Madeira Calhau Surf School

Being the first and also the oldest school in Madeira, Madeira Calhau Surf School provides everything necessary for anyone who wishes to learn how to surf.

The surf school also explains the surfing lifestyle and caters for those who have already surfed for years and want to explore the waves of the world.

The surf team is built around Rodolfo Machado, who helped introduce surfing to Madeira some 25 years ago. He’s been an inspiring part of almost every known surfer’s life and is continuously helping out with the regional championships on the island as co-organiser and judge.

The surf instructors:
Rodolfo Machado
The engine of Calhau is originally from mainland Portugal. He spent his youth travelling the world as an architect and surfer before finding his home in Madeira in 1992.
Speaks: Italian, French, English, Spanish and Portuguese and is currently taking German lessons.

Augustu Mendes “Duro” :
Locally born, Duro has been the consecutive regional Bodyboarding Champion for the last few years and knows the home break better than anyone. He spends most of his time in the water and lives right on the beach.
Speaks: Portuguese and English

Mario Henriquez
Mario is a Venezuelan born surfer who moved to Madeira only a few year ago. He's probably surfed more spots in Madeira than most local surfers. He’s experienced in heavy conditions and has one of the more competitive styles on the island.
Speaks: Spanish, Portuguese and English

Dan Henriksson
Dan is a Swedish born snowboarder who moved to Madeira in 2005. He is the newest addition to the team. Dan helped introduce longboard skating to the island 10 years ago and has impressively progressed his surf skills with each passing year.
Speaks: Swedish and English.

Ana Paula Machado
Ana is the Manager and has managed various companies on the island of Madeira. She is also the hotel’s mentor and creates exquisite dishes in the restaurant. Ana started practicing surfing at the age of 39, she has participated in and won some local female surf competitions. She has travelled the world extensively and knows some of the best surf spots.
Speaks: French, English, and Portuguese

Rui Rodrigues
Rui has been a bodyboarder since his youth. He is an experienced traveller is the main photographer and photo publisher. He’ll make sure that your best waves from each session can be downloaded quickly and easy from the surf school's website.