SURF SCHOOL MANAGER

GIANLUCA

From: Italy

Gianluca came to the Algarve 6 years ago and fell in love with the place. He has 5 years of experience in the surf industry, first as a surf coach and after as a surf school manager, before being involved in the beverage and food industries. He believes that surfing can help people to connect with nature. 

EDUCATION:
Bachelor's degree in Architecture & Design, ISA Level 1

FUTURE GOALS:
He wants to be able to start his own project focused on eco-tourism and surfing.

FUN FACT:
Proud Italian that thinks pineapple and ham pizza is a great combination.

SURF HEAD COACH

GEORGE

From: Greece

George - our head coach with the biggest mustache in the Algarve!
He started surfing 8 years ago. He has been coaching for 6 years and trained more than 500 students. He worked for surf schools in Greece and Portugal.

EDUCATION: 
Bachelor of Business Administration, ISA LVL 2, Holistic Movement LVL 1, Smoothstar certified coach

FUTURE GOALS: 
He wants to maximize his potential of sharing his passion for surfing with students from all over the world under the deep blue skies and the golden sun.

FUN FACT: 
When he was a kid he wanted to become a cow.

 

SURF COACH

MICHELE

From: Italy

Michele is our Italian ginger surfer. He started surfing at the age of 19. He has been coaching for the last 5 years in different parts of the world. Before this, he had been living in the UK for a couple of years where he got his degree.

EDUCATION:
Bachelor's Degree in Marine Sports Science, ISA LVL 1

FUTURE GOALS:
To keep making people smile and guide them into this amazing sport and lifestyle. And of course, he wants to go to Mars with George.

FUN FACT:
He is possibly the best ginger Italian Surfer.

SURF COACH

JAVI

From: Spain

Javi joined Tiny Whale this season. He has 5 years of experience working as a physiotherapist and helping surfers prevent and recover from injuries. Javi started surfing 12 years ago and among other things, he taught surfing to disable kids.

EDUCATION:
Degree in Physiotherapy, ThePowerMBA, Master in Osteopath & Chinese Medicine, PhysioYoga, FEsurf and ISA Surf instructor level 1

FUTURE GOALS:
He wants to bring surfing closer to physiotherapy, analyze the biomechanics of surfing and be able to help people to surf and to prevent injuries as well as treat them in a holistic way.

FUN FACT:
He broke his eardrum 2 times from surfing.

SURF COACH

DANIEL

From: Spain

Daniel joined Tiny Whale this season. He started surfing at the age of 10. He started working as a surf instructor 2 years ago as a holiday job. In May 2022 he decided to make surf coaching a full-time career.

EDUCATION:
ISA Surf instructor level 1

FUTURE GOALS:
He wants to find a way of helping people to reconnect with nature and with themselves by delivering excellent surf coaching.

FUN FACT:
He owns only one pair of shoes.

 

SURF COACH

HYWEL

From: Wales

Hywel is our multi-talent. He has 3 years as a Mechanical Fitter in a steel works and 2 years as a Welder/Fabricator for car garages and a van conversion company. Started teaching water sports activities at the age of 18 and was freelancing until the age of 24. When he started working abroad it was mostly for surf hostels and during the ski season.  

EDUCATION:
NVQ Level 3 Mechanical Engineering Diploma

FUTURE GOALS:
He wants to be a voice for those struggling with their mental health and to share the stoke. We're happiest when we're surfing!

FUN FACT:
He is a lookalike of our external surf coach Sebastian.