Ruben Gonzalez
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 - 44 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