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A surf school in Portugal: surf as an Olympic sport?

Surf is right now very close to becoming an Olympic sport, and while opinions diverge, perhaps every surf school in Portugal rejoices, since the sport has seen tremendous growth in the country, becoming a stalwart of tourism and one of the most important sports in the country. 

 

Could or should surf become an Olympic sport?

surf school portugalSurf is indeed one of the eight sports shortlisted to be added to the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, a list also including bowling, Karate, baseball and even Wunshu. For some, this will be the fulfilling of a long-had dream.

To be certain there is absolutely no reason for surf not becoming an Olympic sport, on the grounds of its health merits, ecological impact and social benefits. For Fujio Mitarai, the inclusion of surf in the Olympic games is mutually beneficial, on one hand because the sport is highly popular with the Japanese youth, and on the other because it will represent an opportunity to associate surfers with the Olympic spirit and principles.

But within the surf community, not all agree the sport should be part of the Olympics. Owen Wright, one of the world"s top surfers is one of those who feels that surf and Olympic games don"t mix. In his own words, "I think surfing in itself is more of an art form and an expression so I think the Olympic banner doesn"t really suit the sport of surfing." Not quite a visceral reaction as that of Matt Warshaw, to whom the idea makes him want to puke.

Others have a more favourable opinion, such as Brazil"s Gabriel Medina, who feels he would be honoured to represent his country in the games.

So where"s the catch? By nature and definition, surf is an ocean sport and for it to be a part of the Olympic games, organizers will provide the modality with a pool and artificial waves. This isnot the ideal solution for many, because it is felt that that option doesn"t replicate the reality of the sport. 

There are also those who feel surf requires no validation of any kind and as such doesn"t need the approval of the International Olympic Committee. There are obvious benefits for surf, but even more for the business around it.

 

The take of surf school in Portugal

lourinha surf school portugalAny surf school in Portugal could really benefit from this step, as they have all the key ingredients to become beacons to surfers all over the world to come and to train, prepare and excel. Options are limitless. From scholarships to patronage, all sorts of programs can be created to make Portugal an incubator of surf champions, and our schools the best in the world.

The country has it all, gathering a particularly varied set of surfing conditions, thanks to the diversity of its climate and geography, so we could go as far as considering it an ideal surf college as a whole. 

But does this ultimately mean the sport itself is being helped, or the business around it?

Here, a balance must be struck. It would be rather hypocritical to deny there is already a huge deal of money flowing through surf events, surf being worth some 6 billion dollars in the US alone. But it"s also a very democratic sport, and everybody is free to surf as they see fit. If pure business mentality should be applied to it, then we could fear it might become too elitist, too selective, in which case the inclusion in the Olympic games would be of some use to some in surf, but not for the masses of common surfers who enjoy their swells and just want to be close to the environment in their physical activity.

Whatever the outcome, there is the possibility there will be a division within the surfing community, hopefully not torn between those in the WSL circuit and those in the Olympics where conditions are different. In what we"re concerned, as a surf school in Portugal, we view this possibility as a challenge and as an opportunity.

Surf has already evolved a lot since its origins in the Pacific islands. Materials, techniques and standards have evolved, and should continue to evolve. For any surf school in Portugal, this means we, as a whole can be at the forefront of the sport"s future, with Portugal being the European destination of choice for anyone looking to learn or improve his/her technique and mastery. 

We are open to any surfer of any skill. And regardless of the Olympic question, we always will. 

 

Carina & Ruben
"Dear Elida, Isa, Malthe & Daniel, We had a fantastic time in the Underdog house. There is a really good atmosphere in and around the house!! Cheers on many more anniversary parties. And a special tip for Elida, Isa and Hanna: never travel without GPS/TomTom in Portugal again :). Warm regards ..."
Simon & Ina
"We had a great time @ Underdog Thank you guys for being so open-minded and welcoming us in this "big family" We will come back home again! Tons of love..."
Mieke
Finland
"A wonderful holiday, good surfing and great parties! Thank you, see you next year :)..."
Kevin
"Thanks for the warm welcome and great hospitality during my stay. Both the surfing and the chilling out was a wonderfull experience. This place has got me stoked! All the best,..."
Rebecca, Henne & Sabine
"This surf house has a lot to offer!!nice rooms, Daniel as an very cool owner,the pool (priceless after our surf lessons!!), an big BBQ, Kickers and lot more..we felt at home and had an wunderful week there....."
Sebastian
"Wow. What a warm welcome. It was an awesome time! Kind of a family thing. Thank you guys!! Cheers,..."
Inge Martin & Maria
"Thank you for a great stay (again) at the Underdog SH. We love this place and all the beautiful people. We will definitely be backnext year. :) Team Scandinavia..."
Darren
"Had a great time Friday night. Felt so hung over today! Hope your cousin feels better soon. Enjoy the rest of your holiday...."
Susanne
"Home is where you heart belongs to... I´m so glad I have this home here in Praia Areia Branca and know there´s a next time we will see us again. Thank you so much for everything. I had an awesome time! Daniel, Isa, Elida & Malthe you´re doing a great job! See you next time, take care, part..."
xoxo Anja
"Hey Daniel, I´m so glad, I found this place! I really felt like home this 2 weeks. You have done such great work with this house. Even on the day we couldn´t surf, it was awesome just to hang around with the people in here. I really want to come back very soon. Lots of Love & Hugs to you &a..."
Nina & Julian
"Underdog Surf house it already felt like being at home with all the friendly people our new little family nice & long talks, pizza&pasta night and unforgetable nights at Barraca. Thank you for all of it. We´ll definitely come back for the third time! Loads of love..."
Ane and Heidi
"Holy cow! We love it here!:) The beaches are unbelievably beautiful, and we have even tasted the sand while surfing. Not bad actually. Thank you Daniel for a warm welcome to Areia Branca. And thanks a mill to Elida for imiting us to this amazing place. We have so much enjoyed partying, playing an..."
Beth X
"See you Guys!! I had the most fun I´ve had in a long time!! Great meting you all and hopefully I will run into you in the future. Lots of Love..."
Natalia
"I don´t want to leave! Great house! Awesome people! Thank you so much for making me feel so welcome & at home. I hope to come back very soon..."
Ana B.
"After a lot of research on the internet I finally found Underdog... and I´m so happy I did!!! I am definitely comming back sooner than later. Thank you all for your hospitality!!! Muchos besos,..."
Kat XXX
Quebec
"JAL & ISA ARE THE BEST!!! Such a good time here. Thanks!! Big kisses from Quebec!..."
Alberto
"Best surfhouse ever! Great hospitality and even better people.The Ndrdog will always be my choice in Portugal. Daniel and his house are just awesome and you will always find someone to have a great time with a beer after surfing Hope to see you soon bro! Big hug from the jetguys ;)..."

CONTACT US

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Underdog Surf House

Av. António José do Vale, 7
Praia da Areia Branca,
2530-213 Lourinhã,
Portugal

TEL: +351 261 419 533
MOB: +351 912 214 416

underdogsurf@gmail.com