Portugal, Spring '24
Behind The Campaign...
Temperatures rise. Light lingers longer in the sky. As the early signs of spring take hold, nature beckons us to emerge.
Linking up with a crew of old friends and some fresh faces, we set out to explore, clad in gear built to enable the adventure.
We converged on a small fishing village, a few miles from Sagres, that would be our home for the week. A quiet town, more for locals than tourists, whitewashed walls and terracotta roofs pressed close together, clinging to the sandstone cliffs as if carved from the rock itself.
Days were carefully planned, yet free flowing. Diogo’s arrival, with a van full of surfboards, caused much excitement. A talented shaper, turning his hand to the classic outlines of longboards and fish, the crew enjoyed daily forays up and down the coast to find waves and test his craft.
Born and raised just a few miles away, Joana shared knowledge of the local spots which have been her training ground – from fresh-faced grom to fearless World Champion. Jacob, once a competitive junior surfer now turned architect, brought power and flow on a flame-edged fish, with international traveller Shaanti serving grace and poise on the nose of a longboard.
Steep sandstone cliffs concealed a variety of waves to sample...
... from peeling rights to heavy, barrelling A-frames.
Jacob Down examines the unique awareness of space gained through surfing...
We sat down with world-traveller, surfer and model Shaanti Senaratne.
We caught up with Joana Schenker to discuss sacrifices, influences, and her deep connection to the ocean.
“The ocean has given me everything, so I feel like it's my responsibility to use my voice to advocate for the ocean’s future as much as possible.”
Joana Shenker, World Champion Bodyboarder
When not in the water, we explored...
We wandered the narrow streets of town, meeting and greeting the locals, grateful for their hospitality. Venturing down wild trails to drink in the beauty of this landscape. Everywhere, we documented the journey. Capturing the moment, enjoying the experience.
Even the Portuguese rain couldn’t dampen our spirits...
... and smiles beamed from beneath waterproof hoods.
Rejuvenated by this place and the connections we had made with its land and people, we set our sights on home, ready to emerge into spring.
