Introducing Filipe Costa, ASI Bodyboarding Instructor, Portugal

Bodyboarding has shaped Filipe Costa’s life for more than two decades, but what makes his journey truly remarkable is how he’s fused his profession with his passion.

We chat to Filipe to see what inspired him to become a bodyboarding instructor.

What is your background? / Where do you live?

I come from a multicultural background and live in Portimão, Algarve. I hold a degree in Physiotherapy and work as a lecturer, physiotherapist, and sports coach. I run my own physiotherapy practice and have experience supporting football, surf, and bodyboard athletes.

I’m a founding member of Portimão Surf Club and have coached surfing and bodyboarding since 2017, including adapted surf. I’ve also served as a physiotherapist for both bodyboarding and surf leagues.

Alongside coaching, I regularly compete in bodyboarding, achieving multiple podium finishes. I coach athletes in national bodyboarding championships across youth and open categories, helping develop competitive skills and performance.

What got you involved in the sport?

I have been going to the beach since I was a child and always loved being in the ocean. 

About 20 years ago, I discovered bodyboarding, and I still practice it regularly today.

More than anything, I simply enjoy being in the water and feeling connected to the sea. 

Why did you become an ASI instructor?

I had been teaching bodyboarding and adaptive surfing, and I wanted to gain professional instructor certifications.

It was a way for me to give back to the surf community by sharing my knowledge and experience in areas that I am truly passionate about.

I chose to do my training with ASI due to their professionalism and solid educational curriculum.  

What are you doing now?

My goal is to combine my knowledge of physiotherapy with my passion for the ocean and surf culture.

I combined my work as a physiotherapist and coaching bodyboarding skills to  help surfers with recovery, injury prevention, and performance improvement.

At the Portimão Surf Clube, I teach surfing and bodyboarding, including adaptive surf lessons.

My goal is to combine my knowledge of physiotherapy with my passion for the ocean and surf culture. 

What do you like about being an instructor?

What I enjoy most about being an instructor is teaching and sharing knowledge with others.

I also learn a lot from my students, as every person brings a different experience and perspective. 

Being an instructor motivates me to continue studying and improving my skills, both in surfing and physiotherapy.

Could you share an inspiring story about your student(s) or memorable experiences,  you've had while instructing. 

One of the most inspiring experiences I have had as an instructor started with one of my adaptive surf athletes.

At first, he only came to me for physiotherapy treatment. One day, during a training session with other students, he asked me if he could go into the water with us.  

That moment changed everything. Four years later, we became Vice Champions in the Prone 2 category of adaptive surfing, which is a surf-assisted division.

It has been an incredible journey of trust, dedication, and teamwork, and it showed me how powerful surfing can be in changing lives.

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.