Name: David Mailey
Age: 19
Occupation: Lifeguard
Years bodyboarding: 1 year
Local break: White Rocks Portrush, Northern Ireland
David was our first client to take full advantage of our new Bed & Breakfast Bodyboarding 1-to-1 package, in Portugal. David spent 7 days with our man on the ground in Portugal, Matt Davies, searching for the best waves and honing his skills.
We caught up with David, back in Northern Ireland, to find out how his trip went.
How was your week away bodyboarding in Portugal?
Wow, what a week I had in Portugal! Probably the sickest week of my life! Scored so many fun, memorable and some heavy waves!
Why did you choose our new Bed & Breakfast Bodyboarding, 1-to-1 package?
I chose bodyboard holidays partly because it’s hard to get friends together to go away on trips over the winter months. Then also the opportunity arose where Rob offered to set me up a trip to develop my skills on a one to one basis.
How would you describe a typical day on the 1 to 1 package?
We’d wake up early, have a swift breakfast and stiff coffee then make our way to the beach and paddle out at day break so as to beat the crowd and enjoy the morning glass. Then after a few hours we’d get out and grab some food at the beach, before heading out for the afternoon session. In the evenings we’d kick back with a Sagres (the local brew) and go through the day’s video footage and photos.
How did the video analysis, photos and coaching help?
Video analysis helped 100%! You’re able to see exactly what you were doing wrong, therefore helping you pick out areas to improve on in the next sessions. It also helps you visualize what you could’ve done and what you should’ve done… haha 🙂
How do the waves here compare to the waves back home?
The waves have been very different from home. In Portrush there’s a lot of closeouts and a lot of fat waves. The waves here were a lot more punchy and hollow, there were open sections you could practice spins, rolls and there was a lovely few wee barrels to be had. Plus, it’s January and the last two days have been 20 degrees, bright sunshine and nice warm water. Definitely a lot better than home!
What were you working on this week?
At the beginning of the week we focused on elbow positioning, posture and power paddling. Toward the end of the week we moved onto wave selection, spins and rolls.
I’m definitely happy with my progression. It’s been a good week of bodyboarding and I’ve personally seen myself improve a lot in different areas.
What was the highlight of you trip?
Without a doubt, it was making my first proper barrel on a sick right-hander at Supertubos, and with only 5 other guys in the water.
Incidentally, that evening David’s Facebook read:
Supertubes just sealed the deal for this week in Portugal! Just to get in the water and get a few barrels on a world class wave was for sure the best experience of my life!
What else did you get up to during the week?
Matt’s girlfriend Masha is a great yoga teacher so I was able to stretch out the day’s riding and niggly back pains with evening yoga sessions. We also ate out at some great local restaurants and hung out with the local bodyboard crew. These guys were great to be around, really friendly, helpful and encouraging in the water.
Where did you stay and what was the accommodation like?
I stayed at Matt’s place. He has a clean and comfortable apartment in a quaint rural village just 5 minutes from Praia Grande, Sintra.
How much was your flight?
I paid 105 Euro from Dublin to Lisbon with Ryanair …and that was last minute!
What rating would you give the trip and would you recommend it?
Straight 10s for sure! It’s a great place to come on a surf holiday. I recommend this trip to anyone who wants improve their riding and have loads of fun at the same time. If anyone is looking for a bodyboard holiday then I strongly recommend giving Rob Barber at Bodyboard Holidays a call to sort you out! I especially recommend Portugal too!
Finally, tell us about the coffee…
I came to Portugal not ever drinking coffee… and basically became a coffee addict by the end of the week 🙂
Last words…
Finally, I want to say a huge thank you to Matthew Davies for hosting me and helping me improve, and Thom Berry’s hard work behind the lens!
