Meet our team

Joana Andrade, our manager, has been a part of the Ericeira community for over 25 years. As a specialist in big wave surfing, Joana tackles the massive swells at Praia do Norte in Nazaré, home to some of the largest waves in the world. She is recognized among the top female big wave surfers globally. Progress Surf School stands out from many others because of her leadership, with her extensive experience in the sport and her philosophy of conveying the essence of surfing as a lifestyle.

Born and raised in Ericeira. He started surfing at the age of 15.
A Level 2 surf coach with almost 10 years’ experience, a lifeguard, a personal trainer for surfers, and the coordinator of the intermediate and advanced surf programmes “Shark Condition”. His aim is to share all his experience and knowledge to provide the best experience and enjoyment for everyone who wants to learn and improve their surfing.

Born and raised around Ericeira, João grew up with salty water in his veins. In his early 20´s he decided to move abroad and ended up in Denmark. He spent several years working full-time at Rørvig harbour and used his spare time to sail across the Island of Zealand. As a surf instructor, he can bring something rare to the lineup - he doesn´t only teach you how to surf, he listens. What makes João different? He takes time to understand what you find difficult, scary and challenging. No matter the reason, he adapts very session to your needs. This personal connection is the perfect recipe by make it possible to turn a good lesson in to an unforgettable one.

Co-owner & Manager. Katarina discovered surfing in her twenties while living in Australia—and never looked back. Raised by the ocean, she’s always felt a deep connection to the element of water, flowing effortlessly between life and the waves. After years in the corporate world of marketing and management, Katarina traded boardrooms for surfboards and moved to Portugal to live her dream: building Progress Surf School and helping others progress in the water. You’ll meet Katarina on the line up where she rides small waves on her longboard, or in the office, or the washing room for wetsuits.

Simone is our international reference, speaking 5 languages and with his passion for surfing since many years, he will be the perfect fit for all of you that are starting to surf and wanna PROGRESS within few days keeping having fun, cause remember: if is not Fun is not Sustainable!! Come to surf with us and discover his unique way of teaching

Rita blends movement, breath, and embodiment to guide you back into deep connection with your body. Working alongside big wave surfer Joana Andrade and Progress Surf School, she helps surfers unlock true performance — through inner balance, trust, and presence. At Progress, she offers calisthenics, apnea, and breathwork training, designed to build strength, control, and confidence in and out of the water. Her signature method, Move Through Harmony, is a transformative journey into strength, flow, and self-connection.

Ni Andrade began surfing at the age of 10 and has spent many years competing in the sport. He loves sharing his wisdom and passion for surfing with his students. For about 7 years, Ni has been teaching surf lessons at Progress Surf School. He considers Ericeira, with its exceptional waves, to be his true home.

Miguel left his civil engineering career behind in his second year of study when he realized that his true passion lay in the sea and surfing. At that moment, he knew his future was in journalism and sharing the world of surfing with others. And for the past 30 years, that's exactly what he has been doing, along with being a surf instructor and sharing his passion with our students.

Luis Inácio is a local guy, born and raised in Ericeira he is a experiente surfer with a lot of knowledge.
Respected surfer, recognize Surf instructor and coach surfer level 1 and 2 by the FPS.