News on Portugal’s air bridge and why it’s not too late to book your 2020 surf trip!

Those on board with Bolhas boat tours this weekend were lucky enough to encounter the worlds second largest species of shark, the basking shark, just off the coast from Praia da Ribeira do Cavalo.

Why it’s not too late to book your 2020 surf trip!

Update on Portugal’s air Bridge

Why it’s not too late to book your 2020 surf trip!

Update on Portugals air bridge

It’s certainly not been the year any of us thought it might be, but it’s not all doom and gloom… With sea temperatures typically sitting between 19 and 21 degrees throughout September and October, late summer in the Algarve offers everything for the perfect getaway!

Booking a holiday in 2020 has been a somewhat chaotic experience for us all. Whether you’ve waited months to receive a refund for a trip that couldn’t go ahead, or had to make last minute changes to what you had planned, following the latest government advice has caused headaches and worries for many of us. The latest update from British transport secretary Grant Schapps means that UK travellers will not need to quarantine or self isolate when returning from Portugal, and the locals here in the Algarve can’t wait to welcome UK tourists back to their region.

Booking a holiday in 2020 has been a somewhat chaotic experience for us all. Whether you’ve waited months to receive a refund for a trip that couldn’t go ahead, or had to make last minute changes to what you had planned, following the latest government advice has caused headaches and worries for many of us. The latest update from British transport secretary Grant Schapps means that UK travellers will not need to quarantine or self isolate when returning from Portugal, and the locals here in the Algarve can’t wait to welcome UK tourists back to their region.

Following the easing of lockdown, there has understandably been safety concerns about what we should and should not be doing, both at home and away. Portugal set out some very clear guidelines from the beginning, and these have been simple to follow throughout the phased easing of restrictions. This has allowed local businesses to welcome back tourists, whilst taking the right precautions to keep everyone safe. We spoke to one local business owner, David Rosa from Odeceixe Surf, and found out what they’re doing differently, and how the same amazing experience is being kept alive.

Following the easing of lockdown, there has understandably been safety concerns about what we should and should not be doing, both at home and away. Portugal set out some very clear guidelines from the beginning, and these have been simple to follow throughout the phased easing of restrictions. This has allowed local businesses to welcome back tourists, whilst taking the right precautions to keep everyone safe. We spoke to one local business owner, David Rosa from Odeceixe Surf, and found out what they’re doing differently, and how the same amazing experience is being kept alive.

David explained how it’s almost impossible to be anything other than socially distanced when out on the water, after all, you’re looking to catch a wave, not crash into your fellow surfers! “However, in the preparation of the logistics and in the meetings on the beaches where the surf lessons are held, Odeceixe Surf School has some procedures taking into account the times in which we’re living”. Restrictions and guidelines are ever evolving, and with that in mind, “the transportation of students and clients complies with the rules of the moment”.

Odeceixe surfers ready to catch some waves

Portugal have been really proactive in protecting both their residents and tourists visiting the region, and have developed a mobile app, InfoPraia, to enable users to check if the nearby beaches are crowded. David and his team are able to make use of this real time information together with their expert knowledge of the local area to make sure their surfers have the best and safest experience possible. “In the delivery of equipment for the surf lessons, all of the staff wear protective masks. Surf lessons are also held according to the legislation of one instructor for five students”, meaning that each student gets the right help and tuition in order to make the most of their time on the water. “In the surf class, students do not wear protective masks and we make sure all equipment is disinfected daily and regularly”.

David explained how it’s almost impossible to be anything other than socially distanced when out on the water, after all, you’re looking to catch a wave, not crash into your fellow surfers! “However, in the preparation of the logistics and in the meetings on the beaches where the surf lessons are held, Odeceixe Surf School has some procedures taking into account the times in which we’re living”. Restrictions and guidelines are ever evolving, and with that in mind, “the transportation of students and clients complies with the rules of the moment”.

Odeceixe surfers ready to catch some waves

Portugal have been really proactive in protecting both their residents and tourists visiting the region, and have developed a mobile app, InfoPraia, to enable users to check if the nearby beaches are crowded. David and his team are able to make use of this real time information together with their expert knowledge of the local area to make sure their surfers have the best and safest experience possible. “In the delivery of equipment for the surf lessons, all of the staff wear protective masks. Surf lessons are also held according to the legislation of one instructor for five students”, meaning that each student gets the right help and tuition in order to make the most of their time on the water. “In the surf class, students do not wear protective masks and we make sure all equipment is disinfected daily and regularly”.

With their ‘Clean & Safe Certificate’ proudly displayed, Odeceixe Surf School are ready to get back to doing what they do best! What are you waiting for?

With their ‘Clean & Safe Certificate’ proudly displayed, Odeceixe Surf School are ready to get back to doing what they do best! What are you waiting for?