Everyone starts somewhere. Our certified local coaches read the forecast and your level, then put you on the right wave with the right board, gear included. First time up or hundredth, you learn from people who've spent their lives in this ocean.
This is São Miguel. Black sand, clean Atlantic lines and a coast that shifts with every swell. We follow the conditions across the island, so you surf the best spot on the day.
Surfing was never meant to be a one-time thing. Black Sand Box exists to grow a healthy life by the ocean, for locals and visitors alike. Come back for the next lesson, the next swell, the same faces on the beach. The more you return, the more it becomes yours.
The Black Sand Box project in Azores, São Miguel, was born to foster a healthy lifestyle
in the local community through sport.
We offer surf and skate lessons for all ages, provide surf equipment rental, organize events,
competitions, demonstrations and social action activities. We offer a professional and dedicated
service so that you have fun like never before.
Local Surf Pro João was born and raised in São Miguel Island. His work shows passion and dedication to life by the ocean. He is an athlete, coach (IPDJ Level II / ISA level II) and judge (FPS and ISA). João has spent the last five years teaching surfing and training local youngsters.
Originally from Germany, Erik has spent half of his life by the sea, surfing and lifeguarding the busy point breaks in eastern Australia. After leaving OZ and moving to Porto (Portugal), his love for surfing brought him finally to São Miguel, where now his home is. The ocean and the mountains are his passion. He is a surfer, coach, wanderer, photograph and a part-time architect.
Born in Torres Vedras, he began bodyboarding and bodysurfing in the beaches of Santa Cruz and Figueira da Foz. After moving to São Miguel Island, he has been working as a guide and runs a hostel. Inspired by one of his guests, Fred got into surfing. Nowadays he is sharing his knowledge with others who are willing to try their strength in surfing.
Leonardo, born in São Paulo, is a surf instructor, life guard and black belt in jiu jitsu. He lives in São Miguel since 2023 where he discovered unique waves. He loves to spend time in nature and surfing gives him what no other sport can give. He is patient and dedicated to be a good surfer and teacher. Surfing is his life.
Our local surf guide knows the waters of São Miguel like no one else. Growing up on the west coast of the island he has dedicated his life to the ocean. If you are not sure of where is the best place to stay in the lineup and want to catch more waves, he is the right person that will guide you and help you make the most of your session.
Born and raised on São Miguel Island, Catarina discovered surfing at the age of 26, and it completely changed her life. A former Nutritionist, she now combines her love for health, movement, and the ocean as a Surf Instructor and Yoga Teacher. Knowing firsthand the challenges of starting surf later in life, Catarina is passionate about helping students of all levels gain confidence, have fun, and enjoy the waves.
Our lessons run for 1h30. The time and location might vary as we want to provide you the best conditions. We will confirm the details of the lesson beforehand.
Want to go solo? We rent surfboards, bodyboards and wetsuits by the day.
Black Sand Box (Surf) is a company licensed by the Regional Government of the Azores as a tourist maritime operator (OMT-16/2018).
We have insurances of civil liability and personal accident so that you’re always covered (included in the value of the classes).
The surf coaches are accredited by ISA with the level II course and IPDJ Level I and II.
