The ideal Surf House for Intermediate & advanced surfers in Portugal: Lemontree Eco Surfhouse, Sagres
If you’re an intermediate surfer, we honestly think Lemontree is the ideal destination to gain real progression and experience the freedom of a proper surf trip. Our location Sagres is one of Europe’s most consistent surf spots and offers year-round waves perfectly suited for those that have moved beyond the beginner level.
Unlike traditional surf camps that focus on large groups and rigid schedules, we prioritise quality over quantity, allowing surfers to fully customize their surf experience. No big, crowded lessons here. We believe that your surf trip should feel like “your trip”, not some fixed surf camp schedule that doesn’t take into account waves & surf forecasts. That’s why we keep things flexible.
Our intermediate-focused surf courses feature small groups (maximum three students per coach) and custom training methods including video analysis, surf-skate sessions, and yoga. It’s the perfect setup for intermediate riders who want to elevate their skills in a flexible and more independent environment.
The common issues of Intermediate surfers
Have you ever felt like you’ve outgrown the typical beginner surf school? Do group lessons no longer help you progress? Have you been surrounded by beginners for too long, and now it’s holding you back? Maybe you’re starting to realize that the classic surf camp experience just isn’t cutting it anymore.
These are common feelings we hear more and more from intermediate surfers. The issue is that once you move past the beginner stage and start transitioning to catching green waves and improving your riding skills, you often find yourself with no clear path forward. It becomes surprisingly difficult to find a surf holiday that truly supports your development.
This happens because most surf holiday providers today focus almost exclusively on beginners. They’re easier to teach, and their numbers are much higher. But this mass production of beginner surfers, focused on quantity, often neglects quality and leaves intermediate surfers without proper guidance. Even lessons labeled as “intermediate group classes” often still prioritize beginners and rely on outdated group teaching methods.
Why Intermediate Surfers need specialized coaching programs
In order to be able to move forward in your surfing career and not getting stuck just above the beginner level for the rest of your life, just like any other sport, you need a training method specific to your needs and skills.
Why do we care so much about this? Because once you’re past the beginner stage, things actually get way more challenging. Catching green waves, reading the ocean, and holding your own in a busy lineup, it’s a whole different game compared to standing up in the whitewater.
That’s exactly the problem. Even though the challenges for intermediate surfers are way bigger, most surf schools and camps still only offer proper support for beginners. It’s like once you outgrow the basics, you’re kind of left on your own. That’s the gap we’re trying to fill at Lemontree.
Lemontree Eco Surfhouse approach to an “intermediate surf trip” and “intermediate surf lessons”
The mood of an Intermediate Surf Trip
One of the coolest parts of getting better at surfing is that your whole approach to surf trips starts to shift. In the beginning, you kind of want someone to guide you through everything…that totally makes sense. But as you grow, there’s this natural urge to explore more on your own and have a bit more freedom. That’s exactly what we’re trying to create here at Lemontree. We build a personalized surf plan around you, but we also give you the space to shape your trip however you want.
Surf when you feel like it, join skate or yoga sessions when it suits you, and enjoy our organic breakfast at your own pace. It’s all about freedom, not fixed schedules. To really help you planning the perfect Intermediate Surf Trip, we have also written a short guide from which you can take advice and inspiration: Tips for your next Surf Trip to the Algarve
The perfect location to improve your surfing
One of the wildest things about surfing in Sagres is just how consistent it is. Since we’re right at the southwestern tip of the Algarve, we’ve got access to two coasts: one facing west, the other south.That means we can catch waves year-round, no matter which direction the swell’s coming from. Willy, one of our coaches, always jokes that in 10 years of teaching here, he’s never seen a truly flat day.
Now, with so many surf spots around, it’s perfect for intermediate surfers: you get a mix of beach and point breaks that really help you level up by learning to adapt.
What’s even better? Lemontree’s right in the heart of Sagres, just a three-minute walk from Tonel (west) and Mareta (south). So most days, you just roll out of bed, grab your board, and you’re in the water, no car needed.
Intermediate Surf Coaching and Advanced Surf Classes to bring your surfing to the next level
At Lemontree, we like to keep things personal and flexible, because that’s how real progress happens. Our surf training schedule isn’t fixed or one-size-fits-all. Instead, we build each day around the forecast, picking the best time and spot depending on what the ocean’s doing. That way, you’re not stuck surfing in junky waves just because that’s what’s on the plan.
We also match your board to the conditions. Wetsuits and surfboards are included in the lesson price, and we’ve got a range of boards to choose from depending on where we’re surfing and what you’re working on.To keep things focused, we limit group size to just three surfers per coach. That way, it’s never crowded, and you always get the attention and feedback you need.
Each session is a blend of three elements: in-water coaching (where the coach is out there with you), video analysis (we’ll film your surf and break it down back at the house), and surfskate training (we use the video feedback to work on your technique on land). These three parts get mixed into each day depending on your personal goals and where you’re at in your surfing. Some days are more about technique, others about timing and flow, it really depends on you. Also, three times a week you’ll be able to incorporate into your surfing plan, yoga sessions focused on mobility, relaxation and positive mindset.
In-water Surf Coaching
In-water coaching is really at the core of what we do in our intermediate surf lessons. It’s not just about watching from the beach and shouting advice, your coach is right there in the water with you. That means you can shadow their positioning, feel more confident, and get real-time feedback while you’re in the lineup. For most intermediate surfers, especially when surfing a new spot, being in the water alone can feel overwhelming. That’s why this part is so valuable. We focus on helping you understand where to sit, how to read the waves, and how to actually catch them consistently. It’s hands-on, supportive, and designed to build confidence with every session.
Video analysis
After the in-water part, the coach will exit the water and start the recording part. Video analysis is a total game-changer for intermediate surfers, and it’s a key part of our coaching method. During your session, your coach will film your waves, from paddling to pop-up to ride, so we can break everything down later back at the surfhouse. It’s honestly one of the most eye-opening parts of the course. What you think you’re doing on a wave often looks totally different on camera, and that’s where real progress starts. Together, we’ll go through your clips, highlight strengths, and point out specific things to work on. It’s not about being critical. It’s about giving you the tools and clarity to improve session after session.
Surfskate training
Surfskate training is the third pillar of our intermediate coaching, and it’s seriously one of the most effective (and fun) ways to build muscle memory for better surfing. After reviewing your footage during video analysis, we take that feedback straight to the surfskates. Whether it’s working on smoother turns, better posture, or faster transitions, surfskating lets you isolate specific movements without the unpredictability of the ocean. It’s all about repetition and control: two things that are hard to get in the water. Plus, it really helps boost your confidence when you head back into the waves.
Yoga for flexibility, relaxation and positive mindset
Yoga is the final piece of the puzzle in our intermediate surf coaching, and it’s way more than just stretching. Surfing can be physically demanding, and yoga helps keep your body flexible, your breath steady, and your mind calm….three things that make a real difference when you’re in the water. Our sessions focus on hip mobility, shoulder strength, and spine flexibility. But it’s not just physical: yoga helps you stay grounded, manage frustration, and build a more positive mindset, especially when progress feels slow. It’s the perfect reset between surf sessions and a great tool for long-term growth.
How To join us and boost your surf skills
Booking your stay with us is super simple. All you need to do is reserve your room directly through our website, no need to plan everything else in advance. Once you arrive at the surf house, we can decide together what you’d like to do each day: surf coaching, yoga, breakfast, it’s all flexible and can be added on the go, giving you total freedom to shape your trip however you feel. That said, if you’re someone who likes things more structured, you can also choose to add your surf sessions, yoga classes, or any extras when booking your room. Either way, we’ve got you covered.
