How SurfREC Is Transforming Surf Filming with José “Zé” Ferreira

From Pro Surfer to Tech Innovator: Zé Ferreira on Automated Filming, Performance Data & SurfREC’s Collaboration With Justin West Coaching

In this episode of Podcast Portugal, host Justin West sits down with former pro surfer turned tech innovator, José “Zé” Ferreira, the co-founder of SurfREC — Portugal’s cutting-edge automated surf filming system now operating at Ribeira d’Ilhas and Carcavelos. Zé shares his journey from elite athlete to entrepreneur, how SurfREC’s robotic AI-powered cameras capture every wave with precision, and why the platform is becoming essential for surfers who want consistent, high-quality footage.

This episode also highlights the upcoming collaboration between SurfREC and Justin West Coaching, enabling surfers to film their sessions with SurfREC and receive professional online video analysis directly from Justin West. Perfect for surfers seeking performance progression, coaches exploring tech tools, and anyone excited about Portugal’s evolving surf-tech landscape.

SurfREC & Justin West Coaching OFFER

If you’re looking to level up your surfing I've got a couple of easy ways to get you  moving forward.

I’m running in-person coaching sessions here in Portugal with flexible dates, so if you’re travelling through or planning a trip, we can lock in a few sessions and work on exactly what your surfing needs.

And thanks to our collab with SurfREC, the AI robotic filming system now operating in Ribeira d’Ilhas and Carcavelos you can get footage of your sessions, just send me 5 clips and I’ll break down every detail for you.

But even if you’re not in Portugal, no problem—you can send me up to five waves from anywhere in the world. Surf trip to Indo, comp heats, your local break, even wave-pools. If you’ve got the footage, I’m happy to analyse it.

If you want to dive deeper into SurfREC, check out Podcast Portugal Episode 50 with Ze Ferreira.

To book surf coaching sessions, to find out about our immersive surf training camps, online video analysis program and special JWC rates for using SurfREC, head to justinwestcoaching.com direct links in the show notes.

Planning a trip to Portugal? Whether you’re exploring Lisbon, surfing Ericeira, or road-tripping through the Alentejo, staying connected is essential. I use Airalo every time I travel — even on my surf boat trips to the Maldives — so when we connected to collaborate, I was genuinely stoked. Airalo’s eSIMs give you instant data the moment you land. No queues, no physical SIM, just seamless, reliable coverage. Travel smarter, stay connected — download Airalo before your next adventure.

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Surf, Society & Coastal Futures — with Anthropologist Dr Vera Azevedo

Anthropologist & Author Dr Vera Azevedo on surfing heritage, wave-pool innovation, and Portugal’s evolving coastal economy

In Episode 49 of Podcast Portugal, Justin welcomes Dr Vera Azevedo, anthropologist, researcher, and author of the groundbreaking book “Zone de Impact: Surf e Patrimonialização do Mar na Ericeira”. In this compelling conversation, Dr Azevedo explores the deep cultural, historical, and economic forces shaping Portugal’s surfing landscape.

The discussion traces the evolution of surfing in Portugal—from coastal fishing traditions to the global recognition of Ericeira as a World Surfing Reserve—and examines how surfing has become a powerful driver of local identity, heritage protection, and regional development.

Justin and Dr Azevedo also dive into the fast-growing world of wave pools, analysing their potential impact on coastal tourism, athlete performance pathways, environmental pressures, and the Portuguese surf economy. This thoughtful dialogue offers crucial insight into how emerging surf technologies may reshape both inland tourism and longstanding coastal communities.

As the author of one of the most important contemporary works on Portuguese surf culture, Dr Azevedo brings academic clarity and cultural depth to a topic of global interest.

Listeners can find information on book launch events, signings, and her latest research on Dr Vera Azevedo’s Instagram. You can also buy her book by clicking this link.

This episode is essential listening for surfers, coaches, academics, coastal professionals, and anyone searching for expert analysis on surfing, heritage, and the future of Portugal’s coastline.

Planning a trip to Portugal? Whether you’re exploring Lisbon, surfing Ericeira, or road-tripping through the Alentejo, staying connected is essential. I use Airalo every time I travel — even on my surf boat trips to the Maldives — so when we connected to collaborate, I was genuinely stoked. Airalo’s eSIMs give you instant data the moment you land. No queues, no physical SIM, just seamless, reliable coverage. Travel smarter, stay connected — download Airalo before your next adventure.”

If you haven’t already switched to Revolut, now is the perfect time.
I use Revolut Personal to manage my everyday money — spending, saving, and sending across borders. You can hold over 30 currencies, transfer internationally at great rates, and even earn daily interest on your savings. It’s smart, fast, and used by more than 60 million people worldwide.

And if you run a business, Revolut has an even more powerful solution. Revolut Business gives you a global account built for growth: multi-currency accounts, team cards, spend controls, international transfers, and easy ways to get paid. It’s streamlined, affordable, and designed to scale with you.

Here’s the best part:

• Sign up for Revolut Personal click this link and join me on one of the most advanced money apps available.
  

• And if you're a founder or business owner, use the Podcast Portugal Revolut Business referral link and get your first month with no subscription fees.
  

Whether it’s for your personal finances or your business, Revolut has you covered — all in one place.