarks and more
- Understanding currents in the ocean and in the lineup
- Handling the tow rope and the safety equipment
- All the parts and features of the jet ski, preparing to go out
- How to launch the jet ski
- Cleaning and storing the jet ski after the session
4) Apnea course – breath-hold training
Surfers and ocean people around the world understand that to feel truly confident in challenging conditions, you need to be comfortable falling and staying underwater for a long time without panicking. Keeping your cool when you lose control is one of the most important qualities in surfing and in any extreme activity. This part of the course takes place in a pool and focuses on breath-holding and saving energy. With a few basic exercises, everyone can improve their breath-hold, break their own limits and gain real confidence underwater.
5) First aid
How do you deal with picking up an unconscious surfer from the water? How do you bring them to the beach as safely as possible? What steps do you take once you reach the shore, and how do you evacuate them? These are essential skills in surfing and in life. In this part of the course we learn how to give first aid when needed – and save lives.
6) Tow-in!
Finally, with all the skills in place, it is time to practice tow-in surfing. We go out in pairs and take turns surfing and towing into the waves with the jet ski. The main spot is Praia do Norte in Nazaré. If the swell is too big for it, we have several other excellent spots with conditions where every participant can stand up. The course runs on 5 out of 7 activity days, so we can choose the best conditions and give you the best possible experience.
About Nazaré and the Portuguese surf scene
Portugal, in south-western Europe, is considered the surf capital of Europe. Facing the Atlantic Ocean, it gets swell all year round, especially from September to June. The climate is pleasant, with quality surf conditions throughout the year and a huge variety of breaks – a complete experience for learning to surf, improving, and chasing giant waves.
In winter, waves are typically 5–6 ft and can reach 15 ft+, while in summer they are around 1–3 ft.
In the picturesque fishing village of Nazaré lies the famous Praia do Norte – the mecca of big-wave surfers and the European home of the big-wave competition circuit. The giant waves here are the result of the Nazaré submarine canyon, which creates big depth differences that focus and amplify the energy of the swell. The best break is just north of the lighthouse, home to the famous surf museum, where several world records for the biggest waves ever surfed were set.
The course runs in groups of up to 8 surfers to keep quality and safety high.
Contact us for upcoming dates and prices.
