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 barreling session taking place along the coast. At 39 years old, he continues to prove his merit as one of the greatest Portuguese surfers of all time by excelling in tube riding competitions such as Perfect Chapter. A born adventurous guy, 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 - 40 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 fits any kind of surf conditions better

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