What if your office was the beach, your work clothes were a wetsuit and your day revolved around the waves? For five female surf instructors at Surf Experience, that’s pretty much everyday life. Working in surfing isn’t always as dreamy as it looks — there are early starts, changing conditions and endless wetsuits to wash but there’s also plenty of time spent in the water and it’s a pretty great way to make a living from surfing.
Teaching and inspiring surfers since 1992, the Surf Experience is Europe’s original surf camp, so as part of our Jobs in Surfing series, we caught up with their crew to find out how they became surf instructors, what they love about the job and why a day at the beach coaching never gets old.
• Lucy Fuchs
Lucie tell us a little about yourself.
I’m 27, from the south of Germany. I’ve loved watersports since I was young, but surfing was always the thing that fascinated me most. My first surf trip was to Portugal with my family when I was 14, and after that I came back whenever I could. After finishing my five-year training as an educator, I came to Portugal to surf. I signed up for my surf instructor course and was absolutely terrified I’d be the worst one there. But I trained extra hard — and it paid off and then I started to work for the Surf Experience.
What’ a typical day like during the season?
A typical day starts around 7am with breakfast, checking the conditions with the team, getting everything ready and heading to the beach. Then it’s warm-up, some theory and lots of time in the water. If the waves are good, we sometimes sneak in a quick surf ourselves during the break. Afterwards we head back to Lagos, unload everything and then the evening can be anything from cooking and doing some art to a sunset surf, dinner or a few drinks with the team. That’s also one of the best parts of the job — your colleagues quickly become close friends, and sharing waves, long days, funny moments and all the little things in between is a huge part of what makes it so special.
What advice would you give someone who’d love to work in a similar job to yours?
Go for it, even if it feels completely out of reach. Surf as much as you can, go out in every condition and keep putting the work in. For a long time I thought becoming a surf instructor was impossible for me, but I kept trying anyway. The things that seem the scariest often pay off the most if you make it.
• Bella Shannon
Bella, tell us a little about yourself.
I’m from the UK, I grew up in Hertfordshire far away from any kind of wave. I found out about the Surf Experience through a family friend while looking for something to do with myself post COVID.
What was it about Surf Experience that appealed to you and what do you love about it?
I was instantly drawn to Portugal and The Surf Experience the minute I arrived as a solo traveller. The instant feeling community allowed me to relax and enjoy after many months of dealing with the pandemic. I went from guest to host then instructor. With the encouragement of the team around me I was able to progress my surfing beyond anything I could have imagined. Portugal has a certain charm that I can’t quite describe but it has held me captive since my first arrival. But nothing allows me to enjoy my job more than the people I do it with. The team here at Surf Experience have been a joy to work with and nothing can beat having a group of amazing women to do it with.
Do you make a living from it and would you recommend it to someone who was thinking of becoming a surf instructor?
Having now worked full time as an instructor for five years I couldn’t recommend it more to anyone considering it as a career. To be able to live an active surf orientated life is such a pleasure. My only advice is that you must enjoy teaching as well as surfing in order to find it fulfilling. But when all is said and done if you get to see dolphins at work life isn’t too bad.
• Mariana Gonçalves
Mariana tell us a little about yourself.
I’m 27 years old and I’m from Lagos, Portugal. I was born and raised here, and honestly, I wouldn’t trade it for anything. I grew up spending most of my free time at the beach, and it’s still my favourite place to be. Being outdoors and staying active has always been a big part of my life.
What made you choose Surf Experience and what’s been the best bits?
Before joining Surf Experience, I had a stable job as a PE teacher. But I decided to take a chance and try something different. One of the main reasons was that I wanted to work in an environment surrounded by happy people who are excited to learn something new. I also already knew some of the team, so I had a feeling it was going to be a great fit.
What’s your favourite part of the job and what’s the most challenging?
My favourite part of the job is definitely being at my favourite place, the beach. I also love working with friends, being close to the ocean, and meeting people from all over the world in such a relaxed atmosphere.The most challenging part is making sure everyone has the best possible surfing experience, especially when we have large groups or when the ocean conditions aren’t on our side. We can’t control the waves, the wind or the weather, so you have to adapt, stay positive and make the most of every session.
• Alice Watson
Alice, tell us a little about yourself.
Both my parents are British, however I was born and raised in the south of Portugal, being lucky enough to call the Algarve my home for my entire life. So the beach and outdoor lifestyle has always been part of my identity. I started working with The Surf Experience during COVID, fresh out of college and unsure what to do with my life. It provided me with direction, a great social life and the opportunity to be on the beach everyday. The best part of the job is the amazing crew that Toby has put together, nothing beats working with your mates.
What’s the best part of your job and how much surfing do you get to do?
If the waves look fun, you can always find a window to go for a paddle whilst you’re working, whether it’s during the lunch break or if you’re taking some intermediate surfers to the lineup and snag a couple whilst they’re on the inside. On your days off it can be a surf all day situation, if the waves are fun.
If someone was thinking about moving to Portugal for a season, what advice would you give them?
I would say; if you want long beach days, the chance to meet a bunch of new people and the most unreal food, do it!
Katha Boger
Katha, tell us a little about yourself.
I’m Katha, I’m 28 and from the north of Germany. I first came to Portugal during my gap year after high school in 2018 when I got a job with the Surf Experience as a host. I very quickly fell in love with Portugal and surfing and ended up staying a lot longer than intended. Besides getting spoilt with two beautiful coastlines, the friends and connections I have made here are what has made this place home.
Was becoming a surf instructor always part of the plan, or did surfing take you in a different direction?
No, becoming a surf instructor wasn’t part or the plan initially but when the opportunity came up I was very happy to take it. This is now my fifth season and I still really enjoy it, we have a super nice team and I love having a job that allows me to be social, active and outside.
How much surfing do you actually get to do when you’re working?
While working we don’t get to surf too much ourselves as there is a lot to do and we’re focused on our clients. When we’re teaching an outback lesson with our more advanced students we can catch a couple of waves here and there but of course our priority is for them to catch waves and have a good time. Usually we can sneak in a quick surf during our breaks which is still a lot more than you would get in any other job plus you get the bonus of living close to where there is waves!
If you fancy a trip to explore the best waves in south west Portugal with the Surf Experience hit the link below.
