The Pula Outdoor Story

Our team has grown progressively throughout the years. It started in 2011 when Tea (Thea) left her lifeguarding job seeking for some more adventure. Since she was a sport & recreation trainer, she “jumped” into the world of outdoor activities in tourism. As a scuba diving instructor and swimming teacher, she knew her future job needed to be connected with the sea. It was something new for her, it was unknown and scary but when she got introduced to kayaking, she never looked back! Tea had her dream job: the opportunity to meet people from all over the world, exchange experiences, and learn new skills while doing what she loves and earning some pocket money. It was this idea that motivated her to continue on to bigger and better things.

For almost 8 years she was a part of “AktivistSport”, a brand she co-founded. Through the years the business expanded and subsequently, there was a need for more enthusiastic people to join. Tea got a lot of help from her younger brother, Luka, who started as an assistant guide for youth groups in kayaking and snorkeling tours in 2014. Since then, a few more guides and staff have joined the team over the years: Marko, Deni, Tihana, Paul, Iva, Sergio, and Laura. Each has had their own positive impact on making Pula Outdoor what it is today!

two snorkelers diving underwater

In 2018, Tea developed a new brand, “Pula Outdoor”, based on experience, skills, and knowledge that she had gathered over the years. Majda joined as a co-founder after five years of working in a windsurfing centre and guiding kayak tours for school groups. Together they expanded the business and their offerings, with Sara, Luka, and Iva by their sides.

“We would like to say a big thank you to all our curious and adventurous guests, who have explored southern Istria with us. We are thankful for all the travel stories and life achievements you shared with us. Your diversity, the exchanging of knowledge, and different life experiences continue to make us better people.”

Meet The Team!

tea

Tea: Founder & Adventure Guide

Kayaking/Snorkeling/Coasteering/Stand-Up Paddleboarding

She is a local person of the sea who likes to be outdoors with her pets, enjoys sea kayaking and snorkeling, learning new skills and languages, exploring caves, photography, teaching sports, and making bubbles underwater. “I love my job mostly because of exchanging experiences and knowledge.” Her favourite tour is “Pula SUP & Coasteering Adventure” – you can conquer your fear of heights, explore the caves, and maybe catch a crab! She likes people with a good sense of humour and dislikes cigarettes.

Philosophy of life: Follow your heart and you will find the truth.

Education/Certificates/Experience

Outdoor activities provider certificate (Croatian Chamber of Commerce and Croatian Mountain Rescue Service)

Sea kayaker EPP 2 (Tuilik, Pagaia Azzura, Euro Pass Paddle)

Coasteering trainee (4 Elements Adventure, British National Coasteering Charter Group), Sea lifeguard (Croatian Red Cross)

Scuba diving instructor (Croatian Diving Association, CMAS)

Ski instructor (KSSV - Kärntner Skischulverband)

Bachelor of Sports and Recreation (University of Zagreb, Faculty of Kinesiology, Croatia)

majda

Majda: Co-Founder & Adventure Guide

Kayaking/Stand-Up Paddleboarding/Mountain Biking

This economist found her dream job – to be a sports guide. She loves windsurfing, snowboarding, teaching sports, concerts, mountains, walks with her pets, and reading novels. “I love my job: it’s outdoors, I’m always on the move, and meeting interesting people.” Her favourite tour is “Pula Night GLOW” – it’s so special, just the silence of the sea, tranquillity, and kayaks glowing in the dark. She likes to hang out with easygoing people and dislikes big crowds.

Philosophy of life: FAIL stands for First Attempt In Learning.

Education/Certificates/Experience

Outdoor activities provider certificate (Croatian Chamber of Commerce and Croatian Mountain Rescue Service)

Kayak guide (VOWS, Vereinigung österreichischer Wassersport-Schulen)

Mountain bike guide (VOWS, Vereinigung österreichischer Wassersport-Schulen)

Windsurfing teacher (VOWS, Vereinigung österreichischer Wassersport-Schulen)​

Snowboard & ski instructor (ISIA - International Ski Instructors Association, KSSV - Kärntner Skischulverband)

Graduate in Economics (Faculty of Economics and Business in Rijeka, Croatia)

luka

Luka: Adventure Guide

Kayaking/Snorkeling/Coasteering

This young enthusiast loves snorkeling and cliff jumping, cars, having fun, hanging out with friends, and a good grill. “I love my job because I can be with people in nature while doing some sports.” His favourite adventure is “Kamenjak All Round” – a full-day activity which has everything you need for a fun day on the sea! He likes communicative people and dislikes mosquitoes.

Philosophy of life: You only live once!

Education/Certificates/Experience

Outdoor activities provider certificate (Croatian Chamber of Commerce and Croatian Mountain Rescue Service)

Sea kayaker EPP 2 (Tuilik, Pagaia Azzura, Euro Pass Paddle)

Sara: Adventure Guide

Kayaking/Snorkeling/Stand-Up Paddleboarding

She is a traveller through stories and an outdoor sports enthusiast. She likes water, sun, all living beings, and being linked with nature. “I love my job because of connecting travel and nature with different countries, experiences and connecting with people.” Her favourite tour is “Pula Cliffs & Cave Kayaking(opens in a new tab)” – you can do so many things in just 3 hours! She likes nature people and dislikes traffic jams.

Philosophy of life: When nothing is going right, surf left.

Education/Certificates/Experience

Outdoor activities provider certificate (Croatian Chamber of Commerce and Croatian Mountain Rescue Service)

Sea lifeguard Instructor (Croatian Red Cross)

boni

Boni

Food manager

She is an active husky-labrador-samoyed mix who likes everything outdoors. It’s important to be on the move. Swimming, kayaking, and mountain biking are her favourites! “Vau Vau UuuUU AAuuU Vau vAu!” Translation: “I like my job because I get cookies!”

Her favourite tour is when guests throw rocks in the water so she can look at the splashes! She likes digging sand and dislikes fireworks.

Philosophy of life: “Just give me treats, I’ll be fine!”

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