Professional Surfer: Rob Machado Biography
Rob Machado is not just one of the world’s greatest surfers; he’s one of the sport’s most recognizable characters, a living con who continues to expand the definition of what professional surfing is all about.
Known for his Zen-like flow both on land and in the water, Machado was consistently amongst the top seeded competitors while on the surfing World Tour.
With 12 career victories, 3 US Open Championships and crowned Pipe Master, Machado has been among the elite top ten most popular surfers since 1996. Inducted into the Surfer’s Hall of Fame in 2000 and re-inducted in 2006, in 2009 the Surf Industry Manufacturers Association (SIMA) awarded him the prestigious honor of Waterman’s of the Year and in 2011 the City of Huntington Beach California awarded him with a star on the Surfing Walk of Fame. Machado’s legacy continues as he was recognized by the San Diego Sports Association as the first professional surfer to be inducted into the Breitbard Hall of Fame.
Rob’s contribution to the sport extends far beyond his accolades in a colored jersey. Since his departure from the world tour in 2001, Machado has become one of surfing’s most iconic ambassadors. Roaming the globe and surfing the world’s best waves, Rob has deepened his commitment to support various humanitarian and environmental organizations such as the formation of his own non-profit The Rob Machado Foundation in 2004 which was created with a mission to help children understand their contribution to a healthy earth.
In 2018 Machado was featured prominently in the HBO Sports Emmy Award wining documentary, MOMENTUM GENERATION. Directed by award-winning filmmakers Jeff and Michael Zimbalist and from executive producer Robert Redford, MOMENTUM GENERATION is a story of deep friendships and rivalries of some of the biggest names in surfing.