Ruben Gonzalez needs no introduction. His 4 national titles, under-18 European title and longstanding career on the WQS speak for himself. He belongs to the restrict list of Portuguese wildcards who have beaten Kelly Slater on WCT events. A lethal contender, Ruben is also one of the most respected free surfers in Portugal, standing out in any epic session taking place along the coast. A born adventurer, he was the true pioneer of Cabo Raso and one of the first to perform a tow-in surf session at Praia do Norte. Sociable and humorous, with pure stoke running through his veins, Ruben is the ideal companion for a surf trip, especially if it involves surfing perfect waves in any hidden corner of the Portuguese coast.

Nickname: Taínha ou Gonzi

Birthday: 26-03-1978 - 41 years old

Surf Spot: Guincho

Height: 1.70 m

Weight: 66 kg

Stance: Regular

Magic board: 5’6 x 18 1/4 x 2 1/8 for small surf

Training spot: Linha, Cabo Raso/Guincho, Ericeira, Peniche, Nazaré

Favorite wave: Guincho, Zavial, Coxos, Supertubos, Cave, Nazaré

Favorite maneuver: barrels, airs, one good carve

Best quality: being friendly and honest

Worst flaw: being stubborn

Heroes: my grandfather

One song: Red Eyes – The War on Drugs

One film: The Revenant

Favorite activities: martial arts, yoga, tennis, motocross... 

Secret talent: I don’t think I have one…

If I knew the World was going to end in 24 hours… I would pack a yacht with food and booze and sail the Ocean to celebrate the last day of my life

If I found a genie in a bottle… I would ask for my health and joviality never to fade away, and I am sure everything I wish for would become true

I am the greatest at: picking my boards; I know exactly what board better fits any kind of surf conditions 

I totally suck at: packing my suitcase

Life motto: fight for whatever you love to do

Xhapeland in one sentence: a company with world class products, working with the best shapers and thus allowing its clients to become the best surfers they can be