Some surfers discover the ocean early in life, but for Ruben, the spark came a little later. At 17, while visiting the Canary Islands, he paddled into his first wave and instantly knew that surfing wasn’t just a hobby. It was the beginning of a lifelong path.
Back home in the Netherlands, Ruben turned that passion into purpose. He earned his surf instructor certifications, began coaching, and quickly became a mentor in the lineup. But his story didn’t stop at teaching. With a degree from the Academy for Physical Education (ALO), he built a deep understanding of movement science, sports training, and performance development, knowledge he now applies directly to surf coaching.
Over the years, Ruben has chased waves across the globe. From the powerful reef breaks of Australia to the legendary waves of Indonesia, where he has surfed nearly everywhere and coached countless athletes, his journey has been one of constant learning and sharing.
What makes Ruben stand out is not just his passion for surfing, but his vision for how the sport can evolve. He has a unique focus on surf training outside the water, preparing surfers physically and mentally to perform at their best. And with Dawn Patrol, he takes coaching to the next level.
By analysing data from every session, paddle efficiency, max speed, wave count, he transforms intuition into insight. With tools like the Apple Watch, he even communicates live with surfers while they’re in the water, offering real-time feedback that accelerates progression.
This combination of soul and science is what excites us at Dawn Patrol. Ruben represents a new generation of surfers and coaches who are embracing technology not as a replacement for passion, but as a way to amplify it. His story is proof that when you blend love for the sport with smart data, the possibilities are endless.
We’re proud to support Ruben on his journey, because surfing’s future belongs to those who ride with both passion and innovation. The essence of being a true Soul Surfer.
Follow Rubens journey here - https://www.instagram.com/surfwithruben_/
