👤 About me

Hi, I’m Raúl Ferra, the coach behind RF-COACH.

For over a decade, I’ve dedicated myself to high-performance orienteering, guiding athletes toward their goals, from national to international ambitions. I’m currently the Head Coach at Halden SK, one of the world’s most prestigious orienteering clubs, where I blend tradition, innovation, and an individualized approach to performance.

But my journey began long before that.

I discovered orienteering at the age of 9, and it’s been part of my life ever since—from local races in Spain to coaching at World Championships. My professional path has included roles as a physical education teacher, national team coach for Spain, and now, as a personal coach to athletes across the world.

🎓 Academic & Coaching Background

I hold a Degree in Physical Activity and Sport Sciences, with a specialization in Endurance Sports Coaching. I’m also certified at the highest level in Spain as an orienteering coach and course setter.

My coaching is grounded in applied science, real-world experience, and continuous learning—from research to practical testing, and from mentoring juniors to working with elite athletes on technical precision and mental strength.

🏆 Career Highlights

  • Course setter of the Course of the Year (2024), awarded by WorldOfO with my middle distance course at the Maximus O Meeting.
  • Coach of the Year in Norway (2023), awarded by the Norwegian Orienteering Federation (award that can only be won once).
  • Founder of RF-COACH (2022), where I guide athletes of all ages to reach their full potential with a tailored, science-based approach.
  • Head Coach – Halden SK (2019–today), leading one of the strongest international teams.
  • Technical director and manager – Maximus & Sun-O (2019-today), launching the international event Maximus O Meeting (6 editions so far), and arranging training camps in Madrid, Alicante, Barbate,… with Maximus and Sun-O.
  • National Team Coach and Sport Director – Spanish Orienteering Federation (2016–2019), working with both junior and senior elite athletes.
  • Physical Education Teacher (2008–2016) in public schools, combining educational work with competitive coaching.

💬 My Philosophy

Coaching isn’t just about planning workouts—it’s about building trust, empowering athletes with knowledge, and adapting the process to each individual. I care deeply about long-term development, not just results. That means refining technique, managing training loads wisely, strengthening the mental game, and celebrating every small victory along the way.

With RF-COACH, my mission is simple:
👉 Help athletes train smarter, race sharper, and grow with confidence.

Let’s train together and make every step count.

Connect with Me

If you’re interested in top-tier orienteering training, or professional guidance, feel free to reach out. Let’s navigate the path to success together!