From Italy to Algarve, the life of an ASI Surf Coach

PORTUGAL. ASI Surf Coach Alex Rista has been Head Coach at Algarve Surf School in Sagres, Portugal for the last 10 years. He is an elite-advanced surfer and has a wealth of surfing instructor, surf school and surf camp operations experience.

Originally from Italy, Alex now calls Sagres his home. He worked as an Educational Coordinator and Trainer before moving to Portugal to pursue his interest in surfing. We spoke to him about his career as an ASI Surf Coach.

He says: “After surfing and windsurfing in Italy for 10 years I decided to get my ASI Surfing Instructor qualification in 2006 to be able to work, travel and spend more time by the sea.
“Once I got my qualification, I straight away got a job as surf instructor at my local surf spot thanks to the Cinghiale Marino surf school in Italy. I was working weekends while still working 9-5 during the week in another job.”

After several surf trips to Portugal in 2007, he applied and got a job with Algarve Surf School. “Since moving here I definitely call the Algarve my home. After living in the area for more than 10 years, doing what I love and I recently bought a house in Lagos which is not far from Sagres.”

As Head Coach and Surf School Manager, he doesn’t teach everyday anymore but he’s still at the beach every day organising lessons. Alex says: “In the peak season we have up to 10 instructors working with us. So, my day to day tasks are more about hiring and training new instructors, writing lesson plans, organising daily surf lessons and making sure that everything runs smoothly.”

The best and most fun part of his job is being able to go surfing every day. He says: “Meeting lots of people, spending the days at the best office ever with the best view ever. Working together with a team of nice people and growing together on a personal and professional level is what I love. Teaching surfing in the rain is not so fun but luckily that only happens 7 days a year in the Algarve!”

Some of the funny things he has seen while working in Sagres are surfboard fins mounted the wrong way around, wetsuits worn inside out or zipper at the front and even boardshorts worn on top of a wetsuit!

Alex usually goes back to Italy to spend Christmas with his family and manages to squeeze a few short trips in to see his two little nephews too.

The Algarve Surf School is open year-round and is one of the most successful and popular Surf Schools in Portugal, Europe. They offer Lessons, Surf Camps and Surf Trips, as well as low-cost and fun Hostel accommodation in the surfers' town of Sagres.

To find out more visit:
https://www.academyofsurfing.com/school/surfing/algarve-surf-school-sagres-lagos

ASI (Academy of Surfing Instructors), is the worldwide peak body for Instructors and Coaches in the outdoor recreation and sports industry for surfing, stand up paddle and bodyboarding.
www.academyofsurfing.com
We set the standards for education, accreditation, professional development and ongoing support for our members, offering pathways from entry level to elite level.
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ASI Accredited Schools abide by the high international standards for operations, training and safety.