Top 4 Surf Lessons in Rio de Janeiro

1.Rio Surf Experience!

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

Meet Gabriel and the One Carioca day team in Barra da Tijuca for a roughly four-hour surf outing. Your instructor chooses a beach to suit the day’s conditions and your ability, then covers sea safety, a warm-up, and the pop-up before you catch waves. The trip ends at a scenic overlook, and the group is limited to six.

“Had a great day surfing with Gabriel. He found a beach with the perfect conditions for my level and was extremely helpful in getting me in the right spots and catching waves. Would recommend to anyone to do a surfing day with Gabriel!”

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2.Rio Surf Experience

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

Meet your instructor near Barra da Tijuca and travel along Rio’s west coast to a beach with suitable waves for your level. After a safety briefing and beach practice, you’ll surf for 90 minutes with equipment provided, then visit a scenic local spot. Gabriel and Emiliano are among the instructors. Photos and videos cost extra.

“Had an amazing experience and would definitely recommend and do this again. I had Gabriel who was an amazing instructor and very friendly. 100/10 recommend”

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3.Surf lessons: in Arpoador in Ipanema.

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 35 reviews · from $33

Surf Matrix teaches you the basics on the sand, then helps you practise in the sea at Arpoador, choosing conditions suited to your level. Groups are limited to six, all equipment is provided, and Rafael is one instructor known for energetic, patient teaching. You need to be confident swimming in ocean waves.

“We had Rafael as a surfing instructor with this company. I could not recommend enough! They were flexible with the timings as it is weather dependant. Rafael was fabulous, full of energy, spoke English very well and was a wonderful teacher. Worth every penny!”

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

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

Take a one-hour surf lesson near Copacabana or Ipanema with local instructors. Choose a group or private class, practise your first pop-up on the sand, then head into the sea with guidance on wave selection and safe returns. Equipment is included, but expect to pay R$200 per person at the meeting point, with a 5% card fee.

“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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