Train the
decisions
surfing demands.

Our retreats are designed exclusively for women at two levels: complete beginners and experienced beginners. Complete beginners are women who have always wanted to surf but never dared to try, or who have had a few lessons and want more confidence in the whitewater. Experienced beginners can catch green waves but want to improve their take-off, turns, and overall technique. We do not run retreats for advanced surfers — the coaching approach is built specifically around these two groups.

A maximum of 8 participants per retreat. This is a deliberate choice. Small groups mean each participant gets real coaching attention — video analysis, surfskate training, and water time are all personalised. That only works at this scale.

Each day is structured around surf sessions, surfskate training, video analysis, and mental coaching. The schedule adapts to conditions — we surf when the ocean is right, and work on the land programme when it isn't. A typical day includes a morning surf session with in-water coaching, a midday video review of that session's footage, an afternoon surfskate session targeting the technique patterns identified in the video,. Evenings are unstructured.

Aljezur in the Algarve — a quieter stretch of Atlantic coastline with consistent waves, ideal for learning. Costa da Caparica, just south of Lisbon — a long Atlantic beach with excellent conditions for beginner and intermediate progression. The specific location depends on the retreat: May Beginners and September Beginners are based in Aljezur; May and September Experienced Beginners rotate between both. Check the retreat dates for exact assignments.

The retreat includes a mental training component that begins one month before the in-person retreat, with online sessions that prepare participants psychologically before they arrive. Topics include managing fear, building self-trust, and developing the mental habits that support learning in the ocean.

No. All surfboards are provided and selected to match your level and conditions. Surfskate boards are also provided for training sessions. If you already have your own equipment and want to use it, that's fine — just let us know in advance.

You should be able to catch and ride unbroken green waves with some consistency, even if your technique is rough. You don't need to be doing turns yet — the retreat builds those. If you're unsure, reach out via WhatsApp or email and describe your current level — we'll tell you honestly which retreat fits.

As early as possible. With a maximum of 8 participants, spots fill months in advance — particularly the May dates. We review applications in order received. Once confirmed, you'll receive details on securing your spot.

The majority of retreat participants come alone — and get the most out of it that way. The retreat format naturally builds connection between participants. Solo travellers arrive open and focused. Coming with a friend is equally welcome, but you absolutely don't need one.

Full accommodation and logistics details are included in the information pack sent after your application is confirmed. We work with a small number of partner properties close to the surf spots. Contact us directly for full pricing information.

A private session starts with a brief assessment of your level and goals. From there, Vasco designs the session around what you specifically need — whether that's understanding basics of stance and pumping, working on a specific maneuver, improving surf application, or progressing toward ramps and bowl. Sessions are one-on-one, typically 60–90 minutes, in Lisbon, Cascais, or Costa da Caparica.

No. If you're a first-timer, a board will be provided. If you're looking to buy your own, we can advise on the right setup — Vasco works with Carver, YOW, and Smoothstar and knows which boards suit which riders.

Not at all. Complete beginners are common in private sessions. Starting with private coaching accelerates learning significantly — you build correct habits from the first push rather than spending months unlearning mistakes.

Sessions take place in the Lisbon area — including Cascais, Costa da Caparica, and Lisbon itself (Expo area, Parque das Gerações). The location is agreed when booking based on your preference and the session goals.

Message us on WhatsApp at +351 92 339 4415 with your level, location preference, and availability. We respond within 24 hours. You can also email info@concrete-surfers.com.

A three-level progression framework for surfskate. Level 1 — Fundamentals: stance, balance, pumping, first carves. Level 2 — Surf Technique: surfskate applied to surfing — bottom turns, top turns, wave reading. Level 3 — Ramps & Bowl: transition surfskating on ramps and in bowls. Each level has clear markers so you always know where you are and what comes next.

Yes — but only if you use it correctly. This is the core distinction the CSTM makes: surfskate doesn't improve surfing. How you use it does. Riding a surfskate for fun has limited transfer to the ocean. Training specific surf movements deliberately — bottom turn mechanics, weight distribution, pumping — does transfer. The method exists to make that transfer real and measurable.

We work with Carver (the industry standard for surf simulation), YOW (dynamic and progressive), and Smoothstar (highly surf-mimetic, excellent for development). The right brand depends on your level and mechanics — we advise individually.

Parts of it, yes. We're developing online resources including a structured surfskate course with video exercises. However the most common errors in surfskate are invisible to the rider — what feels right and what looks right are often very different. A coach, or minimum video review, closes that feedback loop far faster than solo training.

Hands-on surfskate coaching events across four cities in 2026: Kraków, Amsterdam, Vienna, and Hamburg. Each workshop brings the Concrete Surfers coaching approach directly to the community — structured technique sessions, drills, and focused coaching usually only available at a retreat. Open to all levels.

Anyone who wants to learn surfskate properly or improve their existing technique — regardless of surf background. Particularly well-suited for beginner to intermediate riders who want structured progression rather than just free skate time.

Exact dates are being confirmed now. Register your interest on this page and you'll be first to receive confirmed dates and booking info for your city. Early registrants get priority access before spots open publicly.

The surf retreats are women-only — this is deliberate and non-negotiable. Women learn faster, take more risks, and progress more confidently in women-only surf environments. The private surfskate sessions and European Workshops are open to everyone.

Coaching is delivered in English, Portuguese, and Spanish. Our primary retreat audience comes from Germany, Switzerland, and Austria — all sessions are fully accessible in English.

Several ways. We work with people already past the absolute beginner stage — not a learn-to-surf school. Every programme combines surf coaching, surfskate, video analysis, and mental coaching — most surf schools offer one of those. Group sizes are tiny: 8 max per retreat, one-on-one for private sessions. And the CSTM is a structured progression system — not a collection of tips, but a framework with defined levels and clear benchmarks.

Based in Portugal, operating between Lisbon, Cascais, Costa da Caparica, and Aljezur in the Algarve. European Workshops bring coaching to cities across central and northern Europe.