Itinerary
Big Wave Surf Training Retreat
February 20 – 27, 2021
Azores, Portugal
Retreat Highlights
Surf Progression: Daily surf sessions with a focus on technique, confidence, and building skills in bigger waves
Ocean Training: Apnea and jet ski sessions with professional coaches to learn surf survival strategies
Island Adventures & Recovery: Yoga, hiking, volcanic hot springs, and downtime to soak in Azorean culture
Hosted at Santa Barbara Eco-Beach Resort, including daily healthy breakfasts and two group dinners featuring locally-sourced ingredients.
Day by Day Itinerary
This is a prospective itinerary and may shift slightly depending on ocean conditions, partner schedules, and group needs.
Day 1
Saturday, February 20
Welcome to the Azores!
Arrive in Ponta Delgada, where we’ll pick you up and bring you to our Eco-Beach Resort, located right at Santa Barbara Beach on the North Coast of São Miguel Island. Take time to settle in, rest after your travels, or enjoy the views of the Atlantic coast.
By evening, we’ll gather for a welcome dinner, introductions, and a presentation outlining the retreat.
Meals included: Dinner
Day 2
Sunday, February 21
Getting the Feet in the Wax
After a nourishing breakfast, we’ll start the day with a warm-up mobility session followed by our first surf in the Azores—an energizing 1.5–2 hours in the water.
The afternoon features a pool-based apnea introduction (2.5 hours), focusing on breath control, relaxation, and water safety. For those with energy left, there’s an optional evening surf.
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 3
Monday, February 22
Jet Ski Day
This is one of the highlights of the week. We’ll start with morning surf and mobility, then head out for a full-day jet ski training session led by Marco and Adam. You’ll learn how to tow-in, explore bigger waves in a controlled setting, and expand your comfort zone.
We’ll close the day with a grounding mobility session to reset body and mind.
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 4
Tuesday, February 23
Rest & Recovery
Time to recharge! We’ll start the day with a restorative mobility and visualization practice, followed by a light island adventure in the afternoon. A hike through lush trails and a dip in the volcanic hot springs at Caldeira Velha will leave you feeling renewed.
Optional light surf if you’re still frothing.
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 5
Wednesday, February 24
Surf Progression & Video Analysis
We’ll begin the day with video review and technical feedback before paddling out for a coached surf session. This is your chance to implement personalized insights in the water.
Evening freesurf session using the day’s learnings. We’ll close with a celebratory “Final Supper” and lighthearted awards like Gnarliest Wipeout and Charger of the Week.
Meals included: Breakfast and Dinner
Day 6
Thursday, February 25
Rest & Explore
We’ll take it easy this morning with a restorative stretch led by Adam, and have the option to go for another hike to the highest crater lake in the Azores–Lagoa do Fogo, guided by our local experts.
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 7
Friday, February 26
Free Day
The day is yours—catch waves, go hiking, explore the island, or simply rest and enjoy the relaxed Azorean pace of life.
Celebrate the week & group connection
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 8
Saturday, February 27
Goodbyes & Reflections
Enjoy a final breakfast together before departures. Take one last walk to the beach, or just breathe in the volcanic island air before we transfer you to the airport.
Accommodation
You’ll stay at Santa Barbara Eco-Beach Resort, a luxurious hotel located right at one of the main surf spots of the island. Nestled in the corner of Santa Barbara Beach, it features cozy double rooms with private bathrooms, daily breakfasts prepared in-house, and a pool terrace overlooking the Atlantic Ocean.
Meet your Coaches
Adam Tory
Adam is a 2023 and 2024 Surf Team Canada athlete who brings both elite-level performance and a deep passion for surf coaching. Based in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Adam lives and breathes the Atlantic, working as an ISA Level 2 Surf and PFI Freedive Coach. As the founder of Hurricane Surf Company, his mission is to help surfers of all levels discover joy and progression in the ocean. With years of experience guiding athletes and everyday surfers alike, Adam’s approach blends technical surf training, breathwork, and mindset coaching. His goal is to inspire you to push limits, build confidence, and uncover your own potential—both in the water and beyond.
Marco Medeiros
A firefighter, lifeguard, and ocean rescuer from São Miguel’s rugged north coast, Marco brings unparalleled big-wave safety expertise to the retreat. With decades of lifesaving experience, he has worked alongside some of the most renowned surfers in the world, including Garrett McNamara, and most recently played a pivotal role in Sebastian Steudtner’s world-record-breaking wave at Nazaré, supporting the rescue team. Certified by the Big Wave Risk Assessment Group, Marco combines professional firefighting and emergency rescue skills with his passion for the ocean. His calm presence, technical mastery, and insider’s knowledge of Azorean waters make him an invaluable mentor for surfers seeking to expand their limits safely.
How to Get Here
Fly into Ponta Delgada (PDL) on São Miguel Island. SATA Azores Airlines offers direct connections from both North America and Europe. Flights are not included, but we’re happy to assist you in planning your journey.
