In 2023 we launched Wavemakers / The Ocean Edition - a collab project between Wavemakers & Protect Blue, supported by HUMAN. A fully funded residential program designed specifically for ocean advocates & activists.

Over three days we work together to build out your impact strategy using tried & tested tools that help create clarity in your work & ensure that your project/org. reaches its full potential. Plus you’ll get to tap into the collective intelligence of the group to help solve any challenges you’re facing, brainstorm new ideas and learn how best to tell meaningful stories.

Here’s the thing - we know that working in the impact space requires commitment and a crazy amount of hustle. Burn out is no joke. So we also ensure you walk away from Wavemakers with a clear ‘stoke’ strategy - think of it like a bunch of awesome recipes that you can use again and again to make sure you (and your nervous system) remain stoked along this journey.

And of course, all this is bundled up with plenty of ocean time, nature connection & ridiculously good food thanks to our amazing hosts at Casa Paco D’Ilhas.

want to join us next year ?

Wavemakers is back for 2025 and we’re super excited to invite a brand new cohort to join us at Casa Paco D’Ilhas. We’re just working on logistics and will announce dates shortly. The Wavemakers x Protect Blue collab is a fully funded residential program. All accommodation, food, activities & non-alcoholic drinks are included.

Please note travel to and from the retreat is not included.

testimonials wavemakers

“It was so insightful. Wavemakers really helped me process where I need to focus. Yes! I am redefining my strategy and quitting two side hustles to focus more directly on my theory of change.”

Mark Haver, Environmental Consultant

"Wavemakers is like an incredible download of the most useful tools and strategies to help support your work for protecting the water environment."

Elaine Moynihan, Founder Wise Water

"Three days of intense learning, inward exploring, sharing, bonding, questioning, reflecting, and creating. It was intellectually, emotionally, and socially challenging in a way that spurs growth and builds self-confidence."

Kyla Van Maanen, Project Manager - Facilitating creative, interdisciplinary collaboration for ocean

"What resonates most with me is realising how versatile the tools are...I wasn't sure what to expect when I started this program, and while the impact tools undoubtedly were relatable and insanely insightful for the work I was focusing on, I can see so many different ways that these same principles and tools can be used to guide strategic thinking."

Jean Barnla Capitali, Consultant

"Our Wavemakers cohort was remarkable. I feel so incredibly grateful and lucky to be surrounded by such talented and passionate humans (facilitators included!!!)."

Lorna Farquhar, Marine Scientist

"The flow and design of the program made perfect sense to me. I know you had a lot to pack into 3 days so being able to get the basics the first day, really brainstorm the 2nd day and then pivot to learning about burnout after doing all the hard work really worked well for my learning style. I really appreciated having the time to be in nature every day to give our minds and bodies a break."

Gina Jurlando, Surf Therapist & Partnership and Events Manager, Oceanic Global

What is ‘Wavemakers’ and how did it start ?

The origin story starts at Camp Surf Social Good in Bali, Indonesia back in 2015 where over eighty participants from over 20 countries took part in keynote talks, forum sessions, participant-led workshops, creative open space sessions, and inspiring conversations that not only built connections, but catalysed collaborative projects around the world.

Inspired by the gathering and the potential to create a community of impact-driven leaders, Easkey, Carolina & Linzi began mapping out a three day immersive experience to explore how to ‘do good better’.

Fast forward 9 years and we’ve been lucky enough to host five incredible retreats in Portugal aligned with the Wavemaker philosophy of grit, grace & gratitude.

More about our beautiful location …

Casa Paço D'Ilhas is located on an elusive hilltop overlooking the world renowned surf breaks of the Ericeira world surfing reserve on one side and the lush countryside of Santo Isodoro Municipality on the other side. Set in a quiet outskirt of Ericeira, we are surrounded by the nature and wake up with the sound of the breaking waves when a good swell hits our shores. Yet we are located just a short drive away from Ericeira, a traditional Portuguese fishing village that has been catering for tourism for over eight centuries, but still always managed to maintain its original character, symbolised by its labyrinth of windswept alleys that whisper tales of sea faring adventures.