WHAT´S HAPPENING?

When surf lessons at Ericeira are more than just sports

Surf lessons in Ericeira, Peniche and Lourinhã are easy to find. This is probably the top-ranking group of surf spots in Portugal for all ages and skill levels, so there are plenty of surf schools you can get in touch with if you want to get better at tackling the swell. Still, for all the possibilities surf offers when it comes to a communion with nature and a deeply therapeutic activity, it"s not for everybody. Now, things may change with the first ever seated surfboard coming into play.

 

A tandem surfboard for disabled children

To the question of why you would need a seated surfboard, the answer is quite simple: many children and adults have neurological conditions that left them strapped to a wheelchair. But even these children - or particularly these children - can benefit a lot from the fun and therapy of a wave ride.

That"s why Cerebra Innovation Centre (CIC) created the first seated surfboard, in cooperation with Roger Cooper Surfboards. The resulting surfboard is the best of both worlds, as it contains a seat to which disabled children can be strapped in, while allowing a trained instructor to control it. 

Also part of the partnership are Surfability UK and Tonic Surf Therapy, and the project actually dates to 10 years back, having since developed several devices intended to improve the life of disabled children. While nobody denies how these children can benefit from surf lessons, most schools and associations are hard-pressed to find suitable options for them, as regular surfboards just don"t cut it.

The safety of all involved and an expansion of the surf envelope allowed to these children are concerns to be had at all times, so any advancements that can allow for a deeper, more meaningful experience, are always welcome.

 

Surf lessons in Ericeira are more than just sport

Just how therapeutic is surf? Those who give surf lessons at Ericeira and the surrounding surf spots can tell you a lot about the beneficial effects of surf lessons for families and youth. It"s no wonder that a bit all around the world, surf schools are being created to help bring communities close together and help out underprivileged youths. 

One of the greatest success stories actually happened in Brazil, just last year when, Raphael dos Santos Nascimento, diagnosed with cerebral palsy, walked for the first time, thanks to surf lessons. The Brazilian boy, strapped to a wheelchair since he was an infant, was ten when he gave his first steps, after 8 months of surf lessons and today, he can actually walk alone, even if he needs the help of his mother and teachers to reach the waves.

Equally interesting, the interaction with the surf instructors has allowed Raphael do develop his undernourished speaking abilities, giving the boy new ways of communicating with the surrounding world.

Autistic children are also known to benefit from practising surf, so the next time you"re looking for surf lessons in Ericeira for your surfing vacations, why not consider it more than just physical activity and look at it as a way to connect deeper with those you love and are important to you?

 

Ane and Heidi
"Holy cow! We love it here!:) The beaches are unbelievably beautiful, and we have even tasted the sand while surfing. Not bad actually. Thank you Daniel for a warm welcome to Areia Branca. And thanks a mill to Elida for imiting us to this amazing place. We have so much enjoyed partying, playing an..."
Inge Martin & Maria
"Thank you for a great stay (again) at the Underdog SH. We love this place and all the beautiful people. We will definitely be backnext year. :) Team Scandinavia..."
Ana B.
"After a lot of research on the internet I finally found Underdog... and I´m so happy I did!!! I am definitely comming back sooner than later. Thank you all for your hospitality!!! Muchos besos,..."
Kevin
"Thanks for the warm welcome and great hospitality during my stay. Both the surfing and the chilling out was a wonderfull experience. This place has got me stoked! All the best,..."
Alberto
"Best surfhouse ever! Great hospitality and even better people.The Ndrdog will always be my choice in Portugal. Daniel and his house are just awesome and you will always find someone to have a great time with a beer after surfing Hope to see you soon bro! Big hug from the jetguys ;)..."
xoxo Anja
"Hey Daniel, I´m so glad, I found this place! I really felt like home this 2 weeks. You have done such great work with this house. Even on the day we couldn´t surf, it was awesome just to hang around with the people in here. I really want to come back very soon. Lots of Love & Hugs to you &a..."
Mieke
Finland
"A wonderful holiday, good surfing and great parties! Thank you, see you next year :)..."
Carina & Ruben
"Dear Elida, Isa, Malthe & Daniel, We had a fantastic time in the Underdog house. There is a really good atmosphere in and around the house!! Cheers on many more anniversary parties. And a special tip for Elida, Isa and Hanna: never travel without GPS/TomTom in Portugal again :). Warm regards ..."
Beth X
"See you Guys!! I had the most fun I´ve had in a long time!! Great meting you all and hopefully I will run into you in the future. Lots of Love..."
Susanne
"Home is where you heart belongs to... I´m so glad I have this home here in Praia Areia Branca and know there´s a next time we will see us again. Thank you so much for everything. I had an awesome time! Daniel, Isa, Elida & Malthe you´re doing a great job! See you next time, take care, part..."
Darren
"Had a great time Friday night. Felt so hung over today! Hope your cousin feels better soon. Enjoy the rest of your holiday...."
Nina & Julian
"Underdog Surf house it already felt like being at home with all the friendly people our new little family nice & long talks, pizza&pasta night and unforgetable nights at Barraca. Thank you for all of it. We´ll definitely come back for the third time! Loads of love..."
Sebastian
"Wow. What a warm welcome. It was an awesome time! Kind of a family thing. Thank you guys!! Cheers,..."
Simon & Ina
"We had a great time @ Underdog Thank you guys for being so open-minded and welcoming us in this "big family" We will come back home again! Tons of love..."
Natalia
"I don´t want to leave! Great house! Awesome people! Thank you so much for making me feel so welcome & at home. I hope to come back very soon..."
Rebecca, Henne & Sabine
"This surf house has a lot to offer!!nice rooms, Daniel as an very cool owner,the pool (priceless after our surf lessons!!), an big BBQ, Kickers and lot more..we felt at home and had an wunderful week there....."
Kat XXX
Quebec
"JAL & ISA ARE THE BEST!!! Such a good time here. Thanks!! Big kisses from Quebec!..."

CONTACT US

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Underdog Surf House

Av. António José do Vale, 7
Praia da Areia Branca,
2530-213 Lourinhã,
Portugal

TEL: +351 261 419 533
MOB: +351 912 214 416

underdogsurf@gmail.com