Since 2003 at Guincho
20+ Years local surf knowledge
Ocean lifestyle & outdoor activity
Since 2003 at Guincho Beach
MEET THE SURF SCHOOL CASCAIS TEAM
Alex Unwin · Founder of Moana Surf SchoolI’VE BEEN IN LOVE WITH
I’VE BEEN IN LOVE WITH
THE OCEAN SINCE I WAS A KID
Alex grew up by the ocean in Papua New Guinea and started surfing at a very young age. After travelling to world-class surf destinations and teaching in Hawaii, he came to Portugal to build one of the first surf schools at Guincho Beach, Cascais.
For more than 20 years, Moana has been about sharing real ocean experiences, helping people feel confident in the water and creating a relaxed surf culture for families, kids, beginners and ocean lovers from around the world.
Today, Alex still follows his passion for the ocean — from surfing Guincho Beach to chasing big winter swells in Nazaré.
Moana Team,
We can’t wait to welcome you!
Certified Instructors
Experienced, patient & safe coaching
International Surf Team
EN • PT • DE • FR • ES • RU
Ocean Respect
Beach cleanups & ocean care
MORE THAN SURF LESSONS
THE PEOPLE, VALUES & OCEAN Spirit BEHIND MOANA
Discover the people, philosophy and ocean spirit behind Moana Surf School at Guincho Beach, Cascais. Since 2003, we’ve welcomed families, beginners and ocean lovers from around the world.
Our Surf Philosophy
Surfing is for everyone. Whether it’s your first wave or you’re improving your skills, we teach with patience, passion and deep respect for the ocean.
At Moana, small groups, certified instructors and real progression matter more than pressure or performance
30 Years In The Ocean
Three decades in the ocean have taught us that surfing is about much more than standing on a board. From Portugal to Indonesia, every wave and coastline has shaped the way we teach at Moana today.
International Surf Team
Our team comes from Portugal, Brazil, Germany, France and beyond. We teach in English, Portuguese, German and French — helping guests from around the world feel comfortable in the water.
Surf school in Cascais near Lisbon since 2003.
THE FIRST SURF SCHOOL AT GUINCHO BEACH
HOW MOANA SURF SCHOOL STARTED
The Beginning
Alex founded Moana Surf School at Guincho Beach, Cascais in 2003 — becoming the first surf school at one of Portugal’s most beautiful Atlantic beaches. No business plan. Just a passion for the ocean.
A Growing Surf Family
The team grew — and so did the school. More instructors, more languages and more nationalities. Moana became a meeting point for surfers from all over the world.
Kids & Families
As Alex became a father himself, the focus on family surf experiences grew stronger. Moana developed dedicated surf programmes for kids aged 5+ — always safe, supportive and fun.
20 Years Of Ocean Experiences
After more than two decades at Guincho Beach, the spirit remains the same: sharing good waves, positive energy and unforgettable ocean experiences with people from around the world.
Stronger Than Ever
Here we are at Guincho Beach, stronger than ever. Over the years, we’ve been through ups and downs — from COVID to many other challenges along the way. Thanks to an incredible Moana team, teamwork, leadership, hard work and consistency, we continue doing what we love most: helping people from all over the world learn how to surf, create unforgettable memories and share good times and smiles together. We learn from the past, do our best in the present and look forward to the future. Thank you for being part of the journey — and we hope to see you soon at Moana. Alex & Team
OUR SURF PHILOSOPHY
WHAT DRIVES MOANA SURF SCHOOL?
Moana Surf School was built around a simple idea: the ocean should feel welcoming, safe and inspiring for everyone.
For over 20 years, Alex and the team have shared their love for surfing, nature and outdoor life through personal experiences at Guincho Beach in Cascais. More than just surf lessons, Moana is about confidence, connection and respect for the ocean.
Ocean Connection
We teach people to understand the ocean — not just ride waves.
Family Spirit
A relaxed, supportive atmosphere where everyone feels welcome.
Respect For Nature
Protecting beaches and ocean life is part of everything we do.
"I couldn't be a doctor, but teaching kids to surf? That's one of my ways of helping people feel better — physically and mentally, it's ocean therapy."
Alex, Founder & Surf Coach & Big Wave Surfer
OUR VALUES
MORE THAN JUST SURFING
At Moana Surf School, we believe the ocean can teach confidence, respect and connection. We want people to stay active, enjoy nature and support one another — in and out of the water. Surfing is not only about waves. It’s about feeling better physically and mentally, building friendships and creating lifelong memories through outdoor experiences.
FAMILY FEEDBACK • REAL EXPERIENCES
WHAT FAMILIES SAY ABOUT MOANA
