SUP Mag UK lo-res free to readers April 2014 lo-res free to read | Page 51

rom SUPxscape

Any plans to expand to other areas
of Portugal (or other countries)?

Why should stand up paddlers visit
Portugal for a spot of SUP?

We’re always looking at ways to expand and geography is
always on our radar. I’m now a SUP training manager with the
Academy of Surfing Instructors (ASI) and SUPxscape is the
instructor training centre here. We’re concentrating hard on
this side of the business with off water facilities and a shop
coming soon.

Great weather, easy access and amazing scenery plus good
value for money.

Is SUP a big sport in Portugal and
what do the locals think of a bunch
of sweepers turning up at their
breaks.
SUP in Portugal is still in its infancy although we are seeing
steady growth year on year, however, compared to surfing,
stand up paddleboarding is an expensive sport and with the
quality of waves here many people will go down the surf route.
We avoid the busier areas mostly and are discovering new
spots that are more suited to SUP surf than prone surfing.

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Do you ever run into issues with
operating as a UK business in a
foreign country?
We’re actually a Portuguese company – Adventure Begin LDA –
which is equivalent to a UK LTD company. It’s really the only way
to legally operate in Portugal with the required licences,
insurances and the mountains of paperwork. It’s not easy setting
up a new business in a foreign country but we have had great
support from various partners here who have smoothed the way.

What’s the flat water paddling
potential like?
Coastal wise, and locally, depends on the time of year but
there are many amazing paddles within a short drive. We also
have the Obidos Lagoon on our doorstep which is a great flat
water location where a lot of our lessons and clinics take place.