Hey, it's us!
Your surf camp & surf school in Portugal.
#ERICEIRA
About Mellowmove
The idea behind Mellowmove wasn’t born on a drawing board – it came to life somewhere between salty waves, glowing sunsets, and the simple wish to hold onto summer just a little bit longer. Back in 2003, we set up our very first small surf camp in southwest France – simple, personal, with sand between our toes and a whole lot of passion.
What started back then with a few boards, an old van, and plenty of improvisation quickly spread by word of mouth: this was a place for surfing, sure – but also for connection. For that feeling of being exactly where you’re meant to be, with exactly the right people.
In 2009, we felt the pull to move on. Portugal was calling – with its endless coastline, world-class waves, and that special lightness in the air. Since then, our camp has found its home in Ericeira, perched on the cliffs of São Lourenço with sweeping views of the Atlantic and Europe’s only “World Surfing Reserve.”
We – the core team behind Mellowmove – are longtime friends from across the German-speaking world who packed up and moved abroad together. Over the years, an international and colorful crew of warm-hearted, multi-faceted characters has gathered around us: the now legendary Mellow Family.
From the start, our mission has been clear: to build the kind of surf camp we’d love to spend our own holidays at. And that hasn’t changed one bit. We believe this philosophy is not only the most honest, but also the most effective form of quality management.
As one big Mellow Family, we work with heart and soul every single day to give our guests the best time of the year – with no compromises, genuine warmth, and a clear commitment to sustainability.
We are your Home by the Sea!
Experience & Qualification
Experience and qualification aren´t just nice to have – especially not when it comes to choosing the right surf camp. They can make all the difference between an average vacation and a truly great surfing experience. For one, they significantly enhance the quality and comfort of your well-deserved surf holiday. And for another, surfing is a demanding sport that you want to learn properly or take to the next level.
So why not place yourself in the hands of true professionals – people with experience expertise and a real passion for sharing their knowledge? That´s the best way to make sure you progress, stay safe, and feel completely at ease – whether you´re just starting out or already more advanced.
If you want to experience surfing with both fun and substance, a qualified and passionate team is exactly what you´re looking for.
The Surf Camp - Your "Home by the Sea"
A surf camp isn´t some snobby overpriced boutique hotel – obviously! But who says it has to be run-down and scruffy to be considered authentic? Can´t you expect something clearly better than mediocre service and bland food – and still stay at a real surf establishment? Our answer: absolutely yes! Enter: Premium Surfcamp
So what does the “Premium” in our name actually mean? It`s our commitment to raising the standard in every aspect of camp life – well above what most people expect from a surf camp. A step toward hotel-level quality – but without the stiff formality. Instead, you get the relaxed, friendly vibe that defines our surf community.
We bring professional expertise from a range of different – industries careers we pursued before becoming camp operators. A lot of know-how from hospitality, gastronomy, retail and event technology has gone into building this place – and by now, its complemented by over 20 years of experience as hosts.
You´ll feel this blend in every moment of your stay. And the fact that our concept works is proven not least by awards like the Top Surf Camp Award from Beyond Surfing, which we´ve received several years in a row. For us, it´s a meaningful recognition – and for our guests, its a promise: that we strive for the highest quality every single day. Speaking of which: our Google reviews reflect just how excited our guests are – in no uncertain terms.
The Surf School - Fun, Safety & Progress
Just like in the camp itself – with accommodation and food – we also bring a backpack full of experience and qualifications to our surf courses. Surfing is our biggest passion – and has been for most of our lives. We´ve spent decades diving deep into it, building up knowledge and expertise along the way.
From all of this, we developed our own training concept: the Mellowmove Coaching Programme. It´s based on over two decades of personal surfing, coaching, and teaching experience – and it also forms the foundation of our in-house Surf Instructor Academy, which takes place every year before the season starts.
There, we bring our team up to speed – professionally, methodologically, and interpersonally. Because for us, great surf instruction is about more than just technique. It´s also about creating a supportive atmosphere, building trust, and meeting people exactly where they are.
FUN – Thats Why You´re Here
Without “fun”, our surf camp probably wouldn´t exist today. Because fun is what has driven us from the start – the joy of catching a wave, feeling the oceans energy, and sharing the experience with like-minded people. That´s exactly the kind of joy we want to share with our guests – both in and out of the water.
SAFETY – The Foundation
Safety is our number one priority in all our surf courses. This means not only choosing the safest surf spot each day based on the conditions and participants, but also that our instructors always keep a close eye on risks and hazards, stepping in when necessary. Because only in a safe environment can you truly let go, try new things, and have fun.
PROGRESSÂ –Â Because You Want to Level Up
Our courses are designed to meet each guest at their individual experience and skill level. By dividing participants into three ability levels (Beginner, Step Up, Intermediate), our instructors can work in small groups and tailor their approach to each student. This allows them to identify and build on your personal strengths and unlock your potential during your stay.
Who Trains and Certifies Us
To become a surf instructor at Mellowmove, its not enough to simply be a friendly person and a skilled surfer – although those are, of course, basic requirements. Every coach has completed solid training with one of the recognized surf associations. Continuing education and refresher courses, such as regular lifeguard training, are mandatory. Through our cooperation with the following organizations and associations, we ensure the highest level of qualification in our surf courses.
- International Surfing Association (ISA ):The international quality standard when it comes to surfing. Many of our instructors laid the foundation of their training here and went on to pursue further qualifications.
- Austrian Surfing (AS): The Austrian Surfing Association works directly with the ISA . AS offers a range of top surf instructor trainings in Europe. Some of these take place directly at the Mellowmove Surfcamp under the guidance of our Surf School Manager Peter, who has been training surf instructors for the association for several years.
- Federação Portuguesa de Surf (FPS): Portugal´s Surfing Federation. We are listed here as a recognized surf school, and our coaches as well as our entire operation meet their requirements.
- IPDJ Portugal: The Portuguese Ministry of Sports and the official authority for sports instructor licenses in Portugal. Our surf instructors are IPDJ-certified and therefore hold the status of state-recognized sports coaches.
- Associação de Escolas de Surf de Portugal (AESP): The Portuguese association of surf schools. Our school is listed here - it´s essentially the quality seal for surf schools in Portugal.
- Surf School Alliance (SSA): An international network of surf schools focused on quality in surf instruction. We are part of it and therefore committed not only to meeting the required quality standards but to exceeding them.
- Ericeira Surf Clube (ESC): Ericeira´s outstanding surf club and one of the most successful in Portugal when it comes to surf contests. In cooperation with the ESC and Austrian Surfing, we have been organizing the Austrian Surfing Championships here in beautiful Ericeira for over 10 years.
If you want to know what a highly qualified and dedicated surf course feels like – without compromising on fun and a laid-back vibe – come and join us. Or drop us a message. We´re happy to tell you more if you haven´t found the info you´re looking for.
