Over two days, the 49 participants deepened their knowledge and shared experiences in a training that allowed them to earn credits for revalidating their professional coach license. The first day was dedicated to the theoretical component, with Sandro Maximiliano, a lecturer at Universidade Lusófona, discussing the historical evolution of the sport. In the afternoon, Luís Lacrau, a specialist in surfboard construction, explored different models, design, and construction processes.
On Sunday, the training took place at Galé Beach, with a practical component featuring contributions from Luís Lacrau, Joana Freitas, and Pedro Barbudo. Among the trainees were Joana Andrade, known for surfing giant waves in Nazaré, and Portuguese professional surfer Tomás Valente.
The afternoon was marked by the Softboard Challenge, a competition integrated into the training program that focused on board experimentation and camaraderie. For about an hour, participants shared waves in a more relaxed aspect of the sport.
The vice-president of the Albufeira Municipal Council, Jorge Carmo, highlighted the importance of coach training for sports quality and safety, reflecting the Municipality's commitment to professional qualification and the valorization of different sports, with surfing benefiting from the region's natural conditions.
In the men's classification, Gabriel Machado took first place, followed by César Silva and Gabriel Castro. In the women's category, Mariana Fonseca won, with Anna Borges in second and Leonor Café in third. Distinctions were also awarded to Gil Rita (best wave) and João Dinis Xufre (best style), and to Joana Andrade and Luís Marreiros (best shared wave).
