Absolute newbie in need of help!

[Crio]

Dear surfers,

Since I am about to finish my Master's Degree, I decided spontaneously to fulfil one long-standing dream of mine, - to try surfing. Of course, since I never done anything like this, I have tons of question, concerns and a bit of fear . So I stumbled here, with hopes that you can solve some of them! Thank you in advance for sharing your wisdom! I really appreciate that.

So here is the list of questions which I have. Feel free to answer as many as you feel like! P.S. Since I am a student, I am looking for a "budget" travel option. Sleeping in Airbnb, hostels or maybe even in a tent:D

1. Place and Time. Dunno if it is a good idea, but I decided for now on Portugal. Are there any good places for an absolute beginner? Moreover, due to the cheap plane tickets, I want to travel at 04.07 to Faro and then fly back from Lisbon on 13 or 15 of July. Naturally, I plan to go spend a couple of days enjoying the cities (since I never was to Portugal), but my main aim is to surf. So for surfing, I am considering any place near the cities and in between them!

2. Equipment. Can one rent surfboard all at the "beach"? Of course, I don't have anything. Does one really need a wetsuit? It should be freaking hot there anyhow, no?

3. Lessons. Can one also find them exactly on the spot? How many hours would you recommend for the newbie? (I am quite good at snowboarding and have some small windsurfing experience if it counts)

4. Miscellaneous. Can one with 198 cm height and 98 kg still surf? Are people in Portugal friendly? What about the language barrier? Is it safe there? Does somebody want to join me in my crazy trip?

[jaffa1949]

Did you know we have [ur=https://surfing-waves.com/atlas.htmll]a surf map here on Surfing Waves[/url]. There are other sites too that feature full rundowns of specific beaches.
The are also the storm rider guides that really have a run down of Portugal or wherever you might choose.
Most beginner capable beaches rent surfboards, often soft boards. So you don’t hurt yourself too much,. Portugal has cold water so,those same place will,rent you a wetsuit and provide lessons, neither your height nor weight will be an issue as long as you stick to longer boards 9ft, and soft tops.
Google surf schools Portugal or Check the pop up ads that come with Surfing Waves and the map!
Many cheap places , again google Airbnb Portugal.
People are friendly as long as you are respectful . Try and at least learn a little Portugese hello thank you, goodbye etc, and smile
Let us know how you go!

[waikikikichan]

I am quite good at snowboarding

Don't think that's a positive thing that well help you learn to surf. It actually will hurt your learning, as you need to break the "opposite" foot pressure habit you have ingrained.
At the beach stand I worked for, I asked a customer, who wanted to just rent a board, if he needed a surf lesson. He replied "No I don't need one because I snowboard". So I told him, "Well then, I better sign you up for TWO surf lesson".

[Lebowski]

I would recommend staying somewhere in Lagos or Sagres in the Algarve. There are loads of surf schools and camps and it would be easiest for you to stay in one. They can take you to the surf everyday and give you lessons and equipment.
The surf is generally small at that time of year so you'll probably need to go to the west coast everyday. If you don't have a hire car or stay in a camp then that will be very difficult. Sagres is closer to the west coast surf spots but pretty quiet. Lagos is a party town in summer with loads of restaurants and bars/clubs, so it depends on what you want.
Further north, Ericeira and Peniche/Baleal are packed with surf schools and are fun, although dealing with constant crowds in the surf can be tiresome. If you are a beginner though, these kind of places would be your best bet.

Broadly speaking I have found Portuguese surfers to be a bit unwelcoming to outsiders, probably because the spots I have mentioned are bustling with tourists even when the surf is crap. But a decent surf instructor will ensure you stay out of trouble, so no worries for you there really.

The water is pretty cold this time of year. You will need a 3/2 wetsuit.