SURF SCHOOL
ACCOMMODATION
SHOP & MINI BAR
ESPINHO
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RENTALS
SURF LESSONS
ACCOMMODATION
MOBILITY TRAINING
SURF SKATE
At our family-run surfshop we offer surf lessons for all levels, board and wetsuit rentals, a spacious beachside apartment, and a mini bar. Everything you need for the perfect ocean getaway!
SURF SCHOOL
Whether you're a beginner stepping onto a board for the first time, a kid discovering a new hobby, or an intermediate surfer looking to improve, we’re here for you. We include free gear and wetsuit rental for each lesson, and our small group classes ensure you get the attentive instruction, safety, and fun that you’re looking for!
HOLIDAY APARTMENT
Our spacious apartment has direct beachfront access and stunning ocean views. Relax and watch the sunset or enjoy the beach and surf.
With two bedrooms, a living room, dining area, fully equipped kitchen and its perfect central location, you’ll have a comfortable and unforgetable stay.
I’m Beatriz Costa, the owner and head teacher of Spinbay Surf School. I grew up near the beach and began surfing as a kid here in my hometown, Espinho, then as a teenager I really caught the surf bug.
I started training and competed nationally around Portugal. I eventually got to compete at a European level and explore different surf spots around the globe.
When I began to teach surfing I fell in love with the feeling of seeing someone step onto a board for the first time. My mission is to help others fall in love with this sport and lifestyle, improve their technique, and leave our school with solid surf basics.
Family-run business
Named after Espinho Bay, SpinBay was born from the desire to slow down the pace of life. We always lived by the ocean, but as previous bar owners we used to constantly rush around. Now, we have more time to speak with our clients and friends, enjoy our hobbies, and spend quality time as a family.
We dedicate 100% of ourselves to SpinBay and still manage to live at a slower rhythm. We still provide bar service, a shop with quality surf gear and souvenirs, surf lessons and equipment rental, and even holiday accommodation – so you get the full experience in our town. Best part: You can come and chat to us anytime!
Just a 30 minute train ride from Porto, our bay in Espinho is one of Portugal’s best kept surf secrets, and our friendly instructors know every inch of it. We’ll walk you through everything from the basics on the sand to reading the ocean with confidence.
EXTRA SAFE
EXTRA FUN
We only surf in safe conditions for your level and give a safety briefing on the sand so you feel confident entering the water.
SMALL GROUPS
QUICK PROGRESS
We value a low student-instructor ratio (max 4 per teacher) so each student gets proper attention and more practice.
ALL AGES
MANY LANGUAGES
We teach in Portuguese, English, Spanish, French - we welcome all ages, abilities and backgrounds from all over the world.
No waves no problem
Join our mobility training & surfskate sessions!
We get it — sometimes you arrive at a surf destination only to be faced with flat days or huge storms. But that doesn’t mean the fun has to stop!
Join locals and holidaymakers for surfskate sessions to keep your balance and technique sharp; or surf mobility training to build strength and flexibility to take your surfing to the next level. We're not just a surf school — we're a community.
Need a comfortable accommodation for your surf trip or beach getaway? We’ve got you covered with our spacious, fully-equipped apartment, right on the bay.
“Best view in town!”
SPACIOUS & COMFORTABLE
The 88 m² flat includes 2 double bedrooms, living-dining room, and fully equipped kitchen for your comfort and convenience.
BEACHFRONT LOCATION
Directly on the promenade, with stunning ocean views, you can watch the sunset from the balcony or enjoy the surf and sun on the shore.
FULLY EQUIPPED
Amenities include free WiFi, a washing machine, dishwasher, TV, and microwave. The train station, restaurants, shops and cafés are round the corner.
Start your morning with a coffee or celebrate a great surf session with a cold beer at our mini bar. Our açaí is the perfect snack to replenish your energy after surfing.
We stock a curated selection of Portuguese brands including surf gear, boards, clothes, ponchos, souvenirs and unique art pieces, some by our very own Antero, the artist of the family.
You can always come and chill on our outdoor terrace and let the hours drift by with the waves!
We have all sorts of awesome students: first-timers, regulars, locals, holidaymakers, all ages, genders, and experience levels! Here are some of their kind words about Spinbay.
“
Best teachers in town
Great surf lessons always in small groups with a fantastic instructor. Prime spot also for grabbing a drink and watching the waves
Anthony G.
36, FINLAND/COLOMBIA
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Favourite school in Espinho!
Fun, personalised, small classes. I tried several local schools and Beatriz is easily the best. Gorgeous beach view for a coffee and chat with the nice owners. The mobility gym sessions improve my surfing too.
Rosie B.
36, IRELAND
Catch your first wave now!
Frequently asked questions from our students and customers
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You only need to bring swimwear (swimsuit, trunks, or bikini), suncream, and a towel or poncho. You can also bring flip flops in case you don’t want to walk barefoot to the beach.
We provide all the equipment needed for the lesson.
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Each lesson (group or private) lasts for 1.5 hours (90 minutes)
We advise you to arrive 10 minutes early to put on your wetsuit and prepare everything in advance.
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We work with a maximum of 1 instructor for 4 people.
Each lesson won’t have more than 6 people (2 instructors) unless the members of the group require it.
*A family of four including kids will always have 2 instructors in the lesson.
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Our policy is that surfing is for everyone!
We only go surfing in conditions appropriate for each student.
Also, please don’t think you’re too old to have fun in the ocean. Let our instructors guide you on the waves. Never gonna know if you never even try :)Regarding experience or fitness, no matter your level or shape, you’re very welcome – come along and see how fun surfing can be!
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YES, all equipment is included in the surf lessons.
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We do everything possible to ensure safety and fun in our lessons: we evaluate ocean and weather conditions at the beach; choose the proper equipment for each surfer; and give a safety briefing before entering the ocean.
This briefing is for rental customers too if you need it!
All surf lessons have insurance included.
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Yes, even though our normal lessons are only tiny groups, we also offer private surf experiences for one or multiple students.
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Great question! We’re dealing with nature, so there is a chance that the forecast doesn’t meet the instructor’s expectations for the booked lessons.
The teacher has to evaluate the conditions daily as they can differ from the forecast. If conditions are not 100% safe the lesson will be cancelled and the student will be refunded.
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We get this question all the time and the answer is, it depends! Surfing is a very personal journey. You might pick up the movements easily or take multiple lessons to learn the basics. And progress isn’t linear. Everyone is different.
Even if you feel comfortable with the basics, we always advise beginners and novices to take surf lessons when they first go to a new spot. Each break works differently and there’s nothing better than having professionals giving you tips for a safer and better experience.
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Definitely! We offer a range of different options. Surfing, bodyboard, and surfskate lessons, as well as video analysis sessions and surf mobility training provided by professionals in each field.
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Espinho is blessed with waves all year long!
If you’re a beginner, then Summer (June to September) is the optimal time to come and learn how to catch waves.
That said, Spring and Autumn are also great seasons to come and enjoy the swell – with fewer crowds and still lovely weather.And if you’re an advanced surfer you can challenge yourself in the powerful Winter waves of the Atlantic ocean!
Please take into consideration that we are dealing with nature, which means conditions may vary a lot depending on the weather, wind, swells, period, and wave size, etc.
Ultimately, we evaluate the surf conditions daily and if it’s safe we hit the waves!
GOT ANOTHER QUESTION?
Espinho & North Portugal
By train we’re only 30 minutes from Porto central station, 3 hours from Lisbon, or 40 minutes from Aveiro — and 1 minute by foot from Espinho train station!
Our small town offers all the tranquillity or adventure you need for holidays as a family, couple, solo or with friends.
Hit the golden sandy beaches or visit our Monday farmers market and local museum. To the North, there’s the historical Oporto city, the Douro wine region, or hiking in Gerês National Park and Serra de Freita.
Head South to visit Esmoriz’s Boçaquinho Park or the beautiful Aveiro city’s old town, salt-flats, lagoon, and world-class birdwatching.
There’s a lot to discover around here! Come visit us :)