Surf Lessons at Arpoador in Ipanema

Recommended by 92% of travelers

Badge of Excellence

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Great choice

10+ bookings last month.

1 hour 10 minutes (approx.)
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English

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Overview

What's Included

All necessary equipment for your safety during class.

Private transportation
Lunch

Meeting and Pickup

Meeting point

Escola de Surf - Surf Matrix - Ipanema, Rio de Janeiro - RJ, 22080-050, Brazil
We will meet at Arpoador Beach, in Ipanema, at the yellow tent (Surf Matrix). We will try to contact the students before the class. If we are unable to do so, please go directly to the yellow tent.

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

What To Expect

Additional Info

Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Wheelchair accessible
Stroller accessible
Service animals allowed
Near public transportation
Surfaces are wheelchair accessible

Not recommended for travelers with back problems
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
Most travelers can participate
This tour/activity will have a maximum of 8 travelers

Supplied by

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

Traveler Photos

Gallery picture 1 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 2 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 3 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 4 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 5 (from a traveler's review)

Featured review

Erin_S

It was kind of a rough day for waves but the instructors were so patient and nice. We had a blast trying it out!

Reviews

4.7

based on 25 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

We perform checks on reviews

Too many people in our group

jasmine_t, Feb 2026

I was so excited to do this activity because I’ve always wanted to surf. The biggest issue I had is that I was told there would be 8 people in our group and 3 instructors but there ended up being 13 people. There was no clear guidance or instruction when we actually got in the water. It’s impossible for 3 instructors to safely watch and help 13 people. I spent majority of my time in the water alone waiting on an instructor to come to me and help me catch a wave. We also had random instructors from other surf schools helping us because our instructors were occupied with other people from the class. Also, when a surfable wave is coming, we’re told to paddle and then the surfboard is pushed but I had no idea how long to paddle for or when I should actually standup to surf. My cousin isn’t a strong swimmer and she told the instructor that multiple times and she was barely paid any attention, which felt dangerous. She also had a random surfer stay with her to help which was extremely kind on their part, but not what she paid for. I think one the class has alot of potential if we would have actually stuck to the group limit.

Response from Host, Feb 2026

Agradecemos o seu feedback e entendemos a sua colocação, porém gostaríamos de esclarecer alguns pontos importantes. No dia da aula havia 13 alunos e 5 instrutores na água, número compatível com a dinâmica de aulas em grupo. Todas as orientações foram explicadas antes da entrada no mar pelo instrutor Rafael, incluindo como remar, quando subir na prancha e os procedimentos de segurança. Durante a atividade, também foram dados comandos verbais na água para auxiliar os alunos no momento correto. Em relação à sua prima, justamente por ela informar que não era uma nadadora forte, foi chamado um instrutor adicional para dar suporte específico a ela, priorizando a segurança. O fato de outros instrutores presentes na área ajudarem também faz parte do ambiente colaborativo entre escolas na praia e não representa falta de assistência. Sobre a sua experiência individual, percebemos que houve bastante dificuldade em manter o equilíbrio e subir na prancha apesar de está em. Uma 9.0 Boat (Uma prancha grande), algo comum para iniciantes, principalmente na primeira aula. Ainda assim, toda a equipe estava disponível para auxiliar dentro da dinâmica proposta. De qualquer forma, levamos seu comentário em consideração e estamos sempre buscando melhorar nossa organização e comunicação para oferecer a melhor experiência possível aos nossos alunos. Os demais alunos aproveitaram a aula e nos deram feedbacks positivos sobre a experiência. Lamentamos que a sua experiência não tenha sido da mesma forma. Agradecemos pela avaliação.

Let's catch some waves 🌊

Petr_H, Nov 2025

Hell yeah. I loved it . Instructor was super educated and focused on safety. Felt awesome. Had so much fun.Obrigado🤙❤️🌊

It was kind of a rough...

Erin_S, Sep 2025

It was kind of a rough day for waves but the instructors were so patient and nice. We had a blast trying it out!

Response from Host, Sep 2025

Realmente foi um dia desafiador, mas vocês mostraram muita persistência e não desistiram fácil. Parabéns pelo esforço!

Had an absolutely great...

Raj_B, Apr 2025

Had an absolutely great time - wife and myself and two boys (14/11) all first timers and the instruction, proportion of time on the water, and the laughs/smiles/fun were amazing. Ipanema beach is great. Recommend this for any family!

Response from Host, Apr 2025

Ficamos muito feliz em saber que todos se divertiram e aproveitaram o momento juntos.

Good communication, great 1:1 instructions

Barbara_S, Nov 2024

Great communication, reached out immediately after booking and answered all questions. Great one on one lesson - even in a group. Spoke English and Spanish. They tailored the lesson to your level of experience. They provided a wetsuit since the water was cold and your belongings are secure.

Response from Host, Dec 2024

Obrigado pelo feedback! Ficamos felizes que você tenha gostado da aula personalizada e do nosso atendimento.

Booked an English tour and got no English

Bree_L, Jan 2024

We booked an english guide because thats the only language we speak and the man who came with us did not speak any english. I was not able to successfully surf because he could not give me any tips. You can get this for way cheaper somewhere else and just confirm in person that you have someone who speaks your language.