about

About Thorsten Kegler

At this point just some information about me.


My name is Thorsten and I discovered surfing in the early 90’s.
With my then green VW bus, I spent every imaginable free time in southern France and northern Spain. With a surfboard not suitable for beginners and no knowledge of the internet, they searched for waves and somehow gave their best to ride the waves of the Atlantic.
But in the mid-90s I turned my back on this sport and devoted myself entirely to snowboarding and the mountains. In 1999 the turning point came again.
I sold all my belongings, moved into a Mercedes bus and headed back to the sea. 2-week surf course, 2 months between France and Portugal and 3 months in a row in Costa Rica. And that was just the beginning of a journey of no return to Germany.
This was followed by a surf instructor training and many years of teaching work in various surf camps, as well as surf trips and surf guiding around the world.
I concentrated on the advanced training, developed my own concept and stayed true to my line: to impart knowledge to surfers after they have started surfing.

With „Secret Surf Travel ”

I would like to take you on a journey into the world of surfing and Stand UP Paddling, improve and build up your skills, give tips and above all point the way to becoming an independent surfer or paddler.


“ No matter how good a surfer is, there is always one point or another that can be improved. “

Since 2013 i trained many people on Stand UP Paddling for Flatwater and River SUP and was the owner of 2 SUP Stations, 1 Paddleboard Rental and a litte SUP Shop in germany.

Since 2023 i live now fulltime in the Algarve and run my litte Guesthouse and still keep on Guiding and Coaching Surfing and Stand UP Paddle for Flatwater and the ocean.


Qualifications Thorsten Kegler

DWV – Deutscher Wellenreitverband

Training as a level 1 surf instructor from the German Surfing Association with many years of experience at surf schools, surf guiding and advanced training in Europe and worldwide.


ISA – International Surfing Assoiciation

Training as SUP Instruktor Flatwater  der International Surfing Association.

Training as ISA SURF Instructor Level 1 & 2

Training as  ISA SUP Instructor Flatwater Level 1
Training as  ISA Judge Level 1 + 2 + 3 + Contest Direction


ACA – American Canoe Association

SUP Instructor – Level 1

SUP Instructor – Level 2


Österreichischer SUP Verband

Training as SUP Instructor Level 1 of the Austrian Stand UP Paddle Association.


Functional Paddling

Training as a Functional Paddling Trainer SUP


DLRG Rettungsschwimmer

DLRG lifeguard silver + 1 help


Surf Life Saving GB

Open Ocean Life Saver 2015 / 2016 / 2017 / 2018 / 2019 / 2020