The Drifter

Bio

Rob Machado is not just one of the world's greatest surfers; he's one of the sport's most recognizable characters, a living icon 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 seeded at the top of the rankings as a competitor on the ASP World Tour. With 12 career WCT victories, Machado is among the top ten surfers most popular surfers since 1996 and was inducted into the Surfer's Hall of Fame in 2000, re-inducted in 2006. In 2009 he was awarded the prestigious honor of Waterman's of the Year but the Surf Industry Manufacturers Association. His contribution to the sport doesn't end with his accolades in a colored jersey. Since his departure from the ASP tour in 2001, Machado has been one of surfing's most committed ambassadors, roaming the globe, surfing the world's best waves and deepening his commitment to environmental awareness. In 2005 Rob established The Rob Machado Foundation, which through his annual golf tournament supports various charities dedicated to environmental programs within Southern California. His foundation works closely with the Cardiff Education Foundation on efforts to green Machado's hometown's elementary school district. He has also created the Rob Machado Surf Experience, a highly anticipated surf contest for girls and boys 16 and under in Rob's hometown of Cardiff-by-the Sea, Calif.

Rob's goodwill does not stop on the local-level, as this surf legend has also donated his time for an Indonesian well digging project with the Sumba Foundation, and for the Water Innovation Now (WIN) contest, which gave 500,000 kids the opportunity to come up with innovative ways to conserve our water as a result of Southern California's water crisis.

All of this - along with his down-to-earth, approachable aura - makes Machado one of surfing's most influential athletes of all time. And since he's still writing his incredible story, it's an influence that will only grow over time.

ROB'S STATS

Born: October 16, 1973
Place of Birth: Sydney, Australia
Current Residence: Cardiff by the sea, California, USA

TOP CAREER ACCOMPLISHMENTS

World Tour career victories: WCT (12), WQS (13) World number two rated (1995); number three (2000)
U.S. Open of Surfing champion 1995, 2001 & 2006; runner-up in 1999, 2000 and 2005
Pipeline Masters champion 2000
Monster Energy Pipeline champion 2006
U.S./National champion 1993; runner-up in 1992
Won first pro contest at Sebastian Inlet (1990)
National juniors champion (1989)
Inducted into Surfer's Hall of Fame (2000 + 2006)
Top five most popular surfer in Surfer Poll (1995-2001, 2003, 2004, 2006) Top 10 - 2002, 2005, 2007, 2008
ESPN X Games - Gold medal / 2006 & 2007
SIMA Waterman of the Year - 2009

PHILANTHROPY

One Degree Less Award from Planet Green + Water Council of Brazil - 2009 Project Save our Surf award for his dedication to environmental activism awarded by Oceana - 2009