Work with Atlantic Coast Surf School in Portugal
Work with Atlantic Coast Surf School in Portugal
Atlantic Coast Surf School is a certified Portuguese surf school based in Praia Azul / Santa Cruz, Torres Vedras, Portugal, near Lisbon. Since 2015, we have been offering safe, structured and authentic surf lessons, surf camps and family surf experiences, with a strong focus on small groups, local knowledge and real progression in the water. We work year-round and welcome guests from Portugal and abroad, especially from Central and Northern Europe.
We are looking for people who want to be part of a surf school that combines quality coaching, local beach knowledge, hospitality and a grounded, authentic atmosphere. Whether you are an experienced certified instructor, a teamer, or a student looking for a tourism, surf teaching or sports internship, this page explains how to work with Atlantic Coast Surf School and what each opportunity involves.
Current opportunities
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Certified Surf Teacher
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Teamer
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Tourism Internship
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Surf Teacher Internship
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Sports Internship
Why work with Atlantic Coast Surf School
Atlantic Coast Surf School is rooted in Praia Azul and Santa Cruz, on Portugal’s Atlantic coast. We deliberately operate here because the coastline offers less crowded sandy beach breaks, reliable sandbanks and strong learning conditions for beginners and intermediate surfers. For staff and interns, this means working in a setting where teaching quality, safety and progression matter more than volume.
We are a local, family-run surf school with strong knowledge of the beaches, tides and swell patterns of the Torres Vedras area. Our team is used to teaching international guests, families, first-time surfers, Erasmus students and digital nomads, and our programmes are designed with flexibility in mind.
Working with us is a good fit for people who value:
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safe and structured surf coaching
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a genuine Portuguese coastal setting
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close contact with guests
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practical, hands-on work
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teamwork in a small business environment
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international experience in surf, tourism and outdoor sports
Our location and lifestyle
Life in Praia Azul / Santa Cruz, Torres Vedras
Atlantic Coast Surf School is based in Praia Azul / Santa Cruz, around 15 km from Torres Vedras and roughly 50 minutes north of Lisbon Airport. The area gives guests and staff access to surf, beaches, coastal walks, local food and a more relaxed atmosphere than busier surf hubs. It is one of the reasons many of our guests choose Santa Cruz over more crowded destinations.
This location is especially attractive for:
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people looking for a season in Portugal without the pressure of a large touristic resort
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Erasmus students who want practical tourism or sports experience
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digital nomads and long-stay travellers who want a surf-based lifestyle
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surf teachers who prefer coaching in a more personal, quality-focused environment
Jobs and internships at Atlantic Coast Surf School
Certified Surf Teacher
A role for qualified surf instructors who want to teach in Portugal with a certified surf school. This position is focused on surf coaching, safety, group management, equipment preparation, guest support and choosing the best teaching beach according to daily conditions. Our lessons are run in small groups, and the school teaches beginners and intermediate surfers year-round.
Best for: licensed surf coaches, instructors with beach teaching experience, coaches who enjoy working with international guests.
Teamer
Our teamer role is ideal for people who enjoy guest contact and day-to-day support in a surf travel environment. A teamer helps create a smooth guest experience around surf camp life, arrivals, practical information, social atmosphere and basic operations support. Our surf camp assistant, is for voluntary applicants, in search for fun, meeting travellers from around the world and surf. In exchange for 4 to 5 hours work per day.
Best for: sociable, responsible people with hospitality energy, surf lifestyle awareness and strong communication skills.
Tourism Internship
This internship is designed for students or recent graduates who want practical experience in surf tourism, hospitality and guest operations. Depending on the season and your profile, this can include supporting bookings, helping with guest communication, assisting with logistics, learning how surf travel products are delivered, and understanding how an independent surf business works in Portugal.
Best for: tourism, hospitality, Erasmus and business students with an interest in travel and operations.
Surf Teacher Internship
This internship is intended for people who want to gain practical experience around surf coaching. It can include observing lessons, helping with equipment handling, learning safety routines, assisting with beginner sessions and understanding the structure behind surf teaching in a certified school environment. It should be presented clearly as an internship pathway, not as a replacement for formal instructor certification.
Best for: aspiring surf coaches, outdoor education students and people building toward formal surf teaching qualifications.
Sports Internship
This role is aimed at students in sports science, physical education, coaching or outdoor activity programmes who want hands-on experience in a real sports and tourism setting. It can include coaching support, group organisation, activity assistance and learning how surf fits into a broader outdoor sports environment.
Best for: sports students, coaching students and applicants who want real-world experience in physical activity and outdoor instruction.
Who should apply
You may be a strong fit for Atlantic Coast Surf School if you are:
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a certified surf teacher looking for a role in Portugal
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a responsible and guest-oriented teamer who enjoys practical camp life
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an Erasmus student searching for a tourism or sports internship
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a digital nomad or long-stay traveller who wants meaningful work experience in a surf environment
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a sports, tourism or outdoor education student who wants to learn inside a real operating business
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someone comfortable working in English, with extra value if you also speak Portuguese, German, French or Spanish
We particularly value applicants who are reliable, calm in dynamic situations, respectful with guests, practical, and motivated to contribute to a positive team environment.
What you can learn with us
Working with Atlantic Coast Surf School gives you exposure to more than only surf lessons. Depending on the role, you may gain experience in:
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surf coaching support
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guest communication
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hospitality operations
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lesson logistics
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equipment handling
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beach and ocean safety routines
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working with beginners and international travellers
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life inside a surf school and surf camp business
Because we are a smaller operation with a strong local identity, roles here can offer broader practical learning than a narrow, highly segmented resort-style environment.
What to expect before you apply
Atlantic Coast Surf School works with international guests, families, solo travellers and long-stay visitors. Many guests are new to surfing, and many are visiting Portugal specifically to combine surf, travel and local experience. This means communication, patience and professionalism are as important as surf knowledge.
Our surf offer includes surf lessons, surf camps, accommodation and surf course packages, rentals and long-term coaching options, so some roles may involve contact with different parts of the guest journey depending on the season.
Before applying, you may want read our FAQ about how surf school and surf camp works, what the guests book and what we offer. Please be clear about:
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your availability dates
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whether you need an internship agreement
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your languages
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whether you hold surf certifications
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your previous tourism, coaching or hospitality experience
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whether you have a driving licence
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whether you are applying for a job, voluntary program or for an internship
How to apply
To apply to work with Atlantic Coast Surf School, send us:
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your CV with foto
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a short introduction about yourself
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the role you are applying for
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your availability dates
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your country of residence
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your languages
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relevant certifications or study programme details
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links to LinkedIn, portfolio or social media only if professionally relevant
Please write a clear subject line, for example:
Application – Certified Surf Teacher – May to September
Application – Tourism Internship – Erasmus – 3 Months
Send your application through our Bookings / Contact page or by email to pedro@atlanticcoastsurfschool.com
Why applicants choose Atlantic Coast Surf School
People usually apply to Atlantic Coast Surf School because they are looking for a surf school in Portugal that combines:
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a real local setting
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certified coaching
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year-round activity
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small groups
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international guest experience
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a more authentic alternative to larger and more crowded surf destinations
If that is the kind of environment you are looking for, we would be happy to hear from you.
Frequently asked questions
What jobs are available at Atlantic Coast Surf School?
Atlantic Coast Surf School offers information and application pathways for roles including Certified Surf Teacher, Teamer, Tourism Internship, Surf Teacher Internship and Sports Internship.
Where is Atlantic Coast Surf School located?
Atlantic Coast Surf School is based in Praia Azul / Santa Cruz, Torres Vedras, Portugal, near Lisbon. The school is on Portugal’s Atlantic coast and is easily accessible from Lisbon Airport.
Is Atlantic Coast Surf School a certified surf school?
Yes. Atlantic Coast Surf School presents itself as a fully certified and accredited Portuguese surf school, with certified instructors and Portuguese Surfing Federation accreditation referenced across the site.
Do I need a surf instructor certification to apply?
You need relevant surf teaching certification for the Certified Surf Teacher role. We also have positions for internships and we give support training you to become a surf instructor.
What is the difference between a certified surf teacher and a surf teacher intern?
A certified surf teacher is a qualified instructor responsible for coaching and safety delivery. A surf teacher intern is in a learning role and should be presented as gaining supervised experience, with diferent levels of experience in teaching and surfing, to become a licensed instructor.
What does a teamer do?
A teamer is a surf camp assistant who helps with guest experience, day-to-day support and practical camp and surf school operations in a surf travel environment.
Is the tourism internship suitable for Erasmus students?
Yes. Atlantic Coast Surf School already refers on its site to programmes and guest formats that suit Erasmus students, which makes this a natural fit for a tourism internship page.
Is the sports internship suitable for sports science or physical education students?
Yes. The sports internship is best positioned for students in sports science, coaching, physical education or outdoor activity-related studies.
Is English required?
Yes. English should be treated as the main working language for international guests. Additional languages such as Portuguese, German, French or Spanish are valuable. Atlantic Coast Surf School already states that lessons can be taught in several of these languages.
Are roles available year-round?
Atlantic Coast Surf School operates year-round, but the timing and availability of specific jobs or internships may vary according to season and operational needs.
How do I apply?
Send your CV with foto, short introduction, availability and role of interest through the contact page or to pedro@atlanticcoastsurfschool.com .
