Lhe year 2024 will have been that of revelation for Ruben Cambas, just 17 years old. While he started competing in body surfing in 2023, he won in 2024 in the hopeful category, on the two important stages of the European Championship. First in Anglet (November 9-11, 2024) then, a few days later, in Mehdya, Morocco, (November 30 and December 1), where he won the U23 final, becoming the best European in the category. He also finished eighth in the Open category.
Enough to make him want to go further. His results qualified him to participate, from April 28 to May 7, in the world championships, scheduled for Coolum Beach, Australia. A dream for the young Angloy, who intends to do everything possible to achieve it.
Going to Australia for several days involves significant costs: in plane tickets, accommodation, equipment and registration. In the hope of finding the 5,000 euros he needs, he tries the adventure of an online prize pool on Leetchi.
“I really want to go against the best in the discipline,” he said. I also hope to be able to interest partners to help me. » The Luzian brand Katxi Klothing has already responded by offering him t-shirts.
The competition and the BAC
He knows that the period will be complicated, since the BAC tests will arrive immediately afterwards. “I’m going to organize myself so that I can catch up on classes that I might miss. Especially since there will also be selection tests for the French team, in Montpellier, on May 29 and June 1.
In his final year at Cantau high school, he is also licensed at Biarritz coastal rescue with which he also participates in competitions. For body surfing, however, it takes care of itself. “For training, I sometimes go to the water alone or with friends, to do sessions of an hour to an hour and a half. »
-He started surfing at a very young age, but discovering bodysurfing eight years ago was a revelation. “I felt much freer, with more sensation. »
In the early years, Ruben saw it as a hobby. In 2022, he started competing. “It was a little complicated at first. Time to adapt and be recognized. I obtained my first results in 2023, finishing fourth at the Morocco stage. »
Close to the ocean
Since then, Ruben has continued to progress and hopes to be able to take new steps. The fact that body surfing does not benefit from the same recognition as surfing does not constitute a problem in his eyes. “Above all, I seek to please myself. I want to have my baccalaureate and then, I hope to be admitted to the ISA BTP engineering school or to Estia. I want to continue my studies, but while remaining close to the ocean. I can’t imagine living far from him. »
Ruben Cambas also hopes to fly Anglet’s colors high. As do the Hegoas family in the same discipline: with Matthias, the father, president of the Anglet Surf Club, Uhaina-Kailani his eldest daughter, world champion, with whom he regularly competes and the two young sons Makoa -Gaizka and Ekaitz-Ehukai who follow in their footsteps.
