DISCOVER OUR TEAM
Simon Angerer
Cycling and bike travel are my life and passion. I have explored Southern and Eastern Europe, Morocco, and vast parts of South America on my bike. I have also guided tours in the Alps, Algarve, and currently in Lisbon. Throughout my life, I’ve never owned a car, but I’ve always had a bike. I take great joy in sharing my love for biking as it keeps you fit, helps you discover your surroundings, and is environmentally friendly. Biking is sometimes the fastest way to get around and always the best way to explore any destination!
I offer a bike-garage that you are free to use, organize tours around Lisbon that you’re welcome to join, and have a few bikes available for borrowing. Additionally, I document my adventures through stories, pictures, and collected impressions from my trips and travels.
While I may not be a racing champion, I ride thousands of kilometers every year. I’m not a professional mechanic either, but once I managed to fix a broken wheel with just a screwdriver and two rocks. I’m just an enthusiast who spends most of my time alongside my bike. Whatever you’re seeking, I can’t guarantee I can assist, but I’d be more than happy to give it a try!
Pedro Tavares, Joaquim Pipio e Joao Santos - Surf School at Ericeira
The Surf School is located right in the center of the village of Ericeira. The school was founded by three friends who shared a common dream: to impart the knowledge they have acquired through years of practicing the art of surfing.
The main objective is to practice and teach surfing in the best possible ways, enabling the students to either learn how to surf or improve their existing skills. What sets the school apart is that it is owned and operated by local surfers from Ericeira, which gives them a deep understanding and knowledge of the area. They know the best surf spots and select the most suitable places to surf based on weather and surf conditions.
Their goal is to share the knowledge and passion for surfing so that others can enjoy it as much as they do. Whether beginners or improvers, they strive to provide an unforgettable, unique experience, giving the students a glimpse into the vibrant world of surf culture.
Each of their surf instructors is qualified and certified by the Portuguese Federation of Surf. They hold a “Cédula de Treinador de Desporto” issued by the Portuguese Institute of Sports and Youth. These professionals work diligently to connect surf culture with nature, creating a distinctive and memorable experience for all the students.
Moreover, in compliance with the law, they have personal accident and civil responsibility insurance.
The surf school is centrally located in the village of Ericeira, 38 km northwest of Lisbon, 20 km from Sintra, and 9 km from Mafra. Situated in the Mafra district, this area is internationally recognized as the “Mecca of Surf” in Portugal and one of the best surf destinations in Europe. Additionally, Save The Waves has certified Ericeira as the first World Surf Reserve in Europe and the second worldwide.
João Macedo
Turning people into surfers and surfers into athletes since 2000!
- With our exclusive teaching method, “7,” we develop new talents by imparting the spirit and basic techniques of surfing to people of all ages.
- We offer an authentic and high-quality surfing experience.
- Our entire team is trained and certified by coaches in collaboration with the Portuguese Surfing Federation and the University Lusófona.
- Enjoy and explore the Portuguese coast, which boasts ideal conditions for surfing all year round.
- We prioritize mobility, allowing us to seek out the best surfing conditions for our students, providing them with new experiences and opportunities for growth.
- We instill in all sports enthusiasts the importance of preserving the environment on beaches and coasts.
Julien Marmelo
I’m the guy who will drive you along the coast during the trip.
Born and raised in France within a Portuguese family, I moved to Portugal in 2017 after an extensive journey through Asia. In early 2018, I became a certified surf instructor to share my knowledge and passion with others.
That same year, I traveled to Sri Lanka to teach surfing and experience a new Asian culture I hadn’t encountered before. After this journey, I decided to open a hostel in 2019 in Ericeira called Lagun Ericeira.
After four years of joy and meeting incredible people, I wanted to provide more options to my clients who have now become friends. This led to the creation of WavesFinder.
With WavesFinder, you’ll have the freedom to surf either the north or south coast whenever you desire during your chosen trip.
Are you ready for your next adventure, guys?
Lia Muczenski
I was born in Stuttgart, Germany, in 1964, and I have been living in Portugal since 2006. I started my journey with professional contemporary dance when I was 20 years old, and during that phase of my life, I developed a profound understanding of the human body as a gateway to the soul. Since then, I have dedicated myself to facilitating healing processes in individuals through the body. I am a Body Worker and Psychotherapist, helping many people recover their full potential on a deep level.
As a Yoga Instructor (Vinyasa Flow), I am well-trained and experienced as a Counselor in Inner Child Therapy and Co-Dependency, with additional knowledge in Family Constellations (Bert Hellinger) and Trauma Healing (especially Somatic Experience by Steven Levin). I specialize in working with individuals who have experienced trauma in early childhood. My training also includes Holistic Massage, Body Work (Body-Mind Centering), and since 2011, I have been an Advanced Watsu Practitioner (Shiatsu in Water).
Over the years, I have organized and guided Yoga retreats, Meditation, Dance and Movement, and Detox Retreats at various locations in Europe.
I am fluent in German, Portuguese, and English.
Francisco Mendonça
Francisco is not only one of our most experienced guides but also his availability is a significant advantage for the walks he leads.
Armando Rodrigues - local partner at Flores e Corvo
We are a company committed to our clients, always offering the best options for activities and connections with nature during their stay in Flores and Corvo. We connect our clients in a unique and meaningful way! Turning it into a unique experience that transcends expectations, connecting people and places through stories, culture, gastronomy and information.
Isabel Andrade e Marla Castro – local partner at Madeira
Isabel and Marla specialize in creating unforgettable travel experiences, the result of more than 20 years of experience in the industry. The expert team carefully designs each itinerary, ensuring a tailor-made experience and exceeding clients’ expectations. They put your wishes at the center, offering impeccable service and personalized assistance at every stage of your trip.
Zé Nuno e Jeffrey – Surf school at Aljezur
Surf School was founded in 2014 by Zé Nuno and Jeffrey, who run the school with a small team of experienced instructors. They only work in small teams so they can guarantee personalized attention.
Zé Nuno has been surfing for over 25 years and teaching for 17. He is a certified coach by the Portuguese Surfing Federation, level 2. He studied tourism management, loves tubing and playing the didjeridu. Originally from Porto, where he started teaching, he surrendered to the charms of Aljezur and has lived here since 2009.
Jeffrey was born in Canada in 1989. He moved to Aljezur in 1990, where he grew up and now lives. He started surfing at the age of 15 and his favorite things are “airs” and “tubes”. In recent years, Jeffrey has worked on the beaches of Aljezur as a certified Portuguese lifeguard. He is also a surf coach certified by the Portuguese Surfing Federation.
Ivo Carmo – Surf School at Vila Nova de Milfontes
After many years of experience as a surfer and coach, he founded a surf school to offer a more exclusive service in Vila Nova de MIlfontes. He knows this town by heart. As a child he spent all his time here with his grandfather. He would show him the Mira River and the ocean and tell him many stories. Ivo started surfing as a child in 1993 on Malhão beach. He studied and lived in Lisbon and Berlin. He majored in philosophy at the University of Lisbon and wrote a few books. He became a level 2 coach certified by the Portuguese Surf Federation and president of the local surf association Associação Foz do Mira (2018/24), which promotes surfing in the local community and ecology awareness.
Paulo Medeiros – local partner in S.Miguel
Paulo is part of an experienced team of about 12 guides, trained by some of the best schools, who can offer unique experiences in a wide range of outdoor activities. While ensuring your safety, you can expect from them flexibility and a lot of joy in sharing the world of S.Miguel Island. We believe this is what sets them apart and contributes to the success of the activities offered.
Their mission is to help you experience S.Miguel in an authentic and exciting way. Whether you are an experienced traveler or not, the tours offer a social and safe way to explore diverse and unspoiled places. The friendly and flexible staff, with extensive knowledge and expertise, will help you turn your experience into something extraordinary!
Whether you are planning your first adventure or are already an experienced traveler, they will help you discover S.Miguel’s most amazing people, places, cultures and landscapes. Whether you choose to join one of the small group tours or design your own “tailor-made” adventure, we guarantee that you will always experience the world in a unique and, most importantly, fun way.
