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Children’s Sports: The Local Classes Amid Pandemic

There is plenty of fun and safe children’s sports options available in Ericeira, even now during the pandemic. Ericeira is becoming synonymous with a healthy, cool lifestyle, where you can find a wide range of related offers.

“I sometimes think I am living in a lifestyle magazine…”

Someone on Facebook group Expats in Ericeira area.

Yes, variety is great, we all agree. But, what does it for me, is the fact that everything is available within walking distance or less than 10 or 15 minutes drive.

From surfing to horse riding, there are local classes to tick all the boxes. This means that you are likely to find something that your children will like; that is safe amid the pandemic; and, that you can make happen. What else could make us parents happier?

Besides all of the immediate benefits, children’s sports classes are also an investment in the future. These classes can foster an appreciation of fitness and personal health that we parents so much dream about. Especially, knowing that this is something children may carry for life.

36 Skate School courtesy - Children's sports class
36 Skate School courtesy – Children’s sports class

So What is On?

At present, some of the local indoor classes have been temporarily suspended due to the current pandemic. This is especially true for the ones taking place in municipal venues. These classes are likely to resume from 1st September. Meanwhile, other classes have adjusted to teaching either smaller groups or individual classes, to comply with the new health recommendations.

The classes that usually involve physical contact, such as the popular Jujitsu at Boardriders, have also changed to adapt to the new social distance recommendations.

There are, however, more than a few indoor classes going on. These include all of the usual swimming classes, as well as a few dance classes, such as the Positive Nomad Studio’s K-pop and Ballet, as well as all of the People Mafra gym’s classes. The same goes for the Boardriders’s Jujitsu and other similar sports like Capoeira and Judo. On top of that, there is also Yoga taught at the Yoga Surf Portugal, and at home with Zenzah.

In any case, outdoor activities make up the bulk of the available classes this Summer. Especially surf classes, but also skating and horse riding.

Besides the classes, there is also a variety of Summer day-camp options currently available, about which you can find out more here.

Children’s Sports Class: Horse Riding

Around Ericeira, there are two main horse riding schools, where children can take regular classes from as early as the age of 4 or 5 years old. These first classes, usually focus on learning the basics, such as how to feed and care for the horse. The next step will be to learn how to ride, to practice balance and coordination.

Equine Therapy Ericeira
Espaço Gaya – Ericeira courtesy

Alternatively, too, or as a preparation for the riding classes, Espaço GAYA offers Equine Therapy. These individual sessions are available to children from the age of 3.

Regarding the pandemic safety recommendations, these classes fall into the individual practice of outdoor sports category.

Fees-wise, the local horse riding schools offer flexible packages of 5 or 10 classes, to be completed within 3 months. Students may choose to book all classes in advance or, one by one, up to until the day before the class. Whereas in Equine Therapy, sessions are booked one by one, according to progress.

Quinta do Azinheira

Children's sports: horse riding class, Quinta do Azinheira courtesy
Horse riding lessons – Children’s Sports – Quinta do Azinheira courtesy
  • Age: from 5 years old
  • Time: Tuesday to Friday from 2:30 pm to 7:30 pm. All day on Saturdays, and morning on Sundays
  • Fees: the annual insurance, plus flexible 10 classes packs, valid for 3 months
  • Location: Estrada da Carvoeira, nº 549
  • Safety: annual insurance; Covid-19 recommendations
  • Booking only
  • Contact: by email ruinunes.quintazinheira@gmail.com, telephone +351 968 034528 / 962 806 945 or visit their Facebook page

Cerro Lusitano

Children's Sports - Horse riding lessons - Cerro Lusitano Courtesy
Horse riding lessons – Children’s Sports – Cerro Lusitano Courtesy
  • Age: children from 4 years old
  • Classes: about 20 minutes long for beginners, Tuesday to Saturday
  • Fees: annual insurance and flexible packs of 5 classes
  • Location: Estrada da Casa Nova, 10. 3 km from Ericeira
  • Contact: 351 966 717 575 or Cerro Lusitano Facebook page

Children’s Sports Class: Surf and Skate

As you can well imagine, there are many surf schools in Ericeira, with skating classes are becoming increasingly popular. These include the Ericeira Surf Clube, the Tiago Pires Surf School, the Academia Surf Ericeira, and the Boardrider’s skate class, to name just a few.

Ericeira Surf Clube

The Ericeira Surf Clube’s classes are excellent value for money. With monthly deals and pack offers coming in at around €10 per class, you will find no cheaper.

  • Age: from 8 years old
  • Equipment: included, kept for individual use, washed and disinfected after each class
  • Group size: 5 to 6 per adult
  • Transport: not included
  • Safety: insurance; following Covid-19 safety recommendations
  • Location: school at São Sebastião, lessons at Praia do Matadouro
  • Contact: esc.escola@gmail.com or +351 934 886 259

Tiago Pires Surf School at Boardridres

Tiago Pires Surf School is a renowned surfer’s project that focuses on teaching children. The school is based at the Boardriders skate park, whereas the classes are taught at the beautiful Matadouro beach across the road.

 Tiago Pires Surf School - Praia do Matadouro
Tiago Pires Surf School – Praia do Matadouro – Children’s sports classes
  • Age: from 7 years old
  • Equipment: included, washed and disinfected after each class
  • Group size: up to 5 children per adult. Less if there are beginners
  • Transport: not included
  • Safety: insurance; following Covid-19 safety recommendations
  • Location: Boardriders Quiksilver, Matadouro beach
  • Fees: packs of 3 or 6 classes, as well as a one-off option
  • Contact: +351 961 411 373
  • More: visit Tiago Pires Surf School Facebook page or this page

Academia Surf Ericeira

Academia Surf Ericeira combines skating and surfing, and also offers yoga classes and healthy food from their takeaway restaurant. The goal is to improve performance, as well as to experience the surf.

Academia Surf Ericeira
Academia Surf Ericeira courtesy – Children’s sports classes in Ericeira
  • Age: from as early as 4 years old for individuals, depending on the child. Groups generally from 6 or 7 years old
  • Time: Surf at Wednesdays and Sundays, skate at the weekends
  • Duration: Surf 2 hours in the water, allow 3 hours
  • Location: Surf at Ribeira d’Ilhas is the main beach; Skate at the 58 Shop
  • Equipment: all included, washed and disinfected after each class
  • Group size: 4 to 5 students per teacher
  • Transport: not included during pandemic
  • Safety: insurance included, following Covid-19 safety recommendations
  • More: Academia Surf Ericeira Facebook page

The Ocean Surf School

This surf school is run by two brothers, both level 2 surf instructors, and lifeguards. Their focus is on safety, which according to them, comes with the learner’s knowledge about the sea.

  • Age: from as early as 5 years old, depending on skills
  • Time: low tide, check chart
  • Duration: 1,5 hours
  • Location: Sao Juliao and Coxos beaches
  • Equipment: all included, washed and disinfected after each class
  • Group size: 3 to 5 students
  • Transport: included with the use of mask and alcohol gel
  • Safety: following Covid-19 safety recommendations

36 Skate School at Boardriders

Boardriders offers individual or group skate classes to children from the age of 5, at their amazing skate park. Miguel, the teacher, is specially trained for the job and takes great pride in what he does.

36 Skate School at BordRiders Ericeira - Children's Sports Classes
36 Skate School at BordRiders Ericeira courtesy – Children’s Sports Classes

Fees are from €10 per group lesson if you buy a pack of 10, or from €20 for private lessons.

Children’s Dance Classes: K-Pop, Ballet and Hip Hop

The local dance classes include K-pop, at the Positive Nomad Studio with the international dancer SunBee, as well as Ballet and Hip Hop in several venues around the town.

Positive Nomad Studio. K-Pop and Ballet Ericeira
Positive Nomad Studio

The most popular dance classes around here are Ballet and Hip Hop. The first is also currently available at the Positive nomad studio (from 7 years old) and the People Family Club in Mafra (from 3 years old). And, from September these will be available at the Parque Desportivo Municipal, as well as at the Municipal Swimming Pool in Ericeira, both for 6 years old children and above.

The Hip Hop classes are currently available at the People Family Club but temporarily suspended at the Urban Park in Sobreiro, and Parque Desportivo Municipal in Mafra.

Children’s Sports Class: Gymnastics and Trampoline

Just like everywhere else, Gymnastics is among the most popular children’s sports classes in Ericeira. We have a range of varieties, including Acrobatic Gymnastics, Acro dance, trampoline, and, usually, Aerial Silks.

Children's Sports - Aerial Silks Ribamar. Photography by Hugo Sousa
Children’s Sports – Aerial Silks Ribamar. Photography by Hugo Sousa

Some of these classes have been temporarily suspended, and are expected to resume from 1st September. This is especially the case for classes held at municipal venues.

In any case, Trampoline classes are usually taught at the Urban Park in Sobreiro, at Mafra’s Municipal Sports Park, and the Sofacro Gym, in Ericeira.

Whereas Gymnastics and Acrobatics, are taught at Mafra’s Municipal Sports Park, at the Sofacro Gym, in Ericeira, and at the community sports hall Associação de Moradores de Ribamar.

Aerial Silks, however, are currently suspended at the community sports hall Associação de Moradores de Ribamar, while waiting for equipment reconditioning.

Children’s Sports: Martial Arts Classes

There are Judo, Jujitsu & Capoeira classes available for children in Ericeira, as follows.

Judo at People Family Club Mafra

The venue is great, comfortable, and warm. The atmosphere is also friendly. You can check their timetable here.

  • Ages: 3 years old and above
  • Time: Tuesdays and Fridays from 18:15
  • Fees: registration, 25€/month once a week, €36/month twice a week

Jiu Jitsu at the BoardRiders Ericeira

Jiu Jitsu class at BoardRiders Ericeira
Jiu-Jitsu class at Boardriders Ericeira

We have a few friends whose children go to Bordriders’s Jui Jitsu class. Both children and parents love the class and the teacher! Some parents have commented on how this class has helped their children to become more confident. Whereas other parents have highlighted the discipline.

  • Time: Tuesdays and Thursdays from 17:00
  • Age: from about 3 years old, once potty trained
  • Fees: € 40/month, 2 classes per week

Capoeira Guanabara Ericeira

Children are welcome to try this class, free of charge. Just drop Diego a message for booking.

  • Time: Wednesdays and Fridays at 17:00
  • Ages: from 3 years old
  • Fees: € 30/month, 2 classes per week

Children’s Sports: Swimming Classes

Swimming is thought to be one of the safest indoor classes during the pandemic. These classes are currently available for 6 months old babies and above at the People Family Club and, from September the first, at the municipal swimming pool in Ericeira, Mafra, and Encarnacao.

Regardless of the venue, you will be able to book your first class for free, at the desk. This class is usually a level test meant to help to decide which class is best suited to your child. 

Remember to bring to the first class: swimming cap, swimming suit, flip-flops and towels for both you and your little one. 

Directory – Children’s Sports Classes

Academia Surf Ericeira

Associacao de Moradores de Ribamar

  • Contact: email amrgeral@gmail.com or call +351 261 869 215, on Mon/Tue/Thu 19h30 to 20h and Wed 18h30 to 20h30
  • Address: Estrada Municipal 247 km 46, 2640-027 Ribamar
  • More information here
  • Saturdays from 10:00 to 13:00

BoardRiders Ericeira, Jujitsu at the

  • Contact: Vinicius Costantino, +351 926 895 188 
  • Address: Avenida São Sebastião, 36, 2655-319 Ericeira
  • More information here

Bombeiros Voluntários Ericeira, Capoeira at the 

  • Address: EN247 Rua dos Bombeiros Voluntários, Ericeira
  • Contact: Diego Vargas Tel. +351 925 410 088 email capoeiraguanabaraportugal@gmail.com
  • More info here

Cerro Lusitano Horse Riding

  • Location: Estrada da Casa Nova, 10. Only 3 km from Ericeira
  • Contact:  351 966 717 575 or Cerro Lusitano
  • More: Facebook page

Ericeira Surf Clube

  • Location: São Sebastião (school) and Praia do Matadouro (practice)
  • Contact: +351934886259 or ericeirasurfclube@gmail.com
  • More: Facebook page

Ericeira Municipal Swimming Pool

  • Contact: piscinas.ericeira@cm-mafra.pt Tel. + 351 261 860 149 or +351 261 022 658, ask for Ericeira
  • Desk opening time: Tuesday to Friday from 10:00 to 13:00 and 15:00 to 19:00. Saturdays from 10:00 to 13:00

Espaço Gaya

  • Equine Therapy
  • Location: Quinta das Terras Velhas, R. das Terras Velhas, 2655-469 Ericeira
  • Contact: +351 918 644 781
  • More: Espaço GAYA Facebook page

Mafra Municipal Park and Swimming Pool

  • Address: Av. Dr. Francisco Sá Carneiro – 2640-486 Mafra
  • Contact: mafrativa@cm-mafra.pt Tel. +351 261 022 658, ask for Mafra
  • Desk opening time: Tuesday to Friday from 10:00 to 13:00 and 15:00 to 19:00. Saturdays from 10:00 to 13:00

People Family Club, Swimming, Jiu Jitsu and Dancing at the

  • Contact: mafra@peoplefamilyclub.com Tel. +351 261 408 263 
  • Address: Rua do sol nascente, 2640-431 Mafra 
  • More information on their website

Positive Nomad Studio, in Lagoa

  • Contact: thepositivenomad@gmail.com or 925 609 009
  • Address: R. Central 15-5, Santo Isidoro
  • For more information check the Facebook page here

Quinta do Azinheira Horse Riding

Sofacro Gym (Clube Acrodança Ericeira) Gymnastic and Trampoline at the

  • Contacto: email acrobatikprecision@gmail.com or telephone 965 631 257
  • Address: Urbanização Quinta Ribeira da Baleia, 2655-350 Ericeira. In Front of Continente Supermarket 
  • More: Instagram @acrobatikprecision, Sofacro Gym FB page

Tiago Pires Surf School, at BoardRiders Ericeira

  • Location: Boardriders Quiksilver, Largo São Sebastião 36 A, 2655-319 Ericeira
  • Contact: +351 961 411 373 
  • More information on Tiago Pires Surf School Facebook page or this page 

Urban Park in Sobreiro, Trampoline and Hip Hop at the

  • Contact: Tel. 911 834 968 / 918 443 14
  • Address: Rua Da Indústria, Mafra 2640
  • More information on their website

36 Skate School, at BoardRiders Ericeira

  • Contact: quiksilver.ericeira@boardriders.com or +351 911 593 809
  • Address: Boardriders Quiksilver, Largo São Sebastião 36 A, 2655-319 Ericeira
  • More: Facebook page and Instagram @36SKATESCHOOL

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