Surf Guiding in the Algarve (Lagos to Arrifana)

For confident surfers who want to score the best waves—right spot, right time. We plan each session around swell, wind, tides, and crowd so you spend less time driving and more time surfing.

South & southwest coast • Local knowledge • Conditions-based plan

What is surf guiding?

Surf guiding is one of the best ways to chase waves in a safe, efficient way—especially if you’re visiting Portugal and don’t know the coastline yet. Instead of guessing where to go, we take you straight to the best option for the day.
A surf guide knows the beach, the waves, the crowd, where to park, where to paddle out, and how to save time. We meet, we go, and we surf.
Surf guiding is not a surf school. It’s designed for surfers who already catch waves and want to maximize quality sessions.

Guided with local knowledge

Guiding is delivered with our trusted local partner Surf Guide Wave Portugal—focused on smart spot choice and safe decisions from Lagos to Arrifana.
Want lessons instead? See Surf Lessons.

Who it’s for

If you can paddle out and catch green waves, guiding will help you score better sessions faster.

Confident intermediates

Catching green waves consistently and ready to surf better spots with local guidance.

Advanced surfers

Wave-hunting, variety, and conditions-based decisions—right spot, right time.

Traveling surfers

You don’t need to know the coastline—just bring your stoke and we’ll handle the plan.

New to surfing? Start with Surf Lessons.

What’s included

Everything you need to score better sessions—without wasting time driving around.

  • Daily conditions check (swell, wind, tides)
  • Spot selection: south vs west coast
  • Local guidance: entry/exit points, channels, hazards & etiquette
  • Transport to the best break for the day
  • In-water tips when helpful (positioning, timing, wave selection)

Good to know

Surf guiding is for surfers who can paddle out and catch waves independently. If you want structured coaching from the basics, choose Surf Lessons instead.
We’ll always prioritize safe decisions and the best option for your level.

Meet our surf guiding partner: Wave Portugal

At Jho’La, surf guiding is delivered with our trusted local partner Surf Guide Wave Portugal. If you’re visiting the Algarve, local knowledge makes a huge difference—where to go, when to go, where to paddle out, and how to avoid wasting time driving around.
The goal is simple: right spot, right time, with safe decisions and sessions that match your level. We’ll always keep it efficient, flexible, and focused on getting you more (and better) waves.
Guiding is part of our packages—so you book through Jho’La and we organize the rest.
  • Lagos to Arrifana coverage
  • South or west coast depending on conditions
  • Guidance on hazards, channels & etiquette

A typical guiding day

We keep it flexible—because the ocean decides the schedule.
  1. Conditions check + quick plan (swell, wind, tides, crowd)
  2. Drive to the best break for your level (south or west coast)
  3. Spot briefing: where to paddle out, where to sit, hazards & etiquette
  4. Surf session with guidance on positioning and wave selection
  5. Adjust if needed (wind shift, tide change, crowd) and score another session

What you gain fast:

  • Less driving and guesswork
  • Better positioning and timing
  • Safer entry/exit choices
  • More waves (and better ones)

Ready to start? Book Now and we’ll plan the best sessions around the conditions.

Surf Guiding FAQ’s

Is surf guiding a lesson?

No—guiding is not a surf school. It’s for surfers who already catch waves and want the best spot for the day.

What level do I need?

You should be able to paddle out and catch green waves independently.

Do you still help me improve?

Yes—when helpful we’ll give tips on positioning, timing, and wave selection, but it’s not structured coaching.

Where do we surf?

We choose the best option for the day based on swell, wind, tides, and crowd—south or west coast.

Do I need to bring my own board?

If you have a board you love, bring it. If not, we’ll help you sort the right setup for the conditions.

What should I bring?

Swimwear, towel, and sunscreen. We’ll confirm the rest depending on your plan.

What if conditions aren’t good or it’s unsafe?

We adapt the plan and choose the best spot/time for your level. If the ocean is unsafe, we’ll adjust the schedule.

Ready to score better waves this week?

Book your dates and we’ll plan the best sessions around the conditions.

South & west coast options • Conditions-based plan • Local knowledge

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