Enjoy the sensations of surfski paddling, learn surfski and take a certified course!

Learn surfski taking the Essentials of Surfski course certified by the American Canoe Association. Surfski is becoming very popular among paddle sports because it´s easy and a lot of fun to surf the ocean swell. You will learn the basics of surfski paddling and achieve a worldwide recognised certification.

Our instructors are qualified by the ACA (American Canoe Association) to teach you the Essentials of Surfski paddling.

In case you have some experience already, you can take a skill course to improve your skills in a specific area or just take part of one of our downwind session.

The origin of surf ski

Surf ski has been very popular for years in Australia, South Africa and Hawaii and is becoming more and more popular all over the world. Portugal is well known for its great surfing spots and is also wonderful for surf ski paddling.

Who wants to learn surf ski?

You are a regular paddler but have not tried surf ski yet? Just curious about all the buzz around surf ski? You will love the experience! Most of our customers have done sea kayaking or flat water kayak before and will be delighted to experience new gliding sensations. Some of you are advanced surf ski paddlers and we can enjoy a downwind surf ski session! Just keep in touch and we will adapt the boat to your skills and water conditions.

Kayaks and equipment

We provide wing paddles from the best brands: G-Power, SELECT paddles, Braca, Epic, Zastera, Ophion Paddles and surf-ski from NELO and SIPRE brands. We have a lot of different models from beginners to advanced paddlers:

SIPRE Pinguim – Fibre SS1 – beginner
SIPRE Pinguim – Fibre SS2 – beginners
NELO Viper – Fibre SS1 – intermediate
NELO Viper – Fibre SS2 – intermediate to advanced paddlers
NELO Ocean Ski – Fibre SS1 – advanced
NELO 520 – Fibre SS1 – intermediate
NELO 560 – Fibre SS1 – advanced
NELO 510 – Polyethylene SS1 – all levels

You can use the calendar in your right to choose the date of your first class. For more info, get in contact.

DEPARTURE/RETURN LOCATION	BORK Store, Oeiras Marina
DEPARTURE TIME	Please arrive 10 minutes before session start.
RETURN TIME	Approximately 2 hours/ session.
WEAR	Bring a swimming suit, hat and sunscreen.

Essentials of surfski course

The course is certified by the American Canoe Association and given by certified instructors who will teach you the basics of surfski so that you can go further.
We run complete workshops all year long as we have a mild climate.
You might also want to improve specific skills before you take the examination.

The main skills we will learn are the following:

Paddling environment and equipment
Wind
Waves
Weather
Water
Surfski
PFD
Leashes
Paddles
Personal and other equipment

Getting started
Warm-up and stretching
Pick up and carry a surfski
Car topping
Launching and landing
Boarding
Posture, safety, comfort, effectiveness, rocking, balance
Falling off
Water comfort and confidence
Self Rescue
Righting a flipped surfski
Basic Terminology
Types of strokes and components

Safety and Rescue
Exercising Judgment
Cold Water Shock / Hypothermia
Dehydration/ hyperthermia
Hazards
Do’s and don’ts of leashes
Paddling as a group
Signaling
Interactions/ Sharing water with non powered and powered traffic
Emergency procedures
Rescue priorities
Deep-water re-mounting, assisted and solo
Boat assisted rescue, assisting a tired swimmer
Rescuing a surfski