Who We Are
Sharks Training is a government-accredited professional development and outdoor education centre based in Peniche, Portugal. We design and deliver transformational training programmes for individuals, sport professionals, and organisations — combining 30+ years of international experience with Portugal’s Atlantic coast as our classroom.
All in-person training takes place at Sharks Lodge — our performance facility 400 metres from the Atlantic, with CrossFit box, official HYROX Training Club, surf access at Supertubos, accommodation, restaurant and full support infrastructure.
Our Founder
Paulo Barbosa — Founder & CEO
Paulo Barbosa has spent over 35 years designing and delivering professional training across four continents. His career began at 19 as a certified trainer, and his family’s training company — founded in 1992 — grew into one of Portugal’s leading vocational development organisations with 600+ freelance trainers.
In the years between he worked as technical director of Portugal’s first commercial rafting operation, directed the country’s first 350km multi-discipline adventure races, coordinated programmes at Outward Bound Spain, and competed internationally in expedition racing.
After three decades in the business, Paulo focused on creating something special: a performance training centre anchored to the Atlantic coast, where professional development happens in an environment that genuinely challenges people.
Paulo holds a PG Certificate in Outdoor Management Development from Sheffield Hallam University (UK) and studied in 8 universites across Portugal, UK, USA semester in Recreation, Parks and Tourism Management at San Diego State University with a minor in Military Science.
Qualified as a CrossFit L2 Trainer with 10+ specialty certifications, UK Mountain Training awards, Coastal Skipper, BCU Sea Kayak L1 coach, SUP Instructor and Beach Lifeguard through the Royal Life Saving Society UK and Portuguese Navy. Canoe and Surf coach L1 Coach in Portugal.
Sharks Lodge and Sharks Training are his current focus.
Our Credentials
DGERT — Certified Training Organisation Certificate nº3375/2018
DGERT (Direção-Geral do Emprego e das Relações de Trabalho) is Portugal’s national quality standard for training organisations — equivalent to ISO 29990 internationally. Our certification covers 5 areas:
- 090 — Personal development
- 146 — Education and training of trainers
- 729 — Health (including first aid and emergency training)
- 811 — Hotel and Restaurant / Catering
- 813 — Sports
IPDJ — Sport Coaching & Camp Organiser
IPDJ (Instituto Português do Desporto e Juventude) is Portugal’s government body for sport and youth. Our accreditation authorises official surf coach certifications at Grau 1 and Grau 2 — recognised nationally and across the EU.
RNAAT nº 1008/2016 — Registo Nacional de Agentes de Animação Turística. Portugal’s national registry for licensed outdoor activity and tourism operators. Authorises us to legally run surf, adventure and outdoor activity programmes for the public.
RNET nº 9442 — Registo Nacional de Empreendimentos Turísticos. National tourism establishment registry confirming Sharks Lodge meets all legal requirements as an official tourism and accommodation facility.
Our Facility
All in-person training takes place at Sharks Lodge — Atlantic coast performance centre, Peniche, Portugal.
- Official HYROX Training Club
- CrossFit Affiliated Box — Rogue equipped
- Surf coaching at Supertubos and Baleal
- 20 private en-suite rooms
- Restaurant, bar, two pools
- Tennis and paddle courts
- 1 hour from LisbonSp