The 11 Best Surf Lessons in Rio de Janeiro

1.Rio Surf Experience!

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 85 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $90Our pick

Small-group surf lesson in Rio’s Barra da Tijuca, matched to your level, with safety coaching and a scenic viewpoint after.

“They had poor communication - every other Rio tour group reaches out before the tour to confirm and clarify this company does not. Its transportation is from a random site not your hotel. For $90 - USD better communication is expected - so they have my money and since nothing was confirmed I didn’t get to surf. I even tried to use the Viator app to communicate with them but it took Viator reaching out to them for them to finally respond to my initial chat message”

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2.Rio Surf Experience

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 37 reviews · 4 hours · from $100

Small-group surf coaching in Rio, driven to the best waves for your level, then a calm viewpoint stop along the west coast. 4 hours.

“It was just an amazing experience! It already started with Gabriel to pick the perfect day for my level for surfing. It went on with an amazing course from Emiliano, beginning of which I couldn’t stand on the board while at the end I was catching all the waves! Finally, great pictures from Ivan was the cherry on top!! Thank you all again for an amazing morning that lifted my mood greatly!!”

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3.Surf lessons: in Arpoador in Ipanema.

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 35 reviews · from $33

One-hour small-group surf lesson at Praia do Arpoador, Ipanema. Gear included, trilingual coaching, plus safety basics on Rio waves.

“simply an amazing experience with Rafael. he was kind and so helpful, it took me quite a few time to get up but he was always thoughtful with his advice and was very knowledgeable. strongly recommend this to anyone”

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4.Surf lessons with local instructors in Copacabana/ipanema!

★★★★★★★★★★3.6 · 31 reviews · 1 day · from $10Best value

Copacabana and Ipanema surf lesson with local instructors, sand basics, and guided rides. Expect a fun 1-hour session plus gear.

“En fait je n’ai pas trouvé le guide!parce qu’il n’y en avait pas!sur votre site ce sont des photos de toutes les écoles de surf d’ipanema!et personne ne représente ce site!il n’y avait pas de numéro de téléphone pour avec des explications!j’ai dû repayer pour avoir un cours! Je ne comprends pas car j’ai réservé plusieurs activités avec vous! mais pour le surf c’est à revoir! Pourriez-vous procéder à mon remboursement?”

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5.Surf Lessons at Arpoador in Ipanema

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 22 reviews · 1 hour 10 minutes (approx.) · from $39.43

Learn to surf at Arpoador in Ipanema, Rio, with equipment included, clear sea training on the sand, and wave practice in the water.

“Had an absolutely great time - wife and myself and two boys (14/11) all first timers and the instruction, proportion of time on the water, and the laughs/smiles/fun were amazing. Ipanema beach is great. Recommend this for any family!”

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6.Surf Lesson at Arpoador Beach with Mandala Rio Surf School

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 11 reviews · 1 hour 20 minutes (approx.) · from $39.24

Surf a Rio classic at Arpoador with Mandala Rio Surf School. 1h20 beginner lesson in English with quick coaching for real waves.

“The guide was so personable and my daughter trusted his guidance in the lesson, ultimately leading to her riding the first wave! Incredible experience in the most beautiful location. All surf workers were so helpful.”

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7.Surf Lessons at Arpoador Ipanema

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 4 reviews · 1 hour 10 minutes (approx.) · from $35.29

Learn to surf at Arpoador Ipanema with a patient English-speaking coach, warm-up, sand practice, and a full hour in the water.

“Rafael is a patient and kind teacher, who knows the ocean. Catching my first wave was so much fun. Thank you for the good times!”

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8.Surflessons and surfcoach.

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 3 reviews · 1 hour · from $90

Learn to surf in Rio with CADES. Small-group coaching, wave analysis, filming, and video feedback for beginners through advanced surfers.

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9.Surf Lessons in Rio de Janeiro

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1 reviews · from $79

Learn surf at Barra da Tijuca Beach with full equipment and an instructor. Short 1-hour lesson in Rio, from $79.

“I never thought that surfing would be a fun experience. I had a great time learning this sport. My instructor, Luiz from Aula Surf Andre Lopes was very professional and helped me to improve my balance on the surf table. Very easy to follow instructions. Recommended!!!”

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10.Surf+Trilha

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1 reviews · from $90

Half-day Surf+Trilha in Rio: a beginner friendly Macumba surf lesson plus a Pedra do Pontal hike with photo stops.

“I loved getting to know Rio de Janeiro, and this unique experience at Praia da macumba learning a new sport for me is”

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11.Surf class in Arpoador

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1 reviews · from $55.02

Learn to surf at Rio’s Arpoador with Paulinho, gear included, small groups, about 1 to 1.5 hours from $55.

“Paulinho is simply sensational! His school is undoubtedly the best option for those who want to learn to surf and develop balance with safety and confidence. The classes are incredible, very didactic and fun, always with that good energy that Read moreAuto-translated”

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