LEARN. STAY. BELONG.
We believe surf is more than a sport.
It is a way to connect with the ocean, with people, and with moments that stay with us.
Some people come here to learn how to surf. Many leave with something else.
A story. A friendship. A place they return to.
Because Imagine has never been just a surf school.
It has always been a place where people belong.
This is the Imagine Way: Learn, Stay, Belong.
Who are we and why
did we create Imagine Surf School?
Imagine Surf School was founded in 2019 by Eduardo Ildefonso, a former nurse who decided to change his life and follow his passion for surfing and the ocean.
But our surf school was never meant to be just a business. From the beginning, it was created as a project built around community, nature and meaningful human experiences.
The Imagine Surf School team is made up of people who share two things in common: a deep passion for surfing and a strong connection to the Alentejo region. As surfers and ocean lovers, we believe surfing is more than a sport: it is a lifestyle and a way to connect with nature, with others and with ourselves.
At Imagine Surf School, every student matters. Each person who joins us in the water is not just another student. Surfing with us is not only about learning techniques or improving skills, but about experiencing the ocean in a safe, relaxed and inspiring environment.
Today, the school has welcomed thousands of students from all over the world, from families visiting Comporta to travellers searching for memorable surf experiences on Portugal’s wild Atlantic coast.
A Strong Connection to the Region
Imagine Surf School is based at Praia do Pego, in the Comporta region, one of the most beautiful coastal areas in Portugal.
The Alentejo coast is known for its wild landscapes, long sandy beaches and relaxed atmosphere – a place where nature still plays the main role.
Through partnerships with several local accommodations and tourism partners in the region, we aim to create a complete experience for our guests. Many visitors come to Comporta looking for tranquility, nature and authentic experiences, and surfing becomes a natural part of that journey.
Where are we
Imagine Surf School is in Praia do Pego, Comporta.
How to get?
If you are going north-south (from Lisbon) just follow the A2 towards Alcácer do Sal and exit to Comporta...
The alentejana coast
In this area of the Costa Alentejana, in addition to the surf lessons that Imagine Surf School gives on several beaches in the region, with its Surf Trips, it is possible to get to know the villages of the Costa Alentejana and experience the calm lifestyle so characteristic of this area .
What to visit?
You can also visit the best beach bar in the world, which is right next to the Imagine Surf School in Praia do Pego, the Sal Restaurant. This was considered the best beach bar in the world by the readers of the magazine `Condé Nast Traveler", in June 2015.
What to do?
You can also appreciate the beauty of the Palafítico Port of Carrasqueira, which is about 20km from Praia do Pego. Built by fishermen in the middle of the 20th century, they managed to create a mandatory crossing point for everyone who visits the region.
Surfing in the alentejana coast
The Costa Alentejana is one of the favorite areas for surf lovers. With wild beaches, paradisiacal landscapes and delicious and healthy food, Costa Alentejana is the perfect destination for those who want to surf, rest and relax.
Community and Values
At Imagine Surf School we believe surfing can be a powerful tool for connection with the ocean, with nature and with people.
From the very beginning, the project has been guided by values such as respect, inclusion, community spirit and environmental awareness.
Our work goes beyond surf lessons. We are committed to sharing the ocean with as many people as possible and creating positive impact in the community.
Some of our initiatives include:
Surf for All
A project that brings the ocean to children from inland regions who might otherwise never have the opportunity to experience the sea and learn to surf.
Adaptive Surfing
Surf experiences designed for people with physical or cognitive disabilities, ensuring that surfing can truly be enjoyed by everyone.
Schools, Municipalities and Social Organizations
We also collaborate regularly with schools, municipalities and social organizations in the region, helping young people discover the ocean while promoting values such as teamwork, confidence and respect for nature.
For us, surfing is not only about sport – it is about building a stronger and more connected community.
Sustainability
Respect for nature has always been at the heart of surfing culture. At Imagine Surf School, we believe that being in the ocean every day also comes with a responsibility to protect it.
Over the years, we have promoted several environmental initiatives, including beach clean-ups and participation in events such as World Earth Day and World Ocean Day. Even during regular surf lessons, we encourage simple but meaningful actions, such as collecting litter from the beach and raising awareness about the importance of protecting our coastline.
Education is also an important part of our mission. Through activities with children and young students, we share knowledge about ocean safety, marine ecosystems and environmental responsibility, helping the next generation develop a deeper respect for nature and the sea.
As part of our commitment to responsible tourism, Imagine Surf School is currently participating in a sustainability certification process with Biosphere Portugal, an international program that promotes sustainable practices in tourism.
The Biosphere certification is based on three main pillars:
- Economic sustainability;
- Social responsibility;
- Environmental protection.
This process encourages us to continuously improve our practices and reduce our environmental impact through actions such as reducing single-use plastics, saving water, collaborating with local suppliers and strengthening our relationship with the local community.
Our Surf Instructors
We have a fun and professional team so you can have the best experience out there on the ocean.
All our surf instructors are certified by the Portuguese Surfing Federation (FPS) and IPDJ, with proper training in surf coaching and ocean safety, and a lot of experience in the water.
With us you will have a memorable experience. You will not be just “one more” in the water.
All lessons are individually adapted to improve your surfing and help you have the most fun.
Join us!
