Riding the Waves in Cascais

As a travel writer and a mother of three, I am always on the lookout for activities that are both thrilling and family-friendly. When I heard about the Cascais Surf Adventure with local certified instructors, I knew it was something I had to experience. The idea of learning to surf on the beautiful beaches of Cascais, with the guidance of experienced instructors, was too tempting to resist.

Upon arriving at the beach, we were greeted by Andre and Martim, our instructors for the day. Their warm smiles and friendly demeanor immediately put us at ease. They took the time to explain the basics of surfing, ensuring that even the youngest members of our group felt comfortable and confident. The lesson was well-structured, starting with a warm-up, followed by theory, and then practice in the water. The instructors were patient and encouraging, making sure everyone had a chance to catch a wave. It was a joy to see my kids’ faces light up as they stood on their boards for the first time.

A Day of Adventure and History

After our exhilarating surf lesson, Andre offered to take us on a tour of Sintra, a historic town nearby. As someone who loves to combine fun with education, I was thrilled at the opportunity to explore this beautiful area with my family. Andre’s knowledge of Sintra’s history and culture was impressive, and he managed to keep the tour engaging for both adults and children.

We visited several historic sites, including the stunning Pena Palace and the mysterious Quinta da Regaleira. Andre’s storytelling brought the history of these places to life, capturing the imagination of my children. The tour was perfectly paced, allowing us to see a lot without feeling rushed. It was a wonderful way to end our day, and I appreciated the balance of activity and learning.

Going Above and Beyond

What truly set this experience apart was the kindness and generosity of Andre and Martim. A few weeks before our trip, we encountered a problem with our tickets to a Portuguese National team match. In a moment of panic, I reached out to Andre, hoping for some assistance. To my surprise, Martim went above and beyond to help us, spending over an hour in line to secure new tickets and even meeting us at the stadium.

Their willingness to help, even beyond the scope of the surf adventure, was a testament to their character. It was a reminder of the importance of kindness and community, values I strive to instill in my children. This experience was more than just a surf lesson; it was a lesson in humanity and the power of going the extra mile for others. I wholeheartedly recommend the Cascais Surf Adventure to any family looking for a memorable and meaningful experience in Portugal.