Meet the Founders
Open Oceans Skills and Safety was founded on a shared passion for the ocean and a dedication to empowering others to navigate it safely and skillfully. In early 2024, professional surfer Rob Brown partnered with endurance coach and water safety expert Sean Ruttkay to train for the Molokai to Oahu Paddleboard World Championships—a grueling 32-mile open-ocean race. Over six months, they worked together to develop a training program that balanced safety, endurance, and elite performance.
Rob’s impressive 7th-place finish in the world proved the effectiveness of their methods and inspired the launch of Open Oceans Skills and Safety. Today, their mission is to provide individuals with the tools and training to explore the ocean confidently and responsibly.
About Rob Brown
Rob Brown grew up on the shores of Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina, where he fell in love with the ocean and its many sports, including sailing, swimming, and most of all surfing. These formative experiences shaped his lifelong connection to the water and fueled his desire to pursue surfing at the highest level.
As a professional surfer, Rob has traveled to some of the world’s most iconic and challenging waves, including the North Shore of Oahu, where he has become known for his skills at Pipeline and his ability to handle consequential surf conditions. His global travels have not only showcased his talent but also deepened his understanding of ocean safety and navigation in extreme environments.
Rob now splits his time between Wrightsville Beach, NC and the North Shore of Oahu, HI, where he continues to surf, mentor, and inspire others. He lives with his wife, Michelle, and their two-year-old daughter, Buzzy. At Open Oceans, Rob combines decades of watermanship and professional experience to mentor the next generation of ocean athletes.
About Sean Ruttkay
Sean Ruttkay’s connection to the ocean began with childhood summers in Ocean City, Maryland, and continued through his competitive swimming career in Bethesda, Maryland. His passion for the water eventually led him to the University of North Carolina Wilmington, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Special Education. Following graduation, Sean founded EDA Surf Art in 2005, an artistic venture focused on capturing the aesthetic of water and the ocean.
Sean has spent years honing his skills as a competitive open-water swimmer, lifeguard, and endurance coach, competing with the Wrightsville Beach Ocean Rescue national championship team. His love for water sports has taken him to surf and photograph some of the world’s most inspiring coastal locations and waves, further enhancing his deep respect for the ocean.
Sean lives in Wilmington, North Carolina, with his wife, Cornelia, and their three children: Nealie, Dax, and Augustus. At Open Oceans, he combines his athletic experience, safety expertise, and artistic vision to help others unlock their potential in the water.
