Kitesurfing lessons in Portugal on Óbidos lagoon
Learn to kitesurf in Portugal on the shallow, flat water of the Óbidos Lagoon, one hour north of Lisbon. Enjoy private or semi-private lessons with a patient and skilled kitesurfing instructor, using radio communication.
Learn to kitesurf with an experienced instructor!
Hi, my name is Florian. I have been riding for 25 years and have been a sailing instructor for over ten years. My teaching method was born through kitesurfing, and I still love seeing a student progress from flying the kite to riding independently on their first tacks across the lagoon. I place great importance on the quality of the teaching I provide.
All the instructors we employ have received official IKO training, and I personally select them based on their teaching skills. Lessons can be taught in English, French, German, Portuguese, Spanish, Greek and Italian.
I founded Wingfoil Now and also manage Kite Control. Each business focuses on a different sport but also accepts bookings for the other discipline. Prices, services and instructors are exactly the same, regardless of which website you book through.
Where and when to kitesurf in Portugal
For kitesurfing, Portugal has two big advantages: a long Atlantic coastline and a reliable summer wind. From around May to September, the Nortada blows from the north along the coast, building through the day and peaking in the afternoon.
Most spots in Portugal fall into three areas. In the north, the beaches at Viana do Castelo and Moledo get strong wind and Atlantic swell, which suits confident riders. Around Lisbon, Guincho is known for powerful wind and waves and is best left to experienced kiters. In the south, the Algarve has calmer lagoons at Alvor and Fuseta, with warmer water and lighter wind.
For learning, flat and shallow water matters more than anything else, which is why the Óbidos Lagoon, on the Silver Coast one hour north of Lisbon, is a favourite with kitesurf schools.
Why is the Óbidos Lagoon ideal for kitesurfing lessons?
The Óbidos Lagoon is one of the best spots in Portugal to learn to kitesurf. Much of the lagoon is shallow, allowing you to practise your water starts and retrieve your board without having to swim. The water is flat, making your first rides much easier, and the wind is reliable for most of the year. The lagoon is also very large, so there is plenty of space for everyone, allowing you to focus on your technique rather than on other riders.
Kitesurfing lessons and prices
Private kitesurfing lessons
Private lessons
Learn to kitesurf with an instructor just for you
Packages
2h = 130€
3h = 195€
6h = 385€
9h = 570€
12h = 745€
15h = 900€
60€ per extra hour
PRICE INCLUDES
Insurance
Rescue boat
Individual radio
Equipment & wetsuit
Prices are per student
General information
All private kitesurfing lessons include an individual radio, insurance and a rescue boat service.
Choose your package
- 2 OR 3 HOUR SESSION: This one-off session is perfect for anyone who wants to learn the basics of kitesurfing and see whether they want to take it further.
- 6 HOUR PACKAGE: The way to go if you want to improve or refresh skills you already have before you get your own gear and start riding independently.
- 9 HOUR PACKAGE: A good fit if you already windsurf, wakeboard or wing foil, as you will usually learn faster than a complete beginner.
- 12 HOUR PACKAGE: This is the complete beginner package. If you have never done any board sports or water sports, this package will have you kitesurfing.
- 15 HOUR PACKAGE: If you are staying for a whole week and are serious about learning to kite, this package is for you.
More details
- This is a private lesson: you, your instructor and a full set of gear.
- You will have your own set of equipment for the whole lesson.
- We teach with individual radios so we can give you advice whenever you need it.
- We teach fluently in many languages.
- Kitesurfing lessons generally last 2 to 3 hours. We recommend one or two lessons per day.
- All you need to bring is a bathing suit, a towel, water, sunscreen and a pair of sunglasses with a strap.
- The exact time of your lesson will be set the day before according to the latest wind forecast. Please arrive 15 minutes before the beginning of your kitesurfing lesson.
- We meet directly on the spot at Ponta do Espichel, in the pristine Óbidos Lagoon nature reserve.
- We depend on the wind, so please be flexible about the days of your kitesurfing lessons.
Semi-private kitesurfing lessons
Semi-private lessons
Learn to kitesurf with a friend or partner
Packages
2h = 80€
3h = 120€
6h = 225€
9h = 330€
12h = 425€
15h = 525€
35€ per extra hour
PRICE INCLUDES
Insurance
Rescue boat
Individual radio
Equipment & wetsuit
Prices are per student
General information
All semi-private kitesurfing lessons include an individual radio, insurance and a rescue boat service.
Choose your package
- 2 OR 3 HOUR SESSION: This one-off session is perfect for anyone who wants to learn the basics of kitesurfing and see whether they want to take it further.
- 6 HOUR PACKAGE: The way to go if you want to improve or refresh skills you already have before you get your own gear and start riding independently.
- 9 HOUR PACKAGE: A good fit if you already windsurf, wakeboard or wing foil, as you will usually learn faster than a complete beginner.
- 12 HOUR PACKAGE: This is the complete beginner package. If you have never done any board sports or water sports, this package will have you kitesurfing.
- 15 HOUR PACKAGE: If you are staying for a whole week and are serious about learning to kite, this package is for you.
More details
- This is a semi-private lesson: you, a friend, your instructor and a full set of gear.
- You will share a full set of equipment with a friend or a member of your family.
- We teach with individual radios so we can give you advice whenever you need it.
- We teach fluently in many languages.
- Kitesurfing lessons generally last 2 to 3 hours. We recommend one or two lessons per day.
- All you need to bring is a bathing suit, a towel, water, sunscreen and a pair of sunglasses with a strap.
- The exact time of your lesson will be set the day before according to the latest wind forecast. Please arrive 15 minutes before the beginning of your kitesurfing lesson.
- We meet directly on the spot at Ponta do Espichel, in the pristine Óbidos Lagoon nature reserve.
- We depend on the wind, so please be flexible about the days of your kitesurfing lessons.
How your kitesurfing course is structured
- Spot, wind and safety: we assess the conditions with you and cover the rules of kitesurfing.
- Kite control in knee-deep water: you learn to set up, launch, fly and land the kite safely.
- Body dragging: you fly the kite in the water and learn to move yourself with it, including getting back to your board.
- Water start: you learn to put the board on and use the kite to stand up.
- First rides: you ride in both directions and start to control your speed.
- Riding upwind: the skill that makes you independent, so you can ride on your own.
What is included
Everything is included in these prices: kite, board, harness, wetsuit, booties, helmet, buoyancy aid, radio communication, insurance and safety boat.
All you need to bring is a swimsuit, a towel, water, sunscreen and sunglasses with a strap.
Who are kitesurfing lessons for?
Anyone who is comfortable in the water and can swim a little can learn to kitesurf. You do not need to be very strong, because the harness takes the pull of the kite, not your arms. Complete beginners, riders who want a refresher and people who already wing foil or windsurf are all welcome.
Kitesurfing, wing foiling, or both?
Kitesurfing gives you more power, big jumps and the ability to ride in a wide range of wind strengths. Wing foiling is quicker to start and lighter to carry. Because we teach both on the same lagoon, you can try one, then the other, during the same stay in Portugal. Have a look at my wing foil lessons if you want to compare.
Kitesurfing lessons FAQ
How long does it take to learn to kitesurf?
Most beginners need around 12 to 15 hours of lessons to ride on their own. It depends on your experience with other board sports and on the wind during your stay.
When is the best time of year for kitesurfing in Portugal?
You can kitesurf on the lagoon all year round. The steadiest wind comes from spring to early autumn, when the north wind blows along the coast almost every afternoon.
What happens if there is no wind?
We depend on the wind, so I set each lesson the day before using the latest forecast. On days without wind you can keep learning to foil on the efoil.
How do I book?
Fill in the booking form with your dates and choose “Kitesurfing lessons”. I will get back to you with the best days for wind and confirm your lessons.
