About Us
Located in the heart of Rincón, Puerto Rico, Rd2Happiness Surf School has been owned and operated by Rincón native Albert Ruiz for nearly 20 years. What started as a passion for surfing and sharing the joy of the ocean has grown into one of the most trusted and respected surf schools on the island.
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At Rd2Happiness, we offer surf lessons, rentals, tours, and guided experiences for all levels — from first-timers to seasoned surfers. Our mission is rooted in water safety, education, and a deep respect for the ocean, the reefs, and the vibrant local culture that makes Rincón so special.
Albert has been surfing his entire life, traveling the world to study waves, refine his technique, and bring that knowledge back home to share with others. Our team of instructors includes some of the island’s most talented local surfers, as well as skilled coaches from the East Coast — all dedicated to helping you find your own Rd2Happiness through surfing.
Meet The Team
Get to know the passionate individuals who make up our team. Each member brings a unique set of skills and expertise to ensure that you receive the best surfing experience possible.
Julie
Instructor
Julie is an East Coast girl at heart, having grown up surfing the waves of the Jersey Shore. She made her way to Rincón, Puerto Rico about five years ago — and hasn’t looked back since. Julie is a true all-around surfer, Julie moves effortlessly between shortboarding and longboarding with style. When she’s not teaching, you can usually find her out at Domes. Julie brings unmatched positivity, experience, and passion to every lesson.
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Favorite Surf Spot: Domes
Favorite Board: Short Board
Dream Surf Location: County Kerry Ireland
Harold
Instructor
Born and raised in Rincón, Harold grew up surfing the local breaks and has developed a deep connection to the ocean and community here. A dedicated shortboarder, he’s always ready to charge any wave that comes his way. Harold’s passion for both surfing and teaching shines through in every lesson. With his deep local knowledge of the beaches, reefs, and conditions, he helps students read the ocean and grow their confidence in the lineup. When he’s not in the water, Harold is behind the lens as the team’s photographer and videographer.
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Favorite Surf Spot: Domes
Favorite Board: Short Board
Dream Surf Location: Gold Coast
Rafa
Instructor
With over 20 years of surfing experience, Rafa brings incredible skill, patience, and passion to every lesson. A proud Rincón local, he grew up mastering his technique on the very waves he now teaches on. Rafa’s fun-spirited energy and deep knowledge of surfing make him a favorite among students of all ages. He especially loves working with kids — including his own son, Koa, who’s already following in his dad’s footsteps out in the lineup.
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Favorite Surf Spot: Pistons
Favorite Board: Short Board
Dream Surf Spot: Pipeline
Albert Ruiz
Founder
Albert was born and raised on the west coast of Puerto Rico, and his deep passion for this island and the ocean is what sparked the creation of RD2H over 15 years ago. Fueled by his love for surfing and the joy it brings, he set out to share that feeling with as many people as possible. When Albert first started, he had just a few surfboards and a dream. Today, that dream has grown into one of Rincón’s most respected surf schools. Albert has spent his life perfecting his craft — not only in his home waters but also by exploring the world’s most renowned surf breaks
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Favorite Surf Spot: Marias
Favorite Board: Fish
Dream Surf Spot: Cloudbreak
Tito
Instructor
Tito is a proud Puerto Rican native who brings years of experience, knowledge, and wisdom to the RD2H team. A lifelong surfer, his talent and connection to the ocean are unmatched. When he’s not in the water, Tito is out exploring — hiking through jungles, chasing waterfalls, and finding hidden rivers across the island. His contagious smile and positive energy light up every lesson, and it’s no surprise his students leave the water grinning ear to ear right alongside him.
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Favorite Surf Spot: Domes
Favorite Board: Short Board
Dream Surf Location: Uluwatu
Rosa
Instructor
Rosa was born and raised in Nicaragua, where she grew up surfing its world-renowned waves before making her way to Rincón. She’s been a valued member of the Road 2 Happiness team for years and truly loves sharing her knowledge and passion for surfing with others. Rosa serves as the Camp Director for our nonprofit organization, Waves 2 Happiness, where she pours her heart into empowering others through surf and ocean education. Rosa is an irreplaceable part of our team and a true source of inspiration both in and out of the water.
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Favorite Surf Spot: Sandys
Favorite Board: Short Board
Dream Surf Location: Indonesia
Zahid
Instructor
Zahid brings his own unique style to the team, with a passion that lies on the longboard. A proud West Coast Puerto Rican local, Zahid grew up surfing any board and wave he could get his hands on. He spends his winters surfing the warm waves of Puerto Rico and his summers traveling and competing across the U.S. Zahid’s fun, easygoing energy makes every lesson a blast — by the end of your session, you’ll be party-waving right alongside him!
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Favorite Surf Spot: Pistons
Favorite Board: Long Board
Dream Surf Location: Chicama
Diego
Instructor
Diego grew up right here in Rincón, learning to surf on the same beaches where he now teaches. He’s been part of the Road 2 Happiness team for over 10 years, bringing his experience, ocean knowledge, and passion for surfing to every lesson. And if you book a lesson with him, expect some extra stoke — his loyal dog, Motto, never misses a session and is always waiting at the shore to greet you after your lesson with a wagging tail.
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Favorite Surf Spot: Dogmans
Favorite Board: Short Board
Dream Surf Location: Haleiwa
Emily
Instructor
Emily is a Jersey native who learned to surf along the Jersey Shore and has been surfing ever since. Surfing has always been her passion, and now she loves sharing that same excitement with her students. Emily has been part of the Road 2 Happiness team for about two years, bringing endless energy, positivity, and smiles to every lesson. She can never sit still — if she’s not teaching, you’ll find her surfing, running, or chasing the next wave!
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Favorite Surf Spot: Sandys
Favorite Board: Short Board
Dream Surf Location: Galapagos
Yeren
Instructor
Following closely in his brother Zahid’s footsteps, Yeren is a longboarder with a deep love for style, flow, and creativity. Inspired by watching Zahid, he developed a passion for surfing at a young age and quickly found his rhythm on the longboard. When he’s not surfing, you’ll find him playing music or sketching. Yeren spends a few months of the year in California competing and furthering his skills as a surfer.
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Favorite Surf Spot: Marias
Favorite Board: Long Board
Dream Surf Location: Scorpion Bay