Surfing Toward Purpose: From Paratrooper to Purpose Seeker

When Guus left the Dutch army at just 21, he had saved money but lacked direction. While others invested in houses or bought fancy cars, Guus chose a radically different path: surfing toward purpose—both literally and spiritually.

The military had been a discipline, a structure, but it wasn’t his calling. Deep down, Guus yearned not for possessions, but for freedom. So he mounted a bike and started pedaling toward South Africa. Although the pandemic closed borders and redirected his course, he didn’t stop. His cycling journey took him through Spain, the Middle East, Pakistan, Egypt, and finally to South Africa, where fate introduced him to a new love: surfing.

How Surfing Sparked a Deeper Journey

In South Africa, a local family invited Guus to try surfing. It was a simple day on the waves—but it changed everything. He found something raw and real: a new way to feel adrenaline, a way to connect with nature, and a new rhythm of life that made sense.

Soon, he was chasing surfable waves as part of a bigger journey. Portugal became a key stop, where he found work that allowed him to surf almost daily. In just six weeks, he saw incredible progress—but more than skill, surfing gave him clarity. A sense of purpose in motion.

Beyond Surfing: Riding the Waves of Life

Guus’s journey wasn’t just about finding the perfect wave—it was about understanding himself.

“I’m not very good at sitting still,” he admits. “I tend to overdo things.” That’s probably what pushed him to surf the wakes of cargo ships in his younger kayaking days. But surfing opened a new dimension. It taught him a new ways to read the water—and maybe, to read himself.

His adventures have shown him both the beauty and the cost of freedom. After his travels, he felt a kind of emptiness—a familiar feeling among soul-searchers. “This traveling opened my eyes a lot. I see possibilities everywhere. It’s hard to choose one,” he says.

Looking Ahead: Finding Purpose in Congo

Now, Guus is preparing for his next mission: to move to Congo. His vision is bold and grounded—develop permaculture, build community, and perhaps start a farm deep in the Congolese jungle. It’s not just a new destination, but a commitment to purpose. He’s taking the lessons of surfing, the calm amidst chaos, and applying them to a larger dream.

The Message: Ride Your Own Wave

To those feeling lost or restless, Guus has this advice: “Do what’s close to your heart. Don’t give in too easily. Only real things are achieved over the long term.”

Surfing is not just a sport in his story—it’s a metaphor for life. Paddle through resistance, wait for the wave, and when it comes—stand up.

Because maybe we’re all surfing toward purpose in our own way.