Part of the course Entrepreneurship in Water Sports & Travel course at the Universidade de Coimbra consisted out of a number of company visits. This year 5 companies were very excited to host the students. The group visited Murtinheira (just north of Figueira da Foz) and Praia da Tocha.
Company Visits to Praia da Tocha
On Friday 19th the group visited three companies in the beautiful Praia da Tocha, about 40 mins. north of Figueira da Foz.
During the visit to Ticket2surf Brian (the owner) sat down with us for about 1.5 hours and answered litteraly any question (photo above). The students wanted to know everything, about the start up phase (12 yrs. ago), the financial situation, the way how to differentiate from other surf camps and how to attract clients. I added the question on where the potential would lie; in getting more people (especially during the shoulders of the season) or increasing the turnover on the current guests.
After that we visited Hugo’s, a tourist shop run by Hugo who took part in the same course we taught last year (also in Figueira da Foz). Also here the students were very interested in hearing him out on all the ins and outs of running such a business and how to go around dependency on the seasonality. Picture above.
The 3th visit took place at Dreamsea Surf Camps (Praia da Tocha), also being the first partner Olmo used to work with at SurfaWhile. Country Manager (Portugal) Diogo told us all about the camp, its worldwide presence (16 locations) and how to have been able to increase their standards throughout the years. The camp (hosting up to 90 guests) was beautiful and the students were truly interested in seeing the tents, the dining area, the weekly schedule, the surf corner and the (self created) bathroom facilities. Picture below of the visit and header photo of host Diogo (country manager Dreamsea Portugal).
First we went to Sand, a beach bar in Murtinheira (close to Figueira da Foz). We sat down for almost 2 hours with Hugo, the owner and the students litteraly asked him everything about his business. We got to enjoy some of their own sparkling white wine which is generally used in their famous Sangria’s.
Hugo shared everything about how he managed to get the spot at the beach (through a public auction) and how he has been building the business bit by bit. Students as him about finances, changes in menu and decorations, how to attract clients and much more. Picture below.
Opposite of Sand, the We Surf House arises, ran by Marco. The host of the house, Ruben, was very happy to show us around and tell about their approach and how they are different from other surf houses. At We Surf House it’s all about the vibe and the internal spirit at the house, rather than a place to just stay whilst surfing. Picture of Ruben showing us around (below).
