8 Day Surf and Jiu-Jitsu Camp in Aljezur, Algarve, in Portugal
Surf Camp and Jiu-Jitsu in Portugal
Join Arrifana Surf Lodge and Roger Gracie Algarve on their first surf and BJJ collab camp! They'll bring you the best instructors in both fields to make this an unforgettable experience, for a truly unforgettable experience of a lifetime! Join your hosts Aldo and Sarah at Arrifana Surf Lodge and Scotty Braggins from Roger Gracie Algarve. They are dedicated to bringing you awesome surf and BJJ tuition, great food, comfy sleeping quarters, a relaxed atmosphere, and a whole lot of fun! At Arrifana Surf Lodge, they really are “a home away from home!”
Meet the instructors
Highlights
- 1 beginner or intermediate surf class for 6 days
- 1 BJJ class each daily for 5 days
- Includes surfboard, wetsuit, and leash use
- Daily transport to the beach and BJJ classes
- Free pick up/drop off in Aljezur on arrival and departure
- Daily breakfast and lunch, and 4 evening meals are served
- Limitless tea, coffee, fruit juice, and cookies
- 7 nights accommodation
Skill level
- Beginner
- Intermediate
- Advanced
Types
6 days with instruction in English
Accommodation
Facilities
- Swimming pool (outdoor)
- Barbeque facilities
- Fireplace
- Kitchen
- Lounge
- Special menu request
- Terrace
- Yoga deck
- Board rental
- Free bicycle
- Free Wi-Fi
The property consists of four private guest bedrooms, one shared room, and three large guest bathrooms. The large bunk room with an en-suite bathroom has a custom-built bunk with individual reading lamps and built-in storage. This room sleeps a maximum of six people.
The lodge has a shared lounge and kitchen facilities and in the winter, they even have a roaring fire to keep you warm and cozy. There are two huge terraces with views out to the Atlantic Ocean where breakfast and dinner are served daily. Arrifana Surf Lodge prides itself on great homemade cooking and plenty of barbecues.
Arrifana Surf Lodge offers great features in their accommodation such as a plunge pool, yoga terrace with mats, two hammocks, sun loungers, outdoor bean bags, a computer, TV, free Wi-Fi, and unlimited snacks, tea, coffee, and fruit juice.
Directly opposite the lodge, there are several great restaurants, and within walking distance is a mini supermarket and local bar. Within a five-minute walk of the lodge are two restaurants specializing in piri-piri chicken and at Arrifana Beach, there are many great seafood restaurants including a beach bar located right on the beach.
Take a look below and check out all the great features Arrifana Surf Lodge has to offer!
- Private twin room
- Private double room
- Private king-size room
- Private triple room
- Large bunk room with en-suite
- Two huge terraces with a sea view
- Free internet
- Wi-Fi access throughout
- Plunge pool
- Yoga terrace
- Lazy hammock
- Fire pit
- Sun terrace with outdoor bean bags
- Open-plan lounge and kitchen area
- Computer and TV
- Free use of bikes
- Unlimited tea/coffee/fruit juice/biscuits
All accommodations include bed linen with a comforter and bath towel.
Does Arrifana Surf Lodge ever have families stay?
Yes; having a small family themselves, they usually attract families and love to have them stay.
Program
Surfing
Beginner surf course
The beginner surf course is perfect for those who have had very little surf experience to those who have not stepped onto a board before. Arrifana Surf Lodge will ensure that you have a great time, but also a safe time. They will teach you the basic skills to get you up and riding, and get you comfortable in the water, so you can go home knowing you can surf comfortably on your own.
What you will gain in this course are:
- Beach safety
- Finding the right equipment for you
- Assessing surf conditions
- Lying, paddling, and standing up correctly on the surfboard
- Basic board control
- Learning to ride the white water to move onto unbroken green waves
- Surfer's etiquette
Intermediate surf course
The intermediate surf course is perfect for those who have surfed quite often and are very confident in the white water but are looking to progress into riding unbroken green waves. This course is designed to allow surfers to get more reward and enjoyment out of their time in the water.
What you will gain in this course:
- Beach safety
- Finding the right equipment for you
- Assessing surf conditions
- Psychology of surfing (surfing with the right frame of mind)
- Surf prediction
- Paddling into the lineup (duck-diving and turtle rolling)
- Making the drop into an unbroken wave
- More controlled turning maneuvers (bottom and top turning)
- Surfer's etiquette
About Gracie Jiu-Jitsu
Gracie Jiu-Jitsu is one of the most effective, reality-based fighting systems in the world. Created by the Gracie family, the basic premise of Jiu-Jitsu is that 90% of fights end up on the ground. As such, Jiu-Jitsu is focused primarily on effective ground fighting. The goal is to put an opponent into situations on the ground where joint locks and/or chokes can be applied to force him/her to submit.
Why surf and Jiu-Jitsu?
Jiu-Jitsu and surfing have always had many similarities and shared practitioners. Jiu-Jitsu is a popular choice among surfers looking to train physically and psychologically while not in the water. Both will put your strength, flexibility, endurance, balance, and coordination to the test whether mat or board. You can’t muscle your way to victory in either Jiu-Jitsu or surfing; it takes total effort. Level up your surf skills on the mat.
Skill level for surf and jiu-jitsu
All levels are welcome. Ages 8 and up.
Sample schedule
- 07:00 - 09:00 Breakfast (provided)
- 09:00 - 09:30 Pack up lunch box from the lunch buffet station (provided)
- 09:30 - 09:45 Head to the beach
- 10:30 - 12:00 Surf school
- 12:00 - 13:00 Lunch break
- 13:30 - 15:00 Training at Jiu-Jitsu academy in Aljezur
- 16:30 - 17:00 Head back to the lodge for shower/relaxation
- 17:00 - 18:00 Yoga session available
- 19:00 - 20:00 Dinner (Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday evening meals are not included, option to eat out or use the kitchen facilities)
- 20:00 Time to kick back and relax, and get some much-needed rest!
Will there be other total beginners staying at the lodge?
Yes. Beginners and intermediate surfers like to choose Arrifana Surf Lodge for their surfing holiday as they always offer outstanding tuition.
Surf photoshoot option
The professional photographer Jon Barra, is on the beach where you will be surfing most days. He will try and capture your best moments on the waves. As well as capturing live-action surf shots, he will also capture some of your moments out of the water as well. Students who decide to pre-book his services get to enjoy a 5 EUR discount on the surf photos.
If you are still undecided on whether you want photos or not, don't worry as you can always decide to purchase at the end of the week once you have seen the photos. The price of the photos is 25 EUR.
Instructors
Aldo
Aldo was born in South Africa and has been surfing for over 17 years. Aldo understands the importance of good instructing and you will always see him in the water with his pupils pushing students onto waves and yelling plenty of encouragement!
Scotty Braggins
Scotty Braggins is trained to the highest standards of Jiu-Jitsu instruction. He teaches the Gracie family’s system of Jiu-Jitsu at the Roger Gracie Academy in Aljezur. Roger Gracie is a 10-time Jiu-Jitsu world champion. He's the grandson of the founder of the art, Carlos Gracie. The Gracie family has been the driving force in the growth of Jiu-Jitsu and the revolution in martial arts around the world. The Academy is well known for the exceptional atmosphere that is fostered there. All members are treated as part of a big family, resulting in a relaxed and enjoyable place to train.
Location
The Arrifana Surf Lodge is located less than a five-minute drive from Arrifana Beach and only 20 minutes on foot; they are in a prime position to make use of all the most spectacular surfing beaches on the west coast of the Algarve.
Can you walk to the beach?
The lodge is within a 15 to 20-minute walking distance of Arrifana Beach. One of the popular walking trails is also directly behind the lodge and gets you to Arrifana Beach via the scenic route.
How close is the nearest town?
The nearest town is Aljezur which is a 10-minute drive from the lodge. It is a municipal town and contains a health center, pharmacy, supermarkets, historic castle, museums, and lots of great restaurants and bars. They offer free transfers from Aljezur on arrival and departure.
Renting a car
A car is not necessary but it will make your holiday more flexible. It can be nice to have transport to other areas of the Algarve during the afternoons when the surf class is finished for the day and it also makes transfer to the lodge very easy. They recommend guests who are booked on the experienced surfer package to rent a car as they only offer transport to beaches where the surf classes will be given. The car rental companies offer great deals out of season so it can be a great option.
Surf conditions
Surf spot:
Aljezur
Monthly wave size
Monthly water temperature
Food
Healthy home cooking - Great meals with new friends
A mix of local and homemade cuisine is on offer four nights per week. They know how hungry surfers can get after a long day spent on the beach and in the waves so they always offer a three-course menu two nights a week and two evening meals out at fabulous local restaurants. Sunday night is the welcome dinner at the lodge and on Thursday night, they offer their famous three-course barbecue. They offer a night out at a typical Portuguese restaurant and one night at a local restaurant.
Guests have the option of also using the kitchen facilities at the lodge during nights when no meals are served. They also organize other meal options out on nights when meals are not included.
Continental breakfast is served daily and includes a selection of cereals, fresh milk, yogurt, fresh bread, jams, honey, homemade peanut butter, ham, cheese, fresh fruit, and eggs (any way you like). They offer a different breakfast special each morning which includes pancakes, French toast, overnight oats, and much more.
Lunch is provided every surf day. They set up a lunch buffet table and guests get to fill their lunchbox with a choice of fillings which include hummus, chicken mayo, tuna salad, salad greens, pasta, fresh rolls, and much more. Guests also get provided with their own stainless steel water bottle to fill with filtered water and they have chips, fruit, and other snacks available too!
What do guests normally do for dinner when no meals are provided at the surf lodge?
Arrifana Surf Lodge is fortunate enough to be located right next to some incredible restaurants. Most are less than a five-minute walk away. Guests can choose to eat at one of these restaurants or they have the choice to cook at the lodge using the kitchen facilities available. There is a grocery shop very close to the lodge that provides fresh local produce and dry staples.
Does Arrifana Surf Lodge cater to people who are on a vegan or gluten-free diet?
Yes, they cater to all different meal requirements including vegetarians, Coeliacs, vegans, and any type of food allergies. Please let Sarah know when making a booking.
Choose from these great fillings
- Chicken club
- Meat trio
- Ham salad
- Ham and cheese
- B.L.T.
- Egg mayo
- Cheese salad
- Veggie heaven
- Italian trio
- Hummus
Evening meals are provided every Sunday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. Please note that there are no meals provided on Monday, Friday, and Saturday. Guests have the option to eat out at one of several great local restaurants close by or you can make full use of the kitchen facilities at the lodge.
Weekly menu sample/example
Sunday night: Curry night
- Pommpadom tower served with mixed homemade pickles and chutneys
- Dhals and a mix of chicken, beef, and veggie curries served with basmati rice
- Mango mousse
Monday night: Free night
Tuesday night: Portuguese restaurant night out
- Travel to a different location to experience a special meal out (transfers are included)
Wednesday night: Local restaurant a stone’s throw away
- Enjoy a special meal at the top-rated Sector B Burger Bar or Maxim’s Warung (restaurants are alternated each week)
- Thursday night: The famous barbecue night
- Homemade mixed tapas
- Barbecue grilled meats or fresh fish with plenty of sides
- Dessert is always a surprise delight
Friday night: Free night
Saturday night: Free night
The following meals are included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Snacks
- Drinks
The following drinks are included:
- Water
- Coffee
- Tea
The following dietary requirement(s) are served and/or catered for:
- Vegetarian
- Vegan
- Gluten Free
- Regular (typically includes meat and fish)
- Other dietary requirements on request
What's included
- 7 nights accommodation (arrival and departure on Sunday)
- 1 beginner or intermediate surf class for 6 days (Monday - Saturday)
- 1 BJJ class each day for 5 days (Monday - Friday)
- Use of surfboard, wet suit, and leash for the entire duration
- Daily transport to the beach and BJJ classes
- Breakfast and lunch every day (all diets and food allergies are catered for)
- 4 evening meals (Sunday, Monday, Tuesday & Thursday)
- Limitless tea, coffee, fruit juice, and cookies
- Loads of fresh fruit, light snacks, and beverages are provided throughout the day
- Free pick up/drop off in Aljezur on arrival and departure
- All bedding and bath towel
- Free use of facilities
- Accident cover
What's not included
- Airfare
- Airport transfers
- Classes on arrival and departure days (Option to add on)
- Dinners on Monday, Thursday, or Saturday (Use the kitchen or dine at a great local restaurant)
- Option to add professional surfing photos for 20 EUR
How to get there
Recommended Airports
Transfer available for additional US$ 105 per person
Faro Airport
84 km away from your destination
Arrival by airplane
Please book your flight to arrive at Faro Airport (FAO). Arrifana Surf Lodge does not offer free airport transfers but they do offer free pick up and drop off in Aljezur. They can arrange airport transfers at an additional cost. The best way to get from this airport to Aljezur is by booking a direct transfer with the local driver. The price is 90 EUR and is subject to availability.
If your flight departs Faro Airport (FAO) at 7 a.m., they can arrange a private taxi from the lodge directly to the airport. The price is 90 EUR and is subject to availability.
If your flight arrives at Faro Airport (FAO) at 10:10 p.m., you will only arrive at the lodge around midnight. This is too late. The lodge can only accept check-ins from 12 noon until 11 p.m. In this case, it is best to sleep over in Faro or Lagos and arrive the following day.
Arrival by train/bus/taxi
If you prefer to use public transport, they recommend the train service from Faro train station to Lagos and then catching a bus or taxi to Aljezur. The bus leaves Lagos bus station for Aljezur at 3:20 p.m. For any other times, you can book the local driver from Lagos directly to the lodge. The price is 20 EUR. Alternatively, you could book a taxi; prices range from between 35 to 45 EUR.
Cancellation Policy
- A reservation requires a deposit of 14% of the total price.
- The deposit is non-refundable, if the booking is cancelled.
- The rest of the payment should be paid on arrival.
Reviews
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