Reviewed · WORKSHOPS
Windsurf Lessons
The first splash is part of the lesson. This 90-minute windsurf class in Sal gives you a clear, practical introduction to a sport that can feel puzzling at first. I like that qualified instructors explain the equipment on the beach before you enter the water, and I like that the price includes the board, sail, transfers, and instruction.
The main consideration is fitness and confidence in the water. This lesson is not suitable for non-swimmers, children under 9, pregnant women, people over 130 kilograms, or people with a low level of fitness. You should also expect to fall in. That is not a failure here. It is part of figuring out how the sail and board work together.
In This Review
- Key points to know before booking
- Getting started at the Surf Hub Cabo Verde shop
- On the beach, the equipment starts to make sense
- Your first attempt on the water
- Why Sal is a good place to try windsurfing
- Is $94 a fair price for 90 minutes?
- Who will enjoy this lesson most?
- What to bring mentally, even if equipment is supplied
- Booking and language details
- Should you book Windsurf Lessons in Sal?
- FAQ
- How long does the windsurf lesson last?
- What is included in the price?
- How much does the experience cost?
- What languages are available for instruction?
- Is the lesson suitable for children?
- Can I cancel the booking for a refund?
Key points to know before booking

- A proper beginner lesson: You learn sailing position, water entry and exit, and turning before trying the sport on your own.
- Everything is included: The price covers instruction, windsurfing equipment, and transfers to and from the beach.
- A private group: The lesson is arranged as a private group, giving your session a more personal feel than a large class.
- English and Portuguese instruction: You can take the lesson in either of these languages.
- A short but active session: Ninety minutes is enough for an introduction, but it is not a full course in windsurfing.
- Flexible booking terms: You can cancel up to 24 hours before the activity for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later.
Getting started at the Surf Hub Cabo Verde shop

Your session begins at Surf Hub Cabo Verde, where the equipment is prepared before you head to the beach. This first step matters more than it may seem. Windsurfing involves a board, a sail, and several pieces of equipment that need to be matched and handled correctly. Having the setup prepared for you lets you spend your time learning instead of trying to work out what goes where.
The equipment is included in the $94 per-person price. That makes the cost easier to judge, since you are not paying for a lesson first and then adding a separate rental fee. You also receive a transfer to and from the beach, so you do not need to arrange that part yourself.
I would still treat the shop as the start of the lesson, not as a long orientation. The useful work comes once the instructor takes you to the beach and puts the equipment into context.
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On the beach, the equipment starts to make sense

At the beach, your instructor explains the equipment and shows you how to use it. For a first-time windsurfer, this is the point where the sport becomes less mysterious. You can see how the board supports you, how the sail is handled, and how your body position affects movement.
The lesson covers the basic sailing position before you go into the water. This is valuable because windsurfing is not simply a matter of holding a sail and hoping the wind does the work. Your stance, balance, and handling all matter. A good first explanation can save you from wasting the opening minutes making the same mistake again and again.
The instructor also explains how to enter and exit the water. That practical information is especially useful for beginners, since getting onto the board is one of the first real tests of balance. You will also learn how to turn before you try it in the water. Knowing the basic movement in advance gives you a simple goal once you are afloat.
Your first attempt on the water

After the beach explanation, you get the chance to try windsurfing in the water. This is the most enjoyable part of the session, but it is also where you should keep your expectations sensible. A 90-minute lesson can teach the foundations and give you a feel for the sport. It cannot turn a complete beginner into a polished windsurfer in one morning.
You might fall in while getting onto the board or while trying to control the sail. The activity itself presents this as a normal part of learning, and that is the right attitude to bring. The first success may be modest: finding your position, catching the wind briefly, or moving along for a short stretch before losing balance.
The instructor’s role is important here. The session includes instruction by qualified instructors, not just equipment hire with a few quick directions. You can expect the emphasis to stay on basic technique and safe handling rather than on sending you out without support.
Because the group is private, you should have a more direct learning experience than you would in a large shared class. The exact amount of individual attention can depend on the group size within that private booking, so it is sensible to think of the session as personal instruction rather than a guaranteed one-to-one class.
Why Sal is a good place to try windsurfing

Sal is a fitting setting for a water-based activity, and this lesson gives you a way to experience the island through movement rather than from the shore. You are not simply watching the water. You are learning how wind, sail, and board work together.
That active element is the real appeal. If your holiday has included plenty of sitting around, a windsurf lesson changes the pace. You spend the session learning new skills, getting wet, and working with the wind. It is a physical activity, but the lesson remains focused on beginners rather than on advanced performance.
I also like the fact that the experience includes instruction in the basics before the first attempt. Some water activities can feel like rentals with a quick handoff. Here, you get an explanation of sailing position, entry and exit, and turning, which gives the experience more structure and value.
Still, you should not book this simply because you like the idea of an easy beach activity. Windsurfing requires effort and balance. The activity is specifically not suitable for people with a low level of fitness, and non-swimmers cannot take part.
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Is $94 a fair price for 90 minutes?
At $94 per person, this is not a cheap add-on for a casual hour at the beach. The price makes more sense when you count what is included: a qualified instructor, all windsurfing equipment, and transfers to and from the beach.
You are paying for a guided introduction rather than for board hire alone. That matters if you have never windsurfed before, since choosing equipment and learning the basic movements without help could make the first attempt frustrating.
The short duration is the main limit. Ninety minutes gives you time to understand the equipment, practise on the beach, and make an initial attempt on the water. If you quickly catch on, you may wish the lesson lasted longer. If balance and sail control take time, the session may feel just right for a first try.
I would consider the price reasonable for someone who wants a structured introduction and values convenience. It is less attractive if you already windsurf and only need equipment, since the experience is designed for beginners and includes teaching you may not need.
Who will enjoy this lesson most?

This experience suits adults and older children who want to learn something active during a stay in Sal. The minimum age is 9, so it can work for families with children who meet the age requirement, provided they are swimmers and comfortable with a physical lesson.
It is also a good choice for someone who wants to test windsurfing without committing to a longer course. You get a first look at the sport, learn the basic skills, and find out how you feel on the board. If you enjoy it, you can decide later if you want more instruction.
The activity may not suit you if you want a relaxed outing with little physical effort. It is also not appropriate for pregnant women, non-swimmers, people over 130 kilograms, people over 95 years of age, or anyone with a low level of fitness.
You should not bring alcohol or drugs to the activity. The focus is on instruction, balance, and safe participation.
What to bring mentally, even if equipment is supplied

All equipment is included, so you do not need to arrange your own board or sail. The transfer to and from the beach is also covered, which removes two practical chores from your day.
The bigger preparation is your attitude. You will probably not sail smoothly from the first minute. Expect a mix of explanation, practice, adjustment, and falls. If you can laugh at a splash and listen closely to the instructor, you will get more from the lesson.
Wear what you are comfortable getting wet in, although the supplied information does not specify clothing requirements. Since the activity involves entering the water and falling in, plan your day around a genuine water session, not a dry demonstration.
Booking and language details

The lesson lasts 90 minutes, with starting times depending on availability. Instruction is offered in English and Portuguese, so choose the language that lets you follow movement and safety instructions most easily.
The activity is arranged as a private group. That can be a strong choice for couples, families, or friends who want to learn together without joining a large public class.
You can reserve the activity and pay later, which helps if you are still arranging the rest of your Sal schedule. You can also cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Those terms are useful when weather, health, or changing holiday plans might affect your day, though the supplied details do not state how weather-related changes are handled.
Should you book Windsurf Lessons in Sal?

Book this lesson if you want a hands-on introduction to windsurfing and value having the equipment, transfers, and instruction bundled into one price. It is especially suitable if you are willing to work, get wet, and accept that falling is part of learning.
Think twice if you want a gentle beach activity, have limited fitness, or cannot swim. Also remember that 90 minutes is a first taste, not a complete windsurfing course. For the right beginner, though, this is a practical way to spend part of your time in Sal, with enough instruction to turn a sail and board into a real skill rather than a holiday curiosity.
FAQ
How long does the windsurf lesson last?
The lesson lasts 90 minutes.
What is included in the price?
The price includes instruction by qualified instructors, all windsurfing equipment, and transfers to and from the beach.
How much does the experience cost?
The price is $94 per person.
What languages are available for instruction?
Instruction is available in English and Portuguese.
Is the lesson suitable for children?
The lesson is not suitable for children under 9 years old.
Can I cancel the booking for a refund?
Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later.
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