Legendary Surfer and San Diego Ambassador

Raised in the North County coastal neighborhood of Cardiff, Rob began surfing at an early age and collecting competition trophies from the start. By age 16 he started consistently making domestic pro tour finals and competed alongside Kelly Slater, Taylor Knox and Pat O'Connell in the 1990 World Amateur Championships in Japan. At 18, he finished second to Shane Beschen on the domestic Bud Pro Tour, qualified for the newly structured ASP World Championship Tour and began picking up endorsement sponsorship from labels like Gotcha and later Hurley.  Through many twists and turn, wins and losses, what is most remarkable about Rob’s meteoric rise to the top has been his consistent laid-back San Diego demeanor, friendly attitude and charitable engagement.  Whether it’s competing on the waves or contemplating one of his favorite books, The Art of Happiness, Rob Machado represents San Diego at its best.