Lisbon - Surf with Impact

In the morning, the local staff lead an interactive session (at the volunteer accommodation) that includes some ice-breaker activities and a presentation that covers a lot of useful information including: an introduction to Portugal and it's culture, the volunteer experience (setting expectations), an overview of our programs, practical information for getting around the city and beyond, and safety guidelines. In the afternoon, the volunteers are escorted into the city center for a special tour. They are also able to buy bus tickets, local sim cards and exchange money if necessary, all with a local staff member for support.

Surfing: Learn and perfect your surfing skills on some of the most beautiful beaches in Portugal. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced surfer, our instructors will help you catch the best waves.
Environmental Activities (occasionally): Engage in meaningful conservation work by cleaning beaches, forests, and urban areas. You’ll collect trash, separate recyclables, and help preserve our precious coastline. The recycling work is done in partnership with an organization that transforms plastic waste into skateboards and other items. After collection, the trash is sorted and processed to be reused in creative and sustainable ways.
Awareness Campaigns: Raise awareness about environmental conservation and promote sustainable practices within the local community.

A typical daily schedule will look as follows:

07:00 - 08:30 Breakfast
09:00 - 11:30 - Head to the beach for surf lessons
13:00 - 14:00 - Lunch
14:30 - 16:30 - Beach cleanup/Sorting trash

Please notice that because the surf depends on the tide schedule and it changes every day, surf lessons can also be in the afternoon:

07:00 - 08:30 Breakfast
09:00 - 11:30 - Head to the beach for Beach cleanup/Sorting trash
13:00 - 14:00 - Lunch
15:00 - 17:00 - Surf lessons

Volunteers work up to 5 hours daily: the schedule depend on the organization and its needs at the moment.

Volunteers have minimum 2 days off (weekends usually).

Please note that the actual schedule can change according to the season.

All surf gear is provided, including both full and half wetsuits depending on the season and ocean conditions. Surfing happens year-round in Lisbon, where the Atlantic waters range between 15–20°C (59–68°F). Even during warmer months, the water remains quite cool, so proper wetsuits are always necessary for comfort and safety.

Each lesson lasts approximately 2 hours. During the first week, participants have 4 surf lessons because Monday is orientation. In the following weeks, they receive 5 lessons per week. Weekends are usually free for participants to explore the area or simply relax.

- Pick-up at the airport and transfer to the accommodation (on the Sunday prior to an Introduction Day)
- Accommodation in a socially or environmentally impactful hostel (female, male, or mixed dorms)
- Shared use of common spaces and free WIFI
- Three meals a day (breakfast, lunch and dinner) - veggie, vegan, gluten-free, and lactose-free options available upon request
- Orientation on arrival: culture, volunteering, program details, and safety
- We’ll hook you up with an impactful non-profit project and handle the coordination
- Guided city tour with top tips for exploring
- Ongoing support throughout your stay
- 24/7 emergency support, just in case
- 4 X 2 hours surf lessons during the first week and 5 X 2 hours during additional weeks

Minimum age: 16 years

Volunteers need to be flexible and keep an open mind concerning their placements as situations can arise beyond our control which could require you to be placed at a different project than the one you have initially chosen. We will of course always do our utmost to fulfill your initial wishes but do remember that where you are going is quite different from where you are coming and as such one should be prepared for things not always going according to plan.

Volunteering and intercultural travel share a common trait: the more you put into it, the more you get out of it. This program is designed for proactive individuals and groups that are prepared to adapt to the local environment and its current needs. Naturally, the scheduling and activities of our program are subject to change. Alterations in activities are mainly due to changes in local conditions, which we believe is part of what makes overseas programs the interesting adventure and incredible learning experience that they are.

Our projects range from 1 week up to approx. 30 weeks. Projects have a specified minimum stay, then it’s up to you how long you can commit. In our experience the longer you stay the more you will gain, as your understanding of the project broadens and you take on more responsibilities. Every volunteer will be given a certificate of appreciation at the end of their stay as a symbol of volunteering stay.