Catch the best waves with Zimzala

Even though life took them in different directions, studying and starting various jobs, they always found time to reunite for their surfing sessions. This lifelong connection eventually led them to open their first surf school.

From passion to profession

Mauro Ferrão, who studied to be a physical education teacher, had always wanted a career that required physical activity. He tried working as a personal trainer in a gym but missed the beach and freedom, and that’s what led him, and his two other friends, to become surf instructors.

They started with a small surf club in 2014, initially teaching friends and local people how to surf, but soon they noticed growing interest from tourists.

“We wanted to develop a passion for surfing in the new generations. This was our goal from the beginning.”

Their business grew steadily. The surfing academy became well known and since all three of them are active sportsmen, they decided to expand and started to offer kayak and paddleboard rentals as well.

Today, they operate two surfing schools, Albufeira Surf & Sup and Zimzala, based between Galé Beach and São Rafael Beach.

More recently, they added to their portfolio coasteering as an adrenaline-filled activity and in the past year, they launched e-bike tours.

Zimzala café and lifestyle shop

Seeing a growing demand for a more complete beachside experience, in 2020, they got a business opportunity. A space in Galé Beach, just next to their surfing academy, became available and Zimzala café was born. “The coolest café in the Algarve.”

Zimzala café offers delicious food and beverages, including their very own craft beer. “We believe that every sip of our beer contributes to a story – ours, with you. For us, producing quality craft beer is not just a passion, but an art form full of creativity, science and a great love for the entire process. Carlos Rodrigues from novosul-brewing.pt is the heart and soul behind our craft beer. His philosophy is simple: use the best ingredients.”

Cultural events are held regularly in Zimzala café. Every Wednesday and Sunday, there is live music or a special event happening.

Later, a surf shop was added to Zimzala café, offering a range of equipment for surfing enthusiasts.

Friendship and trust

It is rare to see three friends, with their personal lives and different backgrounds, not only to remain close friends for over 30 years but also to create a very successful business together.

As the business grew, they chose to leave their previous careers behind and commit fully to managing only their business.

“We know each other really well. It’s all about our relationship, about trust. We have been business partners for over 10 years and friends for much longer. Our personalities complement each other. One of us is action-driven, the other brings stability, and I try to keep the harmony”, Mauro explains.

“I currently manage the surf lessons, online bookings and marketing strategies. We have tried many things, some of them worked, some didn’t. We focused on what did and made it really successful.”

Their previous experience played an important role in the journey. “Part of the success was not having the worker mentality but having a little bit of vision. We came from backgrounds in hospitality, accountancy, business and food and beverage safety consultancy. We all had positions in leadership or managed teams before. That experience helped us build what we have now. We have a lot of respect for each other, and we always try to reach a consensus. We give the opportunity for each of us to have our own voice.

Today, they employ 24 people.

Mauro became the face of the company as he was managing their social media and creating surf reports. “I wanted people to relate to my surfing lifestyle. People engage a lot with this type of content. I’m not the best surfer but it’s about promoting this way of life. I’m busy with many things now, but people still tell me they miss my reports.”

“More than a brand, Zimzala is a way of life. Our motto is to live a life that is light and full of the things we love the most,” Mauro explains.

“Zimzala is a person with a free mind. Who doesn’t have a care in the world.” (Urban Dictionary)

Discover Galé Beach with Zimzala

“The culture of going to the beach in the winter has changed a lot recently. In the Algarve, it feels like summer all year round. More people are moving and living here, and they want to enjoy the beach even in the winter. In January, you can get beautiful sunny days, so why not? Before, it was just us here, nobody else. Now it’s for everyone.”

The academy offers learning for all levels, from absolute beginner to experienced riders. Each session lasts around two hours, with a minimum age of 8 years old. You can choose from group lessons, where the maximum is 8 people, or private lessons.

As a beginner, or level 1, you will learn how to catch and ride the waves. Gain independence in selecting and catching waves and master basic rowing techniques.

In level 2, you will focus on understanding wave and body dynamics, improving the principles of riding your surf and flowing with the ocean.

“In the end, you will be able to listen to the ocean and respect its calling to ride waves like a true Zimzala. A free spirit with a deep connection to nature and its mysteries.”

Galé Beach is a hidden gem for surfing. It’s the perfect place to catch your first wave or build your confidence on the board. The gentle, clean waves break over soft sand, making it an ideal spot for beginners.

And at Zimzala, you have the perfect opportunity to learn something new under the guidance of certified and experienced instructors.

Tereza Pedro is originally from Slovakia and now based in the Algarve, with a master’s in mass media. Passionate about lifestyle and storytelling, she captures the essence of daily life through a blend of creativity, international perspective, and coastal living—all while raising her son.

Tereza Pedro