Iconic REEF
surfboards,
recreated.
As part of our bigger initiative to celebrate four decades of REEF, we are stoked to introduce a series of retro replicas of eight iconic REEF surfboards. Each board, meticulously recreated, represents a significant moment in our brand's history with that nostalgic effect we love about surfing culture. These limited-edition surfboards are currently displayed at select surf shops around the world. Stay glued to your local surf shop and enter the pool for a unique opportunity to own a piece of REEF’S storied past.
The Rob Machado Experience
Rob Machado, renowned for his timelessly fluid and smooth surfing style, reached a world ranking of second in 1995 and won the Pipeline Masters in 2000. One of his most iconic moments was his Jimi Hendrix-inspired Surfing magazine cover, showcasing his unique persona and the influence of pop culture on surfing. This cover featured Machado riding a surfboard with art by the legendary Peter St. Pierre and a mounted camera onboard, remotely photographed by Mike Balzer.
Machado’s style and personality made him a key figure in the 90s surfing scene, emphasizing creativity and individual expression. His impact extended beyond competition, further popularizing a free surfing movement.
Machado’s style and personality made him a key figure in the 90s surfing scene, emphasizing creativity and individual expression. His impact extended beyond competition, further popularizing a free surfing movement.
Hawaii’s first World Surfing Champion
Derek Ho, a renowned Hawaiian surfing champion, made history as the first native Hawaiian to win the world surfing title in 1993. Known for his incredible skill and fearless approach, he became a two-time Master at the Banzai Pipeline, one of the most challenging and dangerous waves in the world. Ho's 7’10” magic surfboard was integral to his success at Pipeline, perfectly suited to his style and the wave's unique demands. This iconic board helped him achieve numerous victories and solidified his reputation as a two-time Pipeline Master and World Champion.
Ho's legacy continues to inspire surfers worldwide, celebrating his contributions to the surfing community and Hawaiian culture.
Ho's legacy continues to inspire surfers worldwide, celebrating his contributions to the surfing community and Hawaiian culture.
A Colorful Memory
Brock's small wave 6’2” x 19 ¼” x 2 ½”bump squash tail featured double concaves, "v" tail section and a kicked tail block. Reflecting the cutting-edge style of the era, this board was influenced by surfing legends Tom Curren and Kelly Slater. Part of his 1991 quiver, the 6’2”demonstrated Brock’s innovativeness and willingness to test new surfboard designs. The board's inclusion in Vogue magazine also highlighted Brock's aesthetic creativity and his impact on surf culture.From an early age, Brock attended Punahou School, an institution renowned for its notable alumni including President Barack Obama, AOL founder Steve Case and Olympic Hawaiian champion Carissa Moore. This prestigious education developed Brock’s love for reading, and objective evaluating skills into academic excellence and a passion for surfing.
Brock’s connection to the local culture also helped him gain the respect of many Hawaiian locals, including the Kealana family from the Westside of Makaha and the Napoleon family known for their world class paddling/surfing talents.
Brock’s connection to the local culture also helped him gain the respect of many Hawaiian locals, including the Kealana family from the Westside of Makaha and the Napoleon family known for their world class paddling/surfing talents.
Little was his last name.
Big was his heart.
During the winter of 1992, Brock rode an 8’2” gun, designed for large to "closing out" waves at Sunset Beach. With the 8’2” x 19 ¾” x 2 ¾” “baby” squash, “v” tail, and a gradual tail rocker, he was able to take off deeper and earlier into massive waves with gusty wind conditions. His color schemes were intentional. For the contest winter season, he chose a camouflage design with his favorite yellow and green colors. The hues boldly contrasted against the ocean's blues and were visible from half a mile away.
Brocks pragmatic philosophy was: “Enjoy life, have fun, “take the challenge”.
Brocks pragmatic philosophy was: “Enjoy life, have fun, “take the challenge”.
Wave of the Day at the Bay
Once a skinny kid, Brock Little became a celebrated big wave surfer at Waimea Bay. His journey began with a small 8'2" pin tail followed by a big wave 9’0” Waimea Gun. This board, measuring 9’0” x 20” x 3 ⅛”, had a pin tail and a "Veed" nose designed to cut through rough water. Its deep “V” tail section, rolled rails and ⅓ tail rocker improved maneuverability and speed, vital for big waves. Reinforced with additional 6 and 4 oz. fiberglass, the board was built to withstand the windy, and challenging waves of Waimea Bay. Brock’s fearless pursuits often targeted "the pit," Waimea Bay's most treacherous section known for its formidable three story vertical drops. During the early years of the Eddie Aikau big wave contest, when asked “are you nervous?” Brock confidently proclaimed, “I’m going to give them a show.” When a closed out set approached the bay, everyone scrambled for the horizon. Brock went the opposite direction into the notorious “pit”. With confidence he made the drop and caught the “wave of the day”.
His belief was, “You can’t ride a monster if you can’t catch it.”
His belief was, “You can’t ride a monster if you can’t catch it.”
Timmy (Air not Jordan) Curran
In the 1990s, Tim Curran played a key role in surfing’s new school “Aerial Revolution,” influencing a whole generation of surfing talent. Curran’s legacy is also marked by his use of the iconic pin-striped McCrystal surfboard, which became a symbol of his style and success. With extreme rockers, lines, and concaves, Tim was known for functionally executing progressive combination surfing ahead of his time, specifically known for innovative maneuvers that include the alley-oop. His prominence began in 1995, bolstered by his feature in Taylor Steele’s surf video “Focus,” which showcased his exceptional skill and creativity.
Lost & Found
Lisa Andersen, a 4-time World Champion surfer, won her first world title in 1994 on a board that later became iconic. Featured in Jeff Divine’s photography book, the board was used by Andersen to surf the famed Backdoor Pipeline. Her remarkable career earned her multiple accolades, including ASP Rookie of the Year in 1987 and two wins in Surfer Magazine’s Readers Poll.
Sadly, the board was stolen from her Florida home in 2000, a significant loss to her personal surfing history, though her legacy in the sport remains unmatched.
Sadly, the board was stolen from her Florida home in 2000, a significant loss to her personal surfing history, though her legacy in the sport remains unmatched.
$50,000 Dollar Surfboard
Taylor Knox made history in February 1998 by setting a world record during the semifinals of the REEF Big-Wave World Championships at Todos Santos. Knox caught a massive 52-foot wave, which earned him the prestigious $50,000 K2 Big-Wave Challenge award. Captured in an iconic Jeff Divine photo, his ride graced the cover of multiple surf magazines, elevating his media presence to new heights. Despite not winning the contest itself, Knox’s perfect 10 score in the semifinals and this historic ride brought him worldwide recognition, further solidifying his place in surfing history.Taylor Knox - REEF AT TODOS - 9’6”Board Shaped by:Al Merrick - Channel Islands Surfboards
