When I signed up with Worldpackers, an online platform that enables travelers to find and collaborate with hosts all over the world, my main objective was to do work exchanges in Portugal and Brazil in order to improve my Portuguese. At the time I didn’t know that Worldpackers would also end up helping me to surf too! Read all about my experience volunteering at a surf camp in Portugal in this blog.
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Costa da Caparica
When I looked at all the opportunities on offer in Portugal I found it hard to choose between all the interesting options. These included helping out on eco farms, welcoming guests in charming hostels and organising activities for kids. However, when I saw the possibility to volunteer at a surf camp called Gota D’Água in Costa da Caparica, I jumped at the chance! Learning how to surf can be an expensive process. After all, lessons and rentals don’t come cheap, and buying your own wetsuit and board is a big commitment as a beginner. What better way to practice surfing than to volunteer at a surf camp and exchange work for surf lessons and equipment?
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So many surf spots
Portugal, along with being an amazing place in terms of culture, gastronomy and geography, is one of the best places in the world to surf. The country’s long coastline offers a variety of surf spots to suit all levels. Some locations provide great and consistent waves all year round. There’s Espinho in the far north and Lagos in the far south, and in between you have the renowned spots of Peniche, Ericeira (also the world’s first surf reserve), Carcavelos, Caparica and Arrifana. And that’s just the mainland….you can also surf in the Azores and on the island of Madeira. So much to choose from!
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Waves for all levels
Portugal also happens to be blessed with a lot of sunshine so you can work on your tan while learning how to surf. That’s not to say that you need good weather to surf though. Whatever the weather, you’ll find people grabbing their boards and getting into the ocean! The best time to learn how to surf is April – October as the waves tend to be smaller and more beginner-friendly. Autumn and winter bring big swells, much to the delight of more experienced surfers. This is the time when the Big Wave World Tour comes to Nazaré and you can witness great feats of human accomplishment as big waves surfers take on Praia do Norte’s giant waves.
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Gota d’Água
The Portuguese have always had a very close connection with the ocean historically, culturally and economically, and surfing is taken very seriously here. Surf schools and camps can be found up and down the country. One of the best has got to be Gota D’Água in Costa da Caparica, close to Lisbon. I did a work exchange there a few years ago and had an absolute blast! The surf camp and school were set up by a group of friends united by a passion for surfing and motivation to share this passion with others. Together they have created not only a thriving business but also a close-knit community of surfers, volunteers, friends and tourists. I can’t imagine a better place to stay and learn how to surf.
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Work exchange
The first thing that attracted me to Gota D’Água as I was browsing the Worldpackers website was the attention-grabbing photos on their profile. Then, after I had read the rave reviews about how volunteers left the place feeling like part of a family, I knew I had to apply. When I arrived at the surf camp I felt at home right away. The guys that run the place and give surf lessons are lovely and I had a great time with my fellow volunteers. What’s more, I really enjoyed the work, which included booking lessons and renting out equipment at the surf shop and helping out at meal times. Another factor that influenced my decision was the opportunity to volunteer in exchange for surf lessons and free use of wetsuits and boards. By the end of my stay, I was finally able to stand on a surfboard for more than just a couple of seconds!
