Learn to surf in Arpoador is to experience Rio DE Janeiro in a unique way!
With an instructor with over 25 years OF experience, you learn to master the DA's on the most iconic spot of the city, surrounded BY a stunning view and the contagious energy OF Ipanema beach.
Classes for all ages and levels, with boards in great condition, lycras and wetsuits included.
Come and experience the green Vibe of Rio de Janeiro surf — a perfect blend of sport, nature and freedom.
Schedule & prices
Runs
Every day
Next available
Tue, Oct 13
Adult (ages 18–65)
$37
Youth (ages 12–17)
$37
Child (ages 5–11)
$37
From the operator’s live schedule on Viator, checked Oct 12.
Tour Options
Surf class in Arpoador
What's included
Included
Equipment for surf class: surfboards, lycras, wetsuits and the world's paraffin improvement.
Traveller Ratings
Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor
5.0
9 reviews
5
9
4
0
3
0
2
0
1
0
How it compares in Rio de Janeiro
Starting price $37 is 55% below the typical $81 for tours of similar length in Rio de Janeiro
Excurgo comparison of 1,665 Viator tours, recalculated daily.
Important Information
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Cancellation
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
1+ days before100% refund
0–1 days before0% refund
Frequently asked questions
How long does Surf class in Arpoador take?
Surf class in Arpoador lasts about 1 hour.
How much does Surf class in Arpoador cost?
Prices start at $37 per person for this Rio de Janeiro experience, booked through Viator with the price shown before checkout. There is 1 booking option, so the final price depends on the option you choose.
What days does Surf class in Arpoador run?
According to the operator’s current schedule, it runs every day.
How much does Surf class in Arpoador cost for children?
Children aged 5–11 pay from $37, adults from $37.
Can I cancel Surf class in Arpoador for free?
Yes. Cancel at least 1 day before the start for a full refund. Later cancellations are non-refundable.
Where does the tour start?
The meeting point is We stayed right in front of Post 7. Hotel pickup is not part of this experience.
What languages is Surf class in Arpoador offered in?
The experience is available in PT, EN.
Is this a private or a group tour?
It is a private experience: only your party takes part. Up to 1 travellers can book together.
Will my booking be confirmed immediately?
Yes, bookings are confirmed instantly.
Is Surf class in Arpoador worth it?
Travellers rate it 5.0 out of 5 across 9 reviews on Viator and Tripadvisor; it is run by Escola De Surf Ipanema - Paulo Dolabella.
Reviews(9)
Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor
I
I299PNlucasf
November 21, 2025 · via Tripadvisor
Sensational classes
Paulinho is simply sensational! His school is undoubtedly the best option for those who want to learn to surf and develop balance with safety and confidence. The classes are incredible, very didactic and fun, always with that good energy that only the Arpoador, the largest surf scene in RJ provides!
I like classes too much, they are motivating, well accompanied and always make me evolve. Super recommend!
Operator response
Muito obrigado Lucas! que bom que você gostou de surfar com a nossa equipe! Até o próximo surf no Arpoador com a nossa equipe!
9
956luisguilhermef
October 21, 2025 · via Tripadvisor
Sensational experience!
Excellent experience, Paulo and the instructor Marquinhos were hyper attentive and showed me as details the technique and even managed to surf in my first class!
It was sensational! Thank you to the school!!
Operator response
Muito obrigado pela sua avaliação! Ficamos felizes em saber que sua primeira aula de surf no Arpoador foi tão especial. O Paulo Dolabella e o instrutor Marquinhos realmente têm como prioridade ensinar técnica de verdade, com atenção individual e segurança — por isso tantos alunos conseguem evoluir já no primeiro dia.
É um prazer enorme fazer parte do seu início no surf. Quando quiser voltar para treinar mais e pegar novas ondas no Arpoador, estaremos aqui te esperando!
M
magdalenamN6753ZK
September 22, 2025 · via Tripadvisor
Super fun surf lessons
I really enjoyed doing surflessons with Ipanema Surf School. They made me feel really save in the water and always helped me to get back out into the water again if I was struggling with the board. The instructors are super fun and encouraging. I would definitely recommend :)
Operator response
Thank you so much for surfing with us! 🌊
We’re stoked to hear you felt safe in the water and supported by our instructors that’s our priority at Escola de Surf Ipanema (Ipanema Surf School), led by Paulo Dolabella, right here at Arpoador Beach, Rio de Janeiro.
Our team loves helping students get back out for the next wave and progress with confidence. 🤙
We’d love to see you again for more surf lessons in Rio de Janeiro the waves at Arpoador are waiting!
J
joaonP7993VV
September 22, 2025 · via Tripadvisor
Surf classes in the arpoador
Perfect class with Paulo at Ipanema surf school. Competent and super attentive instructor with students giving tips to evolve and helping with that experience at sea. I chose the class package and super recommend to everyone.
Operator response
Thanks a lot for your feedback! 🌊
We're thrilled to know you had a perfect surf class with Paulo Dolabella here at Escola de Surf Ipanema, right on Arpoador Beach.
Our goal is to make every student feel confident in the sea and evolve with each wave.
The class packages are a great choice to improve your technique while enjoying the best surf vibes in Rio de Janeiro. 🤙
Hope to see you back soon for more surf lessons in Rio!
C
Curious56725769746
September 19, 2025 · via Tripadvisor
Overcoming my fears
Learning to surf with Paul has been challenging because I am very afraid of the sea, and he teaches me to have confidence by showing me that I am capable. Surfing is one of the best sensations of life, a mixture of fatigue, with freedom, happiness, is wonderful!!!!Super indicate the School of Surf Ipanema, besides Paulo has other super prepared teachers. Try it once in a lifetime. ♀️ ♀️ ♀️ ♀️ ♀️ ♀️ ♀️
1 people found this helpful
Operator response
Que depoimento inspirador! 🤙 O professor Paulo Dolabella e toda a equipe da Escola de Surf Ipanema, aqui no Arpoador, ficam muito felizes em saber que você está superando seus medos e ganhando confiança no mar. 🏄♀
Surfar é exatamente essa mistura de desafio, liberdade e felicidade que você descreveu – e nosso propósito é fazer cada aluno se sentir capaz e seguro para viver essa experiência única. 🌊 Valeu pela recomendação e esperamos te ver sempre nas ondas do Arpoador com a gente!
9
910alexandrea
September 18, 2025 · via Tripadvisor
Best Surf School
Paulinho and the team of instructors are excellent, boards of all sizes and great. Friendship and learning with lots of joy and quality
1 people found this helpful
Operator response
Valeu demais pelo feedback! 🤙 O Paulo Dolabella (Paulinho) e toda a equipe da Escola de Surf Ipanema, aqui no Arpoador, ficam muito felizes em saber que você curtiu nossas aulas, pranchas de todos os tamanhos e essa vibe de amizade + aprendizagem. 🏄♂
Nosso objetivo é exatamente esse: oferecer qualidade, segurança e alegria para cada aluno, para que aprender a surfar seja uma experiência completa e inesquecível. 🌊 Te esperamos para mais sessions nas ondas do Rio!
A
anasL7701NI
September 18, 2025 · via Tripadvisor
The best surf school in Rio
The Ipanema Surf School is wonderful! Professor Paulo Dolabella has an excellent didactic and teaches various techniques that help the student to learn and develop surfing skills!!! The team of teachers at the school is great!!! More than learning a new sport, the fun is guaranteed!! I recommend!!!
1 people found this helpful
Operator response
Uau, muito obrigado pelo carinho! 🤙 É demais saber que você considera a Escola de Surf Ipanema a melhor escolinha de surfe do Rio. O professor Paulo Dolabella e toda a equipe ficam felizes em ver que nossa didática, técnicas e energia estão te ajudando a evoluir e, ao mesmo tempo, se divertir no Arpoador 🏄♂
Nosso propósito é exatamente esse: mais do que aprender um novo esporte, viver momentos inesquecíveis nas ondas do Rio com segurança, técnica e alto astral. 🌊 Valeu pela recomendação, te esperamos para mais sessions com a gente!
I
Isabella G
September 15, 2025 · via Tripadvisor
MELHOR ESCOLA DE SURFE DO ARPOADOR
Melhor Escolinha do Arpodor
I met the Ipanema Surf School in 2021
through a friend during the pandemic and I am a student to this day. The team of instructors led by Paulinho is super attentive and high astral. Group classes have a very small number of students, which is great because the instructors can give you plenty of attention and put you in the best waves. In the first class I was able to stand up. I recommend and indicate with the eyes closed.
Operator response
Que vibe boa ler isso! 🤙 Ficamos muito felizes em saber que desde 2021 você vem fazendo parte da família da Escola de Surf Ipanema, aqui no Arpoador. O professor Paulo Dolabella e toda a equipe agradecem demais o carinho! 🏄♀
Nosso objetivo é exatamente esse: aulas em grupo com turmas reduzidas, atenção personalizada e energia alto astral para te colocar nas melhores ondas e fazer você evoluir rápido – como aconteceu já na sua primeira aula. 🌊 Valeu por indicar e recomendar, nos vemos nas próximas ondas!
D
deccabraga
September 15, 2025 · via Tripadvisor
“Best surf lesson ever!
I was looking for a surf lesson at Arpoador and some friends told me about Escola de Surf Ipanema with Paulo Dolabella. He’s been teaching for over 25 years and you can feel the experience right away. It was my first time surfing and I had an amazing time! Paulo is super patient, explains everything and makes you feel safe in the ocean. More than just learning to surf, it felt like a real Rio experience at one of the city’s most iconic beaches. Totally recommend it to anyone looking for surf lessons in Rio de Janeiro.
Operator response
Muito obrigado pela sua avaliação e por compartilhar sua experiência! 🌊
Ficamos felizes em saber que você curtiu sua aula com o professor Paulo Dolabella. Nosso objetivo é justamente oferecer segurança, técnica e a energia única do Arpoador para iniciantes e surfistas em evolução.
Esperamos te ver de novo nas ondas de Ipanema! 🤙
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