For intermediate and advanced paddlers, get to know the Lisbon coast on a surfski and enjoy the best downwinds on the Atlantic Ocean and the Tagus River.
Surfski in Portugal and Lisbon
The Portuguese coast is one of the most favorable destinations for surfski. With a prevailing wind from the north and northwest, there are few days when there isn’t the possibility of a good downwind. Lisbon is a privileged location, not only because it’s the capital and its proximity to the airport, which is convenient for all visitors, but also because of the entrance to the Tagus River and the east-west coast from Lisbon to Cascais, which makes it possible to downwind in any direction.
Where we are
We have 2 kayak centers. The center of Oeiras is about 20 minutes from central Lisbon, located on the “costa do Sol” and is the central point between Lisbon and Cascais. It offers a wide range of accommodation, transport and services.
BORK kayak centre in Sesimbra is about 45 minutes from the center of Lisbon. A few minutes from the capital, you can paddle along the coast of the Arrábida Natural Park, one of the most beautiful coastal landscapes in Portugal, with excellent downwinds into the west wind.
For whom
These surfski camps are for all surfski paddlers, for intermediate and advanced level, who want to improve their technique and practice elsewhere.
The training camps will have a maximum of 10 participants.
Intermediate level – requirements:
- Be able to paddle 10km at a minimum average of 8km/h (10km in 1h15)
- Paddle regularly 30km/week
Beginners or paddlers who have never tried surfski before (with the exception of sprint paddlers), can book here for Nelo 510 Surfski Camp from 22nd to 25th February or can start anytime with the surfski course.
| INCLUDED | 1 session in Lisbon coastline
3 Downwinds or 2 Downwinds + 1 session in Sesimbra coastline (according to the forecast) Professional surfski guides All paddling equipment: surfski, paddle, leashes, PFDs Transfer from Oeiras to Sesimbra Downwind transfers 2 Meals: 1 Welcome drink and final lunch |
| NOT INCLUDED | Personal equipment (dry bags for your own clothes, camera, clothing)
Accommodation* |
*Accommodation can be arranged on request; the team has several recommendations for different budgets, for individuals or groups, near the BORK Oeiras facilities.
When
All training camps last 4 days and take place from Thursday to Sunday (unless a group or club requests a longer program). They start at 2 p.m. so that those who come on the same day can arrive from the airport and end on Sunday after lunch for those who have limited time and can return.
Next camps
| 08/02/2024 to 11/02/2024 | Places available |
| 22/02/2024 to 25/02/2024 -Nelo 510 Camp* | Places available |
| 10/10/2024 to 13/10/2024 | Places available |
| 24/10/2024 to 27/10/2024 | Fully booked |
*Nelo 510 Camp
This surfski camp will take place on a Nelo 510 (plastic boat), ideal for beginner and intermediate level.
It will be part of the Oeiras stage of the 510 CUP Championship, in which participants will have the experience of taking part in a friendly competition.
Special price: Nelo 510 Camp 22/02/2024 to 25/02/2024: 475€
Meet up and set the equipment
The adventure begins in the afternoon at the BORK Kayak & Outdoor Center. We’ll get to know each other and the place. Before the first session, we will prepare the equipment adjusted to the level and specifications of each kayaker: choice of surfski, paddle and vest. The boat to be used will be more or less agreed beforehand, on this day we will make adjustments and final checks to start the Surfski Camp.
The first paddle will be a recognition of the spot and the boat, with a round trip of about 10 km or more depending on the participants. The team will check everyone’s level, we’ll do remounts and rescue techniques to make sure everyone is prepared for the days ahead.
At the end of the afternoon, we’ll have a welcome drink to get to know each other better and we’ll brief you on the tides, wind forecasts and sea conditions for the next few days. We’ll set out the timetables and downwind/routes for the next three days.
1st Downwind Session
If the conditions are suitable, we’ll do one of the downwinds. There are several options around 10-20km in the Lisbon area for all wind conditions. We can stay on the Tagus River, cross the river in the area of the Vasco da Gama Bridge or cross the sea from Lisbon to the Caparica coast. It will certainly be memorable.
In a worst-case scenario, if it’s one of the few days without wind, we’ll do a route that ends in another place to get to know another part of the coast.
2nd Downwind session
Second day of downwind training. By this time we will know better the different levels of the group, there will be up to 2 instructors and athletes specialized in surfski to accompany different levels. Depending on your technique and needs, you’ll receive tips and personalized instruction to improve your paddling skills in the different conditions. For more advanced levels, you’ll be provided with all the support and safety of a team that knows the spot.
Last paddle together and final goodbye
This session, depending on the forecast for the week, may or may not be downwind, will take place near central Lisbon and will end at the BORK Oeiras facilities, where we will have lunch afterwards to thank everyone, conclude, exchange ideas for the future and say goodbye. We are sure that this week everyone has been able to improve their performance in the water, explore the best surfski spots near Lisbon, have fun catching waves and meeting paddlers from all over the world.
BORK Kayak & Outdoor Centre Oeiras
The meeting point for this Surfski Camp is at BORK Kayak & Outdoor Centre Oeiras located in Oeiras Marina. Is about 20 minutes from central Lisbon, located on the “costa do Sol” and is the central point between Lisbon and Cascais. It offers a wide range of accommodation, transport and services. You can come by taxi or uber or easily reach the place by train from Lisbon.
BORK Kayak & Outdoor Centre Sesimbra
The BORK of Sesimbra is about 45 minutes from the center of Lisbon. Depending on the best conditions for downwind or not, it is possible that you will visit this center as well. Transportation from BORK Oeiras to BORK Sesimbra is included. The coast of Sesimbra is part of the Arrábida Natural Park with stunning views of the cliffs and translucent ocean. Ideal for downwind with a westerly wind.
