Brazil Surf Lessons: the 6 Best

1.Rio Surf Experience!

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 85 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $90Our pick

Meet Gabriel or his small team in Barra da Tijuca for a four-hour surf lesson built around the day’s sea conditions and your ability. You’ll warm up, practice the pop-up on sand, surf with provided gear, and finish at a scenic Rio overlook. Groups are capped at six, with English-speaking guidance available.

“Gabriel was great. Very friendly - great communication in English. Would recommend. Very patient with beginners and made sure we were comfortable”

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2.Rio Surf Experience

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 37 reviews · 4 hours · from $100

Meet Gabriel or another trilingual instructor in Barra da Tijuca, then ride to the Rio beach with the best waves for your ability. You get a 90-minute lesson, board, wetsuit or rash guard, and safety coaching before heading into the water. After surfing, visit a beautiful local spot rarely included on standard Rio tours.

“I think the combination of being able to get some coaching and driven to a good spot to surf based on the conditions makes a huge difference. The chance to buy you pictures after if you had a good session is cool too.”

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3.Surf lessons: in Arpoador in Ipanema.

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 35 reviews · from $33

Meet Surf Matrix at the yellow tent on Praia do Arpoador for a one-hour surf lesson in Ipanema. Your trilingual instructor covers ocean safety, board position, paddling, and standing up before taking you into the waves. Classes are limited to six people and adjusted to your level. Rafael may be your instructor, depending on the schedule.

“We had Rafael as a surfing instructor with this company. I could not recommend enough! They were flexible with the timings as it is weather dependant. Rafael was fabulous, full of energy, spoke English very well and was a wonderful teacher. Worth every penny!”

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4.Surf lessons with local instructors in Copacabana/ipanema!

★★★★★★★★★★3.6 · 31 reviews · 1 day · from $10Best value

Meet local surf instructors in Copacabana or Ipanema for a one-hour lesson covering warm-ups, standing on the board, sea safety, and catching waves outside the break. Group and private lessons are available. Equipment is supplied, but confirm the meeting time by WhatsApp and budget 200 Brazilian reais per person at the beach.

“En fait je n’ai pas trouvé le guide!parce qu’il n’y en avait pas!sur votre site ce sont des photos de toutes les écoles de surf d’ipanema!et personne ne représente ce site!il n’y avait pas de numéro de téléphone pour avec des explications!j’ai dû repayer pour avoir un cours! Je ne comprends pas car j’ai réservé plusieurs activités avec vous! mais pour le surf c’est à revoir! Pourriez-vous procéder à mon remboursement?”

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5.Surf Lesson with Qualified Instructor in Florianópolis

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 31 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $39

Meet the Sea Wolf Surf School instructor at Barra da Lagoa, where you’ll receive a board and wetsuit, stretch, learn surf safety, and practice on the sand before spending about an hour in the water. Beginners get help catching waves, while stronger surfers receive technique tips. The 1.5-hour lesson ends back at the meeting point.

“It was a great trip. The teacher was extremely nice and competent. He thought us everything from the ground up and made it a fun experience to be a part of. We actually surfed a few waves within ten to twenty minutes. Also, something positive to note, I, as a heavier man (105kg on 185cm) was easily incorporated. They had a wetsuit in my size as well as a fitting board. So don't be discouraged by that, this class was for everyone in my experience.”

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6.Surfing Lesson with Sea Wolf

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 30 reviews · 1h 30m · from $40

Meet at Sea Wolf Surf Hostel in Barra da Lagoa for a 90-minute lesson with Portuguese, Spanish, or English instruction. You get a surfboard, wetsuit, safety guidance, and practice suited to your level. Groups are limited to five, making it easier to get useful tips as you learn to catch your first wave.

“Super cours pour débuter à pratiquer le surf. Un prof super patient et qui prend le temps avec chaque élèves d’expliquer les choses à corriger ! Je recommande vivement”

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