Porto’s Original Surf School
Spreading the surfing spirit since 1994
About us
Surfing Life Club is one of the most respected surf schools in Portugal.
Founded in 1994 as João Diogo Surf School, we were the first Porto surf school. We started with a vision for inclusive, life-shaping surf education. And what began with a few boards and big dreams has become a nationally recognised hub for surf coaching, community and authentic Portugal fun!
We’ve led the way on the north coast of Portugal, launching the country’s first mobile surf school, operating year round from Matosinhos Beach and training national champions.
Our certified surf instructors support first timers, intermediate surfers and experienced surfers through tailored classes, from private surf lessons to full surf camp and guiding experiences.
At Surfing Life Club, surfing is more than a sport: it’s a lifestyle that builds confidence, respect for nature and deep human connection.
We offer something for every surfing level: beginner lessons, progression sessions, surf trips, surf holidays, school programs and inclusive projects like Surf Educa®. Recognised for sporting merit by the Secretary of State for Sport, our commitment to safe and fun surf coaching is at the heart of everything we do.
Since 2009, our base on the Matosinhos promenade includes 7 freshwater showers, 365 days per year gear rentals, changing rooms, video analysis, theory sessions, a board room, a desk, a presentation room and welcoming spaces for events. Our 100-square-meter deck has hosted events with more than 200 people.
Whether you’re a complete beginner catching your first waves or an athlete chasing the best surf in Portugal, we’ve got you covered through every session!
About our home break – Matosinhos Beach
Matosinhos Beach is one of the best surf beaches in Europe. It’s also our “classroom”, our playground and where our journey began.
We’re based right on this perfect beach, and it’s just a short walk across the sand to the waves.
Matosinhos is ideal for all surfing levels. At one end, gentle beach breaks are perfect for first surf lessons. At the other end, south swells and wave peaks reach 2 meters, offering a challenge for intermediate surfers and pros.
Waves break about 50 meters from shore, giving learners time to balance, turn and paddle confidently. This unique sandbank setup creates long, clean rides (ideal for developing real technique).
Add in excellent conditions, a vibrant local scene, and easy access to both city and sea, and you’ll understand why Matosinhos is a true surfing mecca on the Atlantic Ocean.
A timeline of Surfing Life Club
1994
Opened our first surf school on Aterro Beach, near a picturesque fishing village just outside Porto.
1995
Launched Portugal’s first mobile surf school, teaching across Espinho, Matosinhos and Moledo.
1995–2004
Coached rising talent, built a growing surfing mecca and deepened our mission in surf education.
2004
Became Surfing Life Club with a permanent home at Matosinhos Beach. Expanded to offer surf holidays, surf camps and school partnerships.
2004–2007
Upgraded facilities with a surf shop, online booking and modern amenities for our growing community.
2005
Launched Surf Educa®, bringing surfing into schools and special education. Weekly inclusive lessons began in partnership with APPACDM.
2008
Partnered with Sumol, becoming the only Sumol Surf School in northern Portugal.
2009
Opened our current beachfront space, offering freshwater showers, theory classrooms, video coaching and event zones.
Today
We run surf classes, private lessons, surf guiding trips and surf camps year round in Porto and Maceda, serving all ages and skill levels, from first timers to national-level surfers.
About our Team
João Diogo – Founder
João Diogo is a pioneer in Portuguese surf education with over 40 years of surfing experience across four continents. A local from Porto, he founded the city’s first surf school in 1994, later creating João Diogo Surf School and Surfing Life Club.
He has coached athletes across surf, longboard, bodyboard and SUP, and is accredited by the Portuguese Surf Federation, the International Kite Organization (IKO) and ASI Academy of Surfing Instructors. João also holds certifications in ocean rescue, tow-in surf operations and water safety.
Beyond teaching, he helped build Portugal’s first national youth surf competition team, received a state distinction for his work with young people, and currently serves as President of the Portuguese Surf Schools Association. He also teaches and coordinates internships at Lusófona University, shaping future generations of surf coaches.
Gonzaga Ruiz Mateos – Operations Coordinator
Born in Spain in 1993, Gonzaga has lived and breathed surfing for over 20 years. A former competitor with more than 15 years in the water he now channels his experience into teaching and running surf schools.
He holds a degree in Physical Activity and Sports Sciences, is an ASI Level 1 and Level 2 Surf Coach and is certified in lifeguarding across both natural and artificial environments. Over the last decade he has coached surfers of all levels and for the past six years has overseen surf school operations with a focus on safety, performance and fun.
Gonzaga’s mission is simple: help every student surf with confidence while embracing the lifestyle and joy that come with the sport.
Hélder Bernardo – Head of the Tourism Department
Born in 1998, Hélder combines a degree in Tourism and Sports and Nature Tourism with solid experience in the sector.
Since joining Surfing Life Club in 2020 he has built partnerships with leading brands, universities and travel agencies, strengthening the club’s presence both locally and internationally.
He also manages our online platforms, ensuring effective digital communication and brand promotion across diverse audiences.
Fluent in five languages, Hélder bridges cultures with ease and provides personalized support to international clients. By blending deep local knowledge of Porto and northern Portugal with a global perspective he plays a key role in enriching the tourism and surf experience we deliver.
