A surfer in a white t-shirt and orange shorts leans into a turn on a breaking wave, throwing up white spray in warm afternoon light.

São Tomé

Learn to surf with me

Surfing is my passion, and I love sharing that joy with everyone I teach.

Reviews

What students say

“You won't find a better and more dedicated surf school/ guiding on the island. He's the most genuine and caring human being who sees your individual needs as with surfing or exploring the island. On top of this he offers video- and photo analysis to make you progress in your surfing, or simply to have some nice memories from your holiday. Can only recommend!”
Iselin Gjerde — Google review

“The experience was amazing! Kedsom was really good and patient with my son! Teached him really well, that with 11 years old he managed to stay up on the wave on the 3rd try! Thanks for your help support and professionalism! We really loved the experience”
Islay Rita — Google review — lesson for her 11-year-old son

“Amazing classes and amazing teacher! I had 3 classes from Kedsom and it was incredible. I did only 1 class before in Portugal before, so I am a beginner. He explained me so much in detail outside and inside the water, that I started to understand a lot and got a lot better. Kedsom is super kind and patience and is working very hard to keep you save and teach you to surf! Thank you so much for the amazing experience and hope to return to Sao Tome and surf again with you.”
Linde Schuurman — Google review — beginner, 3 lessons

“Super friendly and professional surf lessons with Kedsom Surf school! Such a positive and happy instructor who taught us a lot and also gave us recommendations and help for our travel around the island. I strongly recommend!!”
Sofie Eriksson — Google review

“Kedsom is incredibly professional and attentive to people's needs. Him and his team are all extremely kind and outstanding surfers. This is no doubt the best surf school you can choose in São Tomé, for any level! Obrigado Kedsom!”
William Jayes — Google review

A smiling man in a white t-shirt and shorts sits on a rock beside a river, with a waterfall and green forest behind him.

About me

My first board was a piece of my bed frame, which I used to ride the current in the river while my mother washed clothes nearby. I started surfing properly at 15, on a piece of an old canoe — there was no one around to teach me, so I learned by watching a group of Portuguese surfers at my local beach and copying what I saw. I caught my first wave standing up at Praia Melão, still my favourite wave today, and got my first real fibreglass surfboard at 19.

In 2023, I was selected to represent São Tomé and Príncipe at the ISA World Surfing Games alongside two other athletes. Seeing how far surfing had developed elsewhere — and watching girls surf alongside boys — motivated me to start teaching kids in my own community. A friend helped me get started, arranging five surfboards donated by the Green Wave school through Manel Ferreira. I've been coaching for 5 years, opened Kedsom Surf School in 2023, and now work with a team of five. I hold ISA surf instructor, lifeguard, first-aid and judging certifications, all from 2023, and teach tourists, beginners, children, adults and locals.

Languages I speak: Portuguese (fluent), English (basic)

Lessons

Surf lessons & pricing

A surfer stands on a board riding a wave that breaks beside a rocky, tree-covered point.

Private lesson

For all levels — beginners, experienced surfers, and children.

1.5 hours1 person

€30 per person

Board
Rash guard (lycra)
Leash
Coconut water
Photos

Book via WhatsApp

A small group of people in athletic poses on a dark-sand beach, with a forested headland in the background.

Group lesson

For all levels — beginners, experienced surfers, and children.

1.5 hours2–6 people

€25 per person

Board
Rash guard (lycra)
Leash
Coconut water
Photos

Book via WhatsApp

Two people carry surfboards along a dark, pebbly beach lined with tall, leaning palm trees.

Surf guide

For everyone.

Full dayUp to 6 people

Price on request

Water
An experienced guide

Book via WhatsApp

A smiling surfer holds a white surfboard under one arm on a sandy beach, with wooden structures behind.

Board rental

Rent a board without booking a lesson.

Per dayAll boards — shortboards to longboards, and funboards

€20 per day

Leash

Book via WhatsApp

Photos are included with every lesson. Video of your lesson is available for an extra €15.

Also available

I also arrange island guiding, a waterfall trail, boat trips, fishing, snorkelling, transport, accommodation bookings, filming, photos and video analysis, and multi-lesson packages.

Ask me on WhatsApp for details

Gallery

Surf and island life

A surfer in a white t-shirt and orange shorts leans into a sharp turn on a green wave, throwing up white spray.

Two people look up at surfboards stacked on the roof of a red minibus parked among palm trees.

A smiling surfer stands on a rocky point holding a surfboard, with blue sea and a cloudy sky behind.

Palm trees in silhouette along the coast against an orange sunset sky.

Hands from several people gathered around a freshly opened green fruit, its white pulp showing.

A surfer in red shorts stands on wet sand holding a surfboard, with palm-covered hills behind and a reflection in the shallow water.

People in life jackets gather around a light-blue boat on a sandy beach while one of them points across the bay.

Three wooden sailing boats with white sails at a small beach cove, with large trees behind them.

A line of people carry surfboards and bags along a grassy path toward the sea.

Two people wade into turquoise water at the edge of a sandy beach between dark rocks.

A small wooden boat with a patched white sail carries several people across calm green water.

A dark green jeep with boards on its roof parked on a forest track, with people walking past.

Two swimmers in a pool of water below a waterfall, with a rocky green cliff behind.

An adult points out to sea while several younger people carrying surfboards walk along the beach under an overcast sky.

A smiling man sits by the sea near dark rocks, with a surfboard and a backpack beside him.

A surfer in patterned red shorts stands on a grassy clifftop holding a surfboard, with palm trees and the sea behind.

People sit inside a red minibus with its side door open, surfboards on the roof and palm leaves in the foreground.

Two women stand on a grassy shore beside surfboards lying on the ground, with rocks and the sea behind them.

Two surfers high-five as they walk out of the water carrying boards, with a palm-covered hillside behind.

A group of smiling people pose together on a sandy clearing beside a car, with palm trees behind them.

Two people carrying surfboards walk along a grassy track between trees, with palm trees ahead.

Good to know

Practical information

Location: São Tomé
Skill levels: Beginner, intermediate, and advanced — all welcome.
What to bring: Only a swimsuit.
Equipment provided: Board, rash guard (lycra) and leash are included with lessons.
Minimum age: 4 years old
Hotel pickup: Available — ask on WhatsApp for the price.
Discounts: Available for multi-lesson packages and large groups.
Cancellation policy: Requires 50% payment upfront. Cancel at least 1 day ahead. Cancelling with less than 1 hour's notice counts as the lesson being given (no refund).
Payment: Cash (euros or dobras), or bank transfer via Wise or Revolut.

Get in touch

Ready to catch a wave?

Message me directly on WhatsApp — it's the fastest way to check availability and book your lesson.

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