AIR – ASI Instructor Retreat in Sagres Algarve Portugal

Friday. 20 February 2026 – Meet Up for Drinks
5.30pm meet up for drinks
Chiringuito Map
Address: Praia da Mareta, 8650-361 Sagres
Located in a great raised position overlooking Baleeira Beach, Chiringuito has an eclectic mix of foods & drinks. 
Only a few minutes walk to accommodation and ASI AIR venues.

Saturday. 21 February 2026 – AIR Retreat

9am to 12.30pm: Morning Session. Guest speakers

1.30pm to 5pm: Activities: SUP, Surf, Bodyboarding

6.00pm: Evening session.  Meet for drinks.
7.00pm: Guest speaker and dinner.
10.00pm: Finish

Venue - Morning and Evening sessions
Memmo Baleeira Hotel Sagres website
Sitio da, 8650-357 Sagres, Portugal

Introduction

Key updates from ASI and the outdoor sports industry.  

Evening Guest Speaker

Topic: A Life on the Water

Speaker: Olivia Piana

Olivia Piana stands among the most accomplished athletes in stand-up paddleboarding and foiling.

A three-time SUP World Champion and record-setting SUP foil pioneer, Piana will share how life on the water has shaped her career and her life.   Hear her inspiring journey — from growing up in the French Alps and discovering windsurfing to breaking world records in SUP and SUP foiling.

Along the way, she will reveal how oceans and waterways continue to influence her life and the broader future of water-based lifestyles and innovation.

As a trailblazer in downwind foiling and a passionate advocate for living in harmony with water, Olivia’s presence promises to be a highlight of the retreat, motivating attendees to embrace both the challenges and opportunities of A Life on the Water.

More about Olivia

Topic: SUP & Surf Blue Health: Mindfulness on the Water

Guest Speaker: James Wittering

This presentation explores the intersection of mindfulness and Blue Health, highlighting how evidence‑based practices can enrich SUP and surf experiences.   Mindfulness has been shown in hundreds of peer-reviewed studies to reduce stress, improve focus, and build resilience. At the same time, growing research in Blue Health highlights the unique psychological benefits of being near or on water.   

Drawing on his expertise as a certified MBCT teacher and ASI SUP coach and owner of ASI School, Wittering SUP, based in Worchester, England UK, James Wittering offers fresh insights into how mindfulness on the water can enhance wellbeing, deepen engagement, and inspire new approaches to instruction.

Wittering SUP website
Wittering SUP Wellbeing website

Topic: Surfing Together: How Instructors Can Foster Women’s Inclusion

Speaker:  Severine Lencou

Severine, a Lisbon-based surf instructor and founder of the Mothersurfers, will share her journey from a late career change to becoming an ASI-certified instructor, and her mission to make surfing more inclusive for women.

She found women would like to surf, not to go pro, but to have fun, feel welcome, and break down barriers in a male‑dominated sport.   

Drawing on her experience leading women’s sessions, mother–daughter retreats, and surf therapy projects, she will discuss how schools and instructors can foster supportive environments and embrace practical strategies that ensure surfing (and similar watersports) can grow as sources of empowerment, confidence, and community for women everywhere.

Mothersurfers website

Topic:  Resilience – The Missing Layer in Surf Performance

Speaker:  Nick Tiscoe

Nick Tiscoe reveals why resilience is the underdeveloped yet essential dimension of modern surf coaching. Drawing on decades of experience across surf, breathwork, and combat sports, Nick will show coaches how to integrate breath control, stress adaptation, and cross‑disciplinary training methods to help athletes stay composed, confident, and effective in unpredictable ocean environments — including heavy-water and big‑wave conditions.

Nick shares practical lessons from more than 30 years of surf coaching, alongside his background as a Brazilian Jiu‑Jitsu black belt, Ginastica Natural coach, Deepend Fitness (underwater training) instructor, and NLP practitioner. His approach highlights how cultivating composure under pressure can elevate both coaching impact and athlete performance.

Based in the Algarve, Portugal, Nick brings a rare blend of ocean expertise and high‑stress performance training.

Discover how resilience can unlock the next level of surf performance.

Nick’s website

Topic:  From Athlete to Community Leader: Shaping the Water Sports Scene

Speaker:  Damjan Mozina

Damjan Možina, founder of Slovenia’s first ASI‑accredited SUP school and owner of SUPklub Ljubljana, shares how athletic credibility, community building, and strategic event development can drive the growth of emerging sports and elevate industry standards.

His leadership has helped shape Slovenia’s modern SUP culture and establish flagship gatherings that attract paddlers from across Europe.

With a background in adventure sports—from mountain biking, paragliding, diving, skiing, and even acrobatic rock’n’roll dancing—Damjan brings a uniquely diverse skill set to the task. He is  also an ASI SUP Instructor Trainer, an experienced event organiser/  race director behind major national events - Ljubljanica SUP Challenge and the Bohinj SUP Challenge. 

Damjan’s presentation provides instructors with practical insights into turning coaching experience into leadership opportunities, strengthening community engagement, and building sustainable pathways for long‑term growth within the water‑sports industry.

SUPKlub, Slovenia

Topic:  Sustainability in Water Sports – Protecting the Ocean That Sustains Us

Speaker:  Afonso Teixeira

Water sports such as surfing, stand‑up paddleboarding (SUP), and bodyboarding foster a profound connection with our oceans, rivers, and inland waterways, yet they also face escalating sustainability challenges. From the environmental footprint of equipment manufacturing to the pressures of tourism and the growing threat of pollution across all aquatic environments, the industry must evolve to safeguard the ecosystems that make these sports possible.

Afonso Teixeira, an environmental sustainability specialist and long‑time water‑sports instructor known for promoting eco‑conscious practices across surf schools and coastal tourism operators, will discuss how the water‑sports industry can adopt more sustainable equipment, champion stewardship initiatives for both waterways and the ocean, and reduce the environmental impact of inland and coastal recreation and events.

He has collaborated with European marine‑conservation initiatives, advised equipment manufacturers on sustainable materials, and led community‑based stewardship programs along Portugal’s Atlantic coastline.

Afonso’s hands‑on experience working directly with athletes, instructors, and aquatic communities makes his insights especially valuable for anyone involved in water‑based recreation across all environments. 

Optional: Join us activities on Saturday afternoon.  See the local area..  These are included at no extra cost — simply come along and enjoy!

• SUP tour along the Sagres coastline

• Surfing / bodyboarding / SUP surfing surfaris – for experienced surfers. Led by local ASI trainer, finding the best spots on the day

• Yoga land based, by the ocean and amongst nature

Wetsuits and surfing gear can be rented. 
SUP tour - board and paddle included.
Or you can bring your own.

Elevate your conference experience!

Enhance your learning with training courses offered just before and after the event. These sessions provide hands‑on skills and deeper insights beyond the main program.

Extend your stay, earn TPTD credits, and support your Portugal Treinador de Desporto certification—ASI Portugal is proud to be an approved IPDJ provider.

Additional fees apply. Secure your place with the enrolment form today!

Specialist Courses

Foiling Lesson with world champion Olivia Piana
Sun. 22 Feb. 2026   2 hour lesson
Enrolment & Info…

Rescue Courses

ASI Surf Water Safety Rescue
Monday.  23 Feb 2026.  (9am to 2pm)
Enrolment & Info…

ASI SUP Water Safety Rescue
Monday.  23 Feb 2026.(9am to 2pm)
Enrolment & Info..

SUP Instructor Courses

ASI L1 SUP Instructor Enclosed Flat Water, (with SUP Rescue, SUP Wise. - 3 courses combined Fasttrack)
Tuesday. 24 Feb 2026.
Enrolment & Info..

ASI L2 SUP instructor Exposed Waters, (with L1 SUP Instructor, SUP Rescue, SUP Wise. - 4 courses combined Fasttrack)
Tues-Wed. 24-25 Feb 2026     (1.5 days)
Enrolment & Info…

L2 SUP Instructor Exposed Waters (Fasttrack)
Wednesday. 25 Feb 2026 (9am to 12pm)
Enrolment & Info… 

Bodyboarding Instructor Courses

ASI L1 Bodyboarding Instructor
Tues-Wed.  24-25 Feb  2026.      
Enrolment & Info…               

Surfing Instructor Courses

ASI Level 2 Surfing Instructor 
Tues-Wed.  24-25 Feb 2026.       
Enrolment & Info…

ASI Level 3 Surfing Coach
Thurs-Friday. 26-27 Feb 2026.       
Enrolment & Info…

Portugal. IPDJ Credits Courses

AIR Retreat (plus IPDJ 2 x credits)
Saturday 21 Feb 2026
Enrolment & Info

Surf Water Safety Rescue Refresher (IPDJ x 1 credits)
Monday. 23 Feb 2026.  9am to 2pm  
Enrolment & Info...

SUP Water Safety Rescue Refresher (IPDJ x 1 credits) 
Monday.  23 Feb 2026.   9am to 2pm 
Enrolment & Info…

Bodyboard Coaching Beginner-skills (3 x credits)
Tues-Wed. 24-25 Feb 2026       
Enrolment & Info…

Surf Coaching- Intermediate skills (3 x credits)
Tues-Wed. 24-25 Feb 2026.      
Enrolment & Info…

SUP Instruction Skills for Inland Waters (2 x credits)
Tuesday. 24 Feb 2026.
Enrolment & Info….

Portugal - Treinadores de Surf
(Before the AIR Retreat)

Treinadores de Surf Grau 1 (6 days)
Mon-Sat.  16-20 Feb 2026
Enrolment & Info…

Treinadores de Surfing Grau 2 (8 days)
Sat-Sat. 14-20 Feb 2026           
Enrolment & Info…..

Sagres has a large variety of accommodation, all within walking distance from the AIR venue.
Some are listed below.

HOTEL

Memmo Baleeira Hotel Sagres website
(venue of AIR retreat)
a 4 star hotel with stunning ocean views and excellent facilities, swimming pool, spa, sauna.
Special fee:   €130 per night, sea view room, with breakfast.

Mareta Beach Boutique Bed & Breakfast
www.maretabeachhotel.com
(10 mins walk to venue)
4 star hotel. Approx  €50 per night, with continental breakfast

HOSTEL

Algarve Surf Camp Hostel. website 
(5 min walk to venue).
Quality accommodation.
Address: Rua Mestre António Galhardo 8650-384 Sagres Portugal   
Prices from:  Share rooms (4/6) 18€/pax.  Double room  25€/pax  for bed and breakfast
To book email: debbie@algarvesurfschool.com   Tel:+351 962846771

Puravida Divehouse website
5 min walk to venue.
Good quality, clean, kitchen.
Dorm rooms, private rooms (5 mins walk)   

APARTMENTS

Tonel Apartments   website
15 mins walk to venue, Approx.  €50 per night    

ApartHotel Navigator Sagres,  website
10 mins walk to venue
1 bedroom apartments.  Approx €40 per night   (slightly dated retro but good sized rooms with views)

Pontalaia Apartments  website
10 mins walk to venue
1 bedroom modern, spacious apartments. Approx €80 per night

Closest Airport:  

1) Faro Airport –  is closest to Sagres  - 113km from airport  (1 hour drive).  
Very good motorways.
Car hire:  available at airport.
Private transfer:   Yellow Fish   website   €130  approx. each way. Joint a group also available at reduced fees.
Train: From airport take the bus to Lagos and change bus to go to Sagres.

2) Lisbon Airport  (3 hour drive).  
Very good motorways.
Car hire: available at airport.
Public bus to Sagres.  From Lisbon to Sagres. . Approx.  €25 each way – about 4 hours) (comfortable, with wifi)
Train:  From Lisbon bus station depot (about 15mins from airport), direct bus to Sagres.

Closest train station:   
Lagos station.  
No direct train to Sagres.  

Closest bus station:   
Sagres bus stop (right in town centre).

Sagres is one of Portugal’s most historic towns, located on a headland overlooking a small harbour and surrounded by protected national parkland.

The area is known for its unspoiled beaches, clear waters, excellent surf breaks and dramatic cliffs With mild winters, and hot summers, and an average 300 days of sunshine per year, it is a great holiday destination to surf, SUP and chill out.

Surfing / Bodyboarding

Sagres is one of Portugal’s top surfing destinations thanks to its unique location at the country’s southwestern tip. With access to both the exposed west coast and the more sheltered south coast, surfers can find waves year-round, regardless of wind or swell direction.

Beaches like Praia do Tonel and Praia do Beliche are known for powerful Atlantic swells suited to experienced surfers, while Praia da Mareta offers gentler conditions ideal for beginners and surf schools.

Stand Up Paddling

Stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) in Sagres is one of the best ways to explore the Algarve’s dramatic coastline, offering calm waters, hidden caves, and stunning cliff views accessible only from the sea.

Glide along turquoise waters beneath towering cliffs, giving you a close-up view of dramatic rock formations and secluded coves that are unreachable by land.

Many tours include paddling into secret grottoes and caves, where the light and water create spectacular natural settings. Some itineraries even combine SUP with swimming in crystal-clear lagoons.

Nature

Sagres lies within the Costa Vicentina Natural Park, one of Portugal’s largest protected coastal areas, known for its untouched environments,  rugged cliffs, wild beaches, and diverse ecosystems.  Popular for hiking, birdwatching, and cycling.

The park is home to migratory birds such as storks, falcons, and kestrels that nest along the cliffs, while the surrounding waters support rich marine life including dolphins and seabirds.

Inland, the park features Mediterranean scrubland, wetlands, and rivers that provide habitats for reptiles, amphibians, and small mammals.

The Town

Is a cute seaside town with a small working harbour. Fresh fish are delivered each day. Cafés, restaurants, bars, surf shops, surf camps and surf schools line the streets.

Tourism Attractions

Sagres, Fortaleza de Sagres (Sagres Fortress)
Built in the 15th century under Prince Henry the Navigator. Features a chapel, defensive walls, and a giant stone wind compass used for navigation training.

Sagres, Cape St. Vincent (Cabo de São Vicente). 
Mainland Europe’s southwesternmost point, once called Promontorium Sacrum by the Romans. Famous for its lighthouse, dramatic cliffs, and spectacular sunsets.

Lagos
25 mins drive from Sagres.  The Old Town is surrounded by medieval walls and features cobbled streets, squares, and churches such as Igreja de Santo António, known for its ornate baroque interior.  Also visit the  Museu de Lagos Dr. José Formosinho showcases local history, archaeology, and religious art.

Moorish Castle. Aljezur.
Abuot 40 minutes drive, north of Sagres, is Aljezur, a historic town with a Moorish castle.  It sits on a hill overlooking the town and valley. Built in the 10th century, it served as a defensive stronghold until the Christian reconquest in the 13th century.

Standing Stones
In the Vila do Bispo area (about 15 minutes from Sagres), visitors can find Neolithic standing stones known as menhirs, some carved with ancient symbols like spirals and sun motifs and dating back to around 5,000-3,000 BC).  The standing stones are also found at nearby  Aljezur and Lagos area.  have ritual or astronomical significance.  They are part of Portugal’s wider megalithic heritage and reflect the region’s prehistoric communities, who likely used them for ritual or astronomical purposes.

Chapel of Our Lady of Guadalupe
On the main road between Sagres and Lagos, close to Raposeira and Figueira.  Believed to have been built in the 13th century, possibly by the Knights Templar. Simple Gothic style with thick stone walls and modest decoration.