Introducing ASI Surfing Instructor, Sanne Leenen, Portugal

Sometimes a short trip can change everything. 

Sanne shares how surfing changed her life, why she became an ASI Surfing Instructor and why she believes surfing is as much a mental journey as a physical one. 

Tell us about your background. Where are you from and where do you live now? 

“Originally, I am from the east side of the Netherlands, where there is no ocean. 

At the moment, I have been living in Portugal, in Aljezur, for a bit more than three years.” 

What first got you involved in surfing? 

“During the first weeks of my travel to Portugal, I saw a lot of people surfing and I really wanted to try it. 

I met someone in the north of Portugal who was going surfing in Aljezur with the school I currently work for. I started surfing every day, got addicted to surfing and fell in love with the area. 

I stayed longer and longer - and after all, I never left.” 

Why did you become an ASI Surfing Instructor? 

“When I kept staying in Portugal, I had to find a job at some point. 

The surf school I had lessons with, offered me a job. I started working in the back office for the school, helping with bookings, schedules, organising, social media and more. 

While surfing every day and being around surf lessons every day, I started to feel excited about teaching myself as well. I was also hearing from many women that they would like to have a female instructor in the water. 

After speaking with my bosses, I started the instructor course. 

I also began to see that some people need a very gentle and more psychological approach when it comes to learning how to surf. This is what I try to focus on and apply to my teaching.” 

Check out  ASI Surfing Instructor Courses 

What are you doing now? 

“At the moment, I am still manager for the same school and I am also a backup surfing coach. 

I am teaching a lot more than I expected, and I am enjoying it a lot. The balance between managing and teaching could not be better for me.” 

What do you like most about being a surfing instructor? 

“I love to see people succeed and to make people happy. 

It gives you a lot of energy when people are motivated and enjoying the sport. I know exactly how they feel because I was there too. Surfing can literally change their lives, just like it changed mine. 

After my travel to Portugal, I was supposed to go back to the Netherlands and find an “office” job in marketing. Now I can call the beach my office, and I could not be happier. 

I also see a lot of people struggle with the mental part of surfing, such as not believing in themselves, giving up, or finding it hard to focus. I really love helping people with that part, and I can see the improvement straight away when people start to believe in themselves.” 

Can you share an inspiring or memorable moment from instructing? 

“Like I said before, a lot of people do not believe in themselves at first. But once they do, they can start standing up on every wave. 

There was a girl with us this week, and after her second lesson she asked me: “Sanne, be honest with me, do you think I’m going to improve and that I will be able to surf?” 

I told her, “Of course you are!” 

The next day she came back. We focused on some little mistakes she was making, and before I pushed her onto every wave, I told her to believe in herself. 

Then she started to stand up wave after wave, and she loved it so much. 

Surfing is a mind game, and that is what I love about it.” 

Sanne’s Surfing Instructor Story 

Sanne’s journey shows how surfing can open up a completely new path. 

What began as a trip from the Netherlands to Portugal became a new life in Aljezur, built around the ocean, community and the joy of helping others learn. Through her work at a Surf School, Sanne has found a balance between organisation, management and time in the water as a surfing instructor. 

Her story also highlights something important about learning to surf: progress is not only physical. Confidence, focus and self-belief can make a huge difference, especially for beginners. 

For Sanne, being a surfing instructor is about more than helping people stand up on a board. It is about helping them believe they can do it. 

You could also become an ASI Surfing Instructor.   
Read more 
www.academyofsurfing.com/become-an-asi-surfing-instructor-surf-coach-level-1-certification 

About ASI  

ASI is a global leader in training and accrediting instructors, coaches, and schools for surfing, stand-up paddleboarding, and bodyboarding. Established in 2003, with our head office in Bondi Beach, Sydney Australia, ASI instructors and schools ensure world-class training, safety and operational standards. Whether you're learning for personal enjoyment or to establish a career in the industry, ASI opens the door to new skills, international career opportunities and adventure.