Paddle Session With the Whales (Photos by Ming Peng) | 1.24.2010
one of our few whale encounters the other day...
thought they were gonna run us over...
rm

Photos by Ming Peng www.mingpengphoto.com

THE DRIFTER CONTINUES TO CONQUER AT FILM FESTIVALS WORLDWIDE WITH | 1.21.2010
After being chosen as "Best Film" at the Ombak Bali International Surf Film Festival last August, The Drifter has now captured the "Best Film" title at the California Surf Film Festival, which took place in Oceanside, CA, in November. The Drifter, which was directed by Taylor Steele and inspired by Rob Machado's wanderings in Indonesia, faced stiff competition from a host of other amazing features.

"Having The Drifter being chosen as "Best Film" at the Ombak Film Festival was huge for us," Rob says. "Our goal with the film was to make Indonesia one of the characters, rather than just a place we went to film, so to receive that honor from the people of Indonesia was very validating. Winning in California was very special as well because it is where I am from and where I live, so to get that kind of recognition from the people I'm surrounded by feels really good."

The Drifter, which has screened at film festivals in New York, Hawaii, Canada, Brazil, Spain, South Africa, and Chile - has been accepted as an official entry into the X-Dance Actor Sports Film Festival, which is now celebrating 10 years of spotlighting the greatest action sports films from around the world. This year's festival will be held January 21st through the 26th in Salt Lake City, UT. In February, Rob will head to Panama and Brazil to kick off the South American release of The Drifter.

The Drifter continues to be a top-seller at surf retail and is being readied for a wide U.S. release in Spring 2010. Thanks to all of you who have supported the film!

Checking in from HI... | 1.11.2010
happy new year! still in hawaii...chillin, but not really.  the waves have been non stop. pumping...........good way to start the year i guess.  gonna try to hang here as long as i can.  maybe surf the pipe contest in late january and then head to panama... pretty excited about that, cause i've never been there.  then straight to brazil... which sounds pretty cool too.  its been a while since i've been there.  after that i'm gonna spend some time in cali working on some music with jon swift, todd hannigan, and fernando apodaca... the moldy manatees...  hopefully do some scoring to some of the drifter footage and put together a fun little project.  its gonna be a fun year.  looking forward to it.
rm

FUEL TV Airs the “Blue Carpet Special: The Drifter” | 12.4.2009
FUEL TV Airs the “Blue Carpet Special: The Drifter” Monday, December 7, 2009

Airing Monday, December 7, at 8:30pm ET/PT and re-airing several more times over the next month, FUEL TV will showcase “Blue Carpet Special: The Drifter.”

FUEL TV is on location at the Los Angeles premiere of “The Drifter,” the amazing new film from seminal surf film maker Taylor Steele. In this biographical film, legendary pro surfer Rob Machado travels to Indonesia to experience a different kind of surf trip—one of self discovery and awareness. Catch up with Rob, Taylor and a host of other top name surfers during this inside look at the movie and from the red carpet.



Blue Carpet Special: The Drifter Air Dates:
Mon, 12/7/2009 8:30 PM ET / 5:30 PM PT
Mon, 12/7/2009 11:30 PM ET / 8:30 PM PT

Wed, 12/9/2009 1:00 PM ET / 10:00 AM PT

Thurs,12/10/2009 10:00 PM ET / 7:00 PM PT

Fri, 12/11/2009 12:00 PM ET / 9:00 AM PT

Sat, 12/12/2009 12:30 PM ET / 9:30 AM PT

Sun, 12/13/2009 7:30 PM ET / 4:30 PM PT
Thur, 12/24/2009 6:00 PM ET / 3:00 PM PT
Tue, 12/29/2009 1:00 PM ET / 10:00 AM PT


About FUEL TV
FUEL TV is the action sports lifestyle network for skateboarding, snowboarding, surfing, BMX, freestyle-motocross, and wakeboarding. A unit of Fox Cable Networks, FUEL TV was launched July 1, 2003 and is seen in 30-million U.S. homes. To subscribe to FUEL TV, call 877-4-FUEL-TV. For program times and other information, visit www.fuel.tv.

For further press and marketing information, contact:
John Stouffer
FUEL TV
310-444-8564
jstouffer@fuel.tv

U.S. Drifter Tour - Patagonia Cardiff - Nov. 20 | 11.18.2009


The Drifter
An evening and surf film screening with Rob Machado

Friday, November 20
Time: 7 pm
Patagonia Cardiff
SAN DIEGO, CA -- Join Cardiff's own Rob Machado for the final screening of Hurley and Warner Brother's U.S. film tour for The Drifter , directed by Poor Specimen's Taylor Steele. Machado’s much-anticipated autobiographical surf movie is a personal journey as much as it is a showcase of some of the world’s most flawless waves.

Machado will play a few songs with special guest John Swift from starting at 7 pm, followed immediately by a screening of The Drifter.

Be sure to meet Rob for a signed poster or DVD copy of The Drifter between 6 and 7 pm, as well as following the film screening. A Wegener Alaia and some Nixon watches will also be given away.

This outdoor event is free, but donations for the Rob Machado Foundation will be gladly accepted at the door. Seating based on a first come first serve basis--and please dress weather appropriate. In case of bad weather, the event will be moved indoors. Be sure to follow Patagonia Cardiff for updates on Twitter and see the film's trailer on our Facebook Page or here, at robmachado.com

**Patagonia Cardiff thanks Hurley and Warner Brothers for helping provide Rob's hometown with this special engagement screening. Patagonia Cardiff 2185 San Elijo Ave. 760 634 9886

Directions to the store

RM On OutsideMagazing.com | 11.18.2009
Outside Magazine Online caught up with Rob this week to talk about the Drifter, check it out at the link below...

Outside Magazine Online Catches Up With The Drifter | 11.18.2009
Outside Magazine Online caught up with Rob this week to talk about the Drifter tour, check it out at the link below...

http://outside-blog.away.com/blog/2009/11/rob-machado-the-drifter-.html

The Drifter Now Available On DVD | 11.9.2009
The Drifter is now available in the RM store! Check it out, store.robmachado.com



For more info on The Drifter, please visit www.thedriftermovie.com

Rob Machado Foundation Nominated for "Classy Award" | 11.8.2009
The Rob Machado Foundation [RMF] has been nominated for "Most Popular Cause Awareness Campaign" in the 1st Annual San Diego "Classy Awards". The winners are determined by popular VOTE--so please, go to the link below and show your support for RMF. Voting ends on Wednesday, November 11th, with the winners announced on Saturday, November 14th at the Awards Ceremony in San Diego.

Stay classy and vote...

Watch the Drifter Live Tonight 8pm PST | 11.5.2009
Watch a full-length showing of the Drifter LIVE tonight at 8pm PST! With an acoustic set with Rob Machado & Jon Swift and a Q & A with Rob & Taylor Steele. RSVP here- http://bit.ly/1PLN0n

Behind the Scenes on the Drifter Set @ Surfline.com | 10.26.2009
Check out the behind the scenes on the Drifter set at
Surfline.com

The Drifter Tour | 10.21.2009


Machado and friends are coming to a theater near you
Join Rob and friends for a Drifter premiere at a theater near you. Every show includes an acoustic set with Machado and Jon Swift, a full-length showing of the film and a Q and A with Rob and Taylor Steele.

Come wander with us. Get your Drifter Premiere tickets* at the following locations:

SAN DIEGO @ La Paloma Theate
11/4/09

Shows at 7PM and 9PM
The Drifter tickets available at the following retailers:
Surf Ride Board Shops
Hansen Surfboards & Surf Shop
K-5 Board Shop
South Coast Surf Shop (Ocean Beach)
Sun Diego (Carlsbad)

LOS ANGELES @ Montalbán Theater
11/5/09
Doors open at 8pm
The Drifter tickets available at the following retailers:
ZJ Boarding House
Val Surf
E T Surfboards
Becker (Malibu, Hermosa)
Spyder Surf (Pier, PCH)
LA Channel Islands
Surf Concept
Jack’s Surfboards (OC all locations)
Huntington Surf & Sport (OC all locations)
Surfside

FLORIDA @ venue tba
11/7/09
Premiere will be announced soon

NORTH CAROLINA @ Blockade Runner Beach Resort
11/9/09

Doors open at 7pm

The Drifter tickets available at the following retailers:
(Tickets available 10/26)
Sweetwater Surf Shop
17TH Street Surf Shop

VIRGINIA BEACH @ Contemporary Art Center of Virginia
11/11/09
Doors open at 7pm

The Drifter tickets available at the following retailers:
(Tickets available 10/26)
WRV
Freedom Surf Co.
17th Street Surf Shop

Coastal Edge

NEW YORK @ venue tba
11/13/09
Premiere will be announced soon

SANTA BARBARA @ Victoria Hall Theater
11/15/09
Doors open at 7pm

The Drifter tickets available at the following retailers:
Channel Islands Surfboards
Beach House

SAN FRANCISCO @ Victoria Theater
11/16/09
Doors open at 7pm

The Drifter tickets available at the following retailers:
Mollusk Surf Shop
Wise Surfboards
Aqua Surf Shop
Nor-Cal Surf Shop
Proof Lab

SANTA CRUZ @ Del Mar Theater
11/17/09
Doors open at 7pm

The Drifter tickets available at the following retailer:
Pacific Wave Surf Shop

SAN LUIS OBISPO @ Fremont Theater
11/18/09

Doors open at 7pm
The Drifter tickets available at the following retailers:
(Tickets available 10/26)
Moondoggies Beach Club
Wavelengths Surf Shop
Central Coast Surfboards

LAGUNA BEACH @ South Coast Theater
11/19/09
Doors open at 7pm

The Drifter tickets available at the following retailers:
(Tickets available 10/26)
225 Forest
Jack’s Surfboards (OC all locations)
Huntington Surf & Sport (OC all locations)
Surfside

*Tickets do not guarantee seating. Event is based on a first come first serve basis.

For more info, go to www.thedriftermovie.com

The Drifter Movie Site Now Up | 10.15.2009
The Drifter movie site is up and running and you can pre-order your copy of the film now. Check it out...

Bubble Gum Surf Wax to Release Rob's Organik Blend (ROB) | 10.14.2009


Bubble Gum and Rob Machado
Roll Out New Organik Wax Blend
 
The recent Rob Machado Surf Experience and Green Expo held in September at Seaside Reef in Cardiff provided the inspiration for Rob’s Organik Blend (ROB), a new ocean-friendly biodegradable wax developed by Bubble Gum Surf Wax.
 
“We had been experimenting with a few different organic ingredients,” said Bubble Gum co-founder, Britt Galland. “So when a Green Expo was added to this year’s Rob Machado Surf Experience, we thought it would a perfect opportunity to step up our efforts and introduce an organic wax blend to our local surf community.”
 
Rob has been the most visible and respected supporter for Bubble Gum Surf Wax since the brand was re-introduced in 2005. “To honor that relationship, as well as Rob’s dedication to protecting our oceans and environment, we’re proud to have his name and likeness associated with our first organic blended surf wax,” Galland added. “A percentage of sales generated by Rob’s Organik Blend will be donated to The Rob Machado Foundation (www.robmachadofoundation.org ), which supports several educational and environmental organizations.”
 
According to Galland, even the packaging for ROB is all about being green. The label consists of recycled brown paper that bears the Responsible Forestry logo.  Taking the green theme even further, it’s printed with soy based ink — on presses powered by clean Wind-generated energy.  
 
Rob’s Organik Blend will gain wide exposure during the premier showings of Machado’s new film, The Drifter.  Warner Bros. has ordered 3,000 bars of ROB to hand out at select movie premier venues this fall.
 
To complement their new organic wax blend, Bubble Gum will soon introduce an all-natural surf wax remover. Bubble Gum Wax Remover is a special formulation of food grade citrus byproducts that effectively removes residual surf wax, adhesive, and tar – with absolutely no toxic chemicals. The new wax remover, which will be available for purchase in November at Bubble Gum’s online store, features a convenient spray bottle and has a pleasant, natural lemon-citrus scent.
 
For information, or new dealer inquires, contact Randy Taylor at (619) 300-8263 or via email at bubblegumsurfwax@yahoo.com  To keep tabs on Bubble Gum and their sponsored riders, or to drop into their online store, visit www.bubblegumsurfwax.com 

RM On CNN.com Talking About the Drifter | 9.23.2009
in NYC right now....stopped into CNN to talk about the Drifter yesterday...

www.cnn.com/video

Nixon Art Mosh - Sept. 22 in NYC | 9.21.2009
Nixon is pleased to present THE NIXON ART MOSH.
Tuesday, September 22nd
8:00 PM
548 West 22nd Street
NY, NY 10011
Music by The Mattson Two
Art, Photography & Film by the Nixon family including photography from myself...

Drifter Trailer... | 9.17.2009

Check out this video: Save the Waves Coalition | 9.15.2009
i did this PSA the other day for the "world surfing reserves"... its about protecting our waves. check it out.

rm

The Drifter Tokyo Premiere, September 4th | 9.2.2009
The Drifter world premiere party in Tokyo is September 4th!

The US DVD release is slated for November 3rd...US screenings to follow in select cities.

Stay tuned...

Save the Date For The 8th Annual Rob Machado Golf Experience, Monday, September 28th | 9.1.2009
The 8th Annual Rob Machado Golf Experience is happening Sept. 28th in Solana Beach at the Lomas Santa Fe Country Club.

Foursome's and individual player spots are still open....so if you're interested in having an absolute blast and raising some money for the Rob Machado Foundation...check out he details at www.robmachadofoundation.org

Foursomes are $1,200
Individual player fees are $350

Hope to see you at the "Experience"!

Peace

The Drifter Wins "Best Film" At The Ombak International Surf Film Festival | 8.24.2009
HURLEY & WARNER BROS. RECORDS SET TO RELEASE "THE DRIFTER"
SURF CHAMP ROB MACHADO’S SOUL-SEARCHING DOCUMENTARY — THE DRIFTER — TO HAVE U.S. PREMIERE AT THE NEW YORK SURF FILM FESTIVAL ON SEPTEMBER 25TH, 2009

THE DRIFTER WINS “BEST FILM” AT THE OMBAK INTERNATIONAL SURF FILM FESTIVAL


August 24, 2009 — Burbank, CA — International surf champion Rob Machado’s autobiographical film The Drifter will have its U.S. premiere at the New York Surf Film Festival on Friday, September 25th at 8:15 P.M. at Tribeca Cinemas in Lower Manhattan. The festival, presented by JetBlue Airways and The Dominican Republic, will showcase 16 feature-length surf films from across the globe from September 25th through the 27th.

Directed by Poor Specimen’s Taylor Steele, The Drifter is a beautifully shot, emotionally resonant film that documents Machado’s trip to Indonesia to experience a different kind of surf trip — a journey that would take him way beyond his comfort zone to a place where he could finally be alone with his thoughts. In the film, Machado wanders into the outskirts of the South East Asian surf paradise and winds up discovering that you can’t escape yourself. Coming full circle, Machado returns home ready to take on the next phase in a career in where he's blazed a path and sealed his legacy as not only one of the world's most stylish surfing ambassadors, but as a true humanitarian.

The Drifter had its world premiere on August 19th in Bali, Indonesia, at the Ombak International Surf Film Festival, where it was chosen Best Film. The festival’s program director Jolinde den Hass had this to say: “There has never been a more beautiful portrait of the diversity of the people, the surf and the islands of Indonesia. It's a very genuine road movie that shows a personal side of Rob Machado and the warmth and sincerity of the Indonesian people.” The Jakarta Post remarked: “Capturing the journey of the surfer through a different land, culture and waves, The Drifter is a visual metaphor for a free spirit’s conscious abandonment of the worldly traps of modern life as he searches for the inner freedom and spiritual joy offered by a life of renunciation.

Much of the dialogue in The Drifter is taken from Machado’s own personal journals. According to respected surf journalist Nathan Myers, who co-wrote the movie, there is nothing embellished in Machado’s candid, heart-felt passages. It is these passages, in fact, that drive the movie, from Machado’s epiphany in Bali, to his ill-fated motorcycle purchase, to his decision to delay his return to California, blindly pick a new island on the map, and just go.

The result is a tender, honest film that will enlighten as much as it will inspire. As Machado says, "Sometimes when you’re most alone, you’re not alone at all."

The Drifter will also screen at On-Air East in Tokyo on September 4th, 2009.

For more about The Drifter and Rob Machado, please visit www.robmachado.com

###

For further information, contact Warner Bros. Records Publicity:
Brian Bumbery / Brian.Bumbery@wbr.com -- 818-953-3203
TJ Tauriello / TJ.Tauriello@wbr.com -- 818-853-3311

Rob Machado is The Drifter | 8.1.2009

SIMA To Honor RM As Waterman Of The Year | 5.21.2009
SIMA to Honor RM As Waterman Of The Year 20th ANNUAL WATERMAN’S WEEKEND DATES SET, HONOREES ANNOUNCED

— Rob Machado, Dave Rastovich and Dick Baker To Receive Awards; Event Sponsorship Packages on Sale Now —


ALISO VIEJO, Calif. (May 6, 2009) — The Surf Industry Manufacturers Association (SIMA) will honor surfing icon Rob Machado as Waterman of the Year, surfer and enviro-warrior Dave Rastovich as Environmentalist of the Year, and the incomparable late industry leader Dick Baker with the 2009 Lifetime Achievement Award, as part of the association’s annual Waterman’s Weekend environmental fundraiser.

The 2009 Waterman’s Weekend will be held August 6-7 and will raise funds for 18 ocean conservation organizations. The weekend begins Thursday, August 6, with the Waterman’s Classic Golf Tournament at the Monarch Beach Golf Links, and culminates on Friday, August 7, with the 20th Annual Waterman’s Ball and Auction. SIMA is excited to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Waterman’s Ball by returning the event to The Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel, Calif.

“The SIMA Board of Directors and Environmental Fund have selected a very deserving lineup of honorees, and we believe the surf industry will agree that each of these honorees has undoubtedly earned our respect and appreciation,” said Paul Naude, chairman of the Waterman’s Weekend event committee and president of the SIMA Environmental Fund Board of Directors. “On behalf of the surf industry, SIMA is proud to honor Rob, Rasta and Dick at this year’s Waterman’s Ball for their unique and powerful influence on the sport, culture and business of surfing.”

Waterman of the Year, Rob Machado, is one of the world’s greatest and most iconic surf stars. Over the course of his career – from contest victories to giving back to his communities and the industry – Rob has helped define the modern era of the sport and embodies the true spirit of surfing. The goofyfooter exploded onto the WCT circuit in 1993, ranking among the top 10 surfers in the world for 11 consecutive years and raking up 12 WCT victories along the way. In addition to his competitive success, Rob’s recognizable and impeccable style in the water has earned him an international fanbase. Rob’s ‘style’ when he is not surfing is another admirable quality, as seen in his commitment to supporting various charitable causes. Rob has established The Rob Machado Foundation, which through his annual golf tournament supports various charities dedicated to environmental programs within Southern California. His foundation also 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.

“From U.S. National Champion, to Pipemaster, to winning three U.S. Opens and 12 WCT victories, Rob’s trophy case is quite full and demonstrates the mark he has made on professional surfing,” stated Naude. “The truly special thing about Rob, however, is the fact he is loved even more out of the water. His graciousness and genuinely altruistic spirit make him an invaluable ambassador and icon for the surf industry. It is our honor to recognize Rob as Waterman of the Year.”

Popular freesurfer and 2009 SIMA Environmentalist of the Year, Dave Rastovich, is a passionate activist and defender of the oceans and waves he surfs. >From fighting to protect dolphins and whales from illegal slaughter, to co-founding the grassroots advocacy group Surfers for Cetaceans, to being the face of some of the surf industry’s prominent environmentally friendly product campaigns, protecting our oceans on multiple levels is a natural part of Rasta’s personal and professional lives. As a surfer, Rasta knows first-hand the effects of a polluted ocean and understands he can serve as a role model for other surfers to do more to protect our environment.

“If 1% of surfers got as involved as Rasta, our jobs would be a lot easier and the problems we’re trying to solve with events like Waterman’s would be a lot less,” commented Naude. “Rasta is a model surfer for those who are concerned with protecting our ocean playground. We need to get young surfers engaged in these issues close to our hearts and that is part of why Rasta is such an effective environmentalist – he shows goodwill for surfers around the world to aspire to, and shows that as surfers, protecting our environment is the natural thing to do.”

SIMA is proud to honor its late president and guiding light, Dick Baker, with the 2009 Lifetime Achievement Award. Baker became involved with SIMA in 2000 after coming to work for the iconic surf brand Ocean Pacific (Op), and served as president of SIMA for nine years. His presidency was instrumental in creating the vibrant trade association of Orange County based surf lifestyle brands, and he provided unfailing leadership and guidance throughout a time that has marked the association’s largest growth and expansion. Baker claimed to be an ‘outsider,’ but he quickly became the ultimate insider, mentoring most every CEO in the industry and championing the surf industry from Wall Street to Main Street. Not only did he lead and help grow the surf industry during his involvement, but he has left a lasting legacy that will continue to guide us for many years to come.

“Words really cannot describe how deserving Dick Baker is of this Lifetime Achievement Award, nor how sorely he is missed by us all,” said Naude. “Dick was a leader, a mentor, an inspiration, a teacher, a friend, and the ultimate representative of surf industry business. He taught our industry so much, and he helped the outside world to better understand and respect our very core industry. Someone like Dick only comes once in a lifetime, and our lives and industry are so much better for it. He was, and will continue to be, our guiding light.”

The two-day fundraising event benefits the SIMA Environmental Fund, a 501(c)(3) charitable foundation that awards grants to various environmental groups based on their dedication to preserving and protecting the world’s oceans, beaches and waves. Last year’s event attracted more than 850 people and raised a record $500,000 for 18 ocean conservation groups. The 2009 Waterman’s Weekend environmental beneficiaries and this year’s fundraising goal will be announced in the coming weeks.

Sponsorship packages for both the 2009 Waterman’s Golf Classic and Waterman’s Ball are on sale now. Individual tickets for the Waterman’s Ball are scheduled to go on sale in July. To reserve a sponsorship package or for more information, please contact Shannon Park, SIMA Event Manager, by calling (949) 366-1164 x 2 or by e-mailing shannon@sima.com.

The Surf Industry Manufacturers Association (SIMA) is the official working trade association of more than 300 surf industry suppliers. Founded in 1989, SIMA is a non-profit organization that serves to promote awareness of the surf industry and participation in the sport of surfing through public relations efforts and a variety of services, educational programs and research. In addition, SIMA actively supports oceanic environmental efforts through its 501(c)(3) charitable environmental foundation, the SIMA Environmental Fund. In the past 19 years, SIMA's Environmental Fund has raised more than $5 million for environmental groups seeking to protect the world's oceans, beaches and waves. The SIMA Humanitarian Fund, also a 501(c)(3) charitable foundation, was established in 2006 to aw

What's Rob Riding... | 4.27.2009


Click below to view a groovy little interactive Surfline exclusive to see what Rob's riding these days...

The Machado Quiver

Earth Day Is Approaching... | 4.20.2009
hello friends...

april 22nd is right around the corner and in case you didn't know... that's earth day. "Earth day" was designed to inspire awareness and appreciation for the Earth's environment. so take a little time or a lot for that matter to do just that. lay in the grass, stare at the clouds, watch the rain fall... whatever it is and wherever you are... appreciate what the Earth is giving you... because without the earth we would not exist.

here is a shot of me enjoying what the earth has to offer.
rm

Jake, Rob, & Donavon Rock The House | 4.16.2009
Rob and Donavon rocked Laguna and Oceanside last week with ukulele phenom, Jake Shimabukuro.

Here's what Surfermag.com had to say about the evening...

“If everyone owned a ukulele or a surfboard, the world would be a better place.” This is what ukulele virtuoso Jake Shimabukuro told a full house at Oceanside’s Grace Theater on Saturday, before he proceeded to blow everyone away with a concert that can only be called “awe-inspiring.”

In California to help raise funds for ocean-awareness non-profits like the California Surf Museum, Surfing Heritage Foundation and the Rell Sunn Foundation, Shimabukuro played a three-day series of concerts in Santa Cruz, Laguna Beach and Oceanside. At 33, Shimabukuro is a true master of his instrument, collaborating with musical titans such as Yo Yo Ma, Jimmy Buffet, Bela Fleck and Ziggy Marley over the past few years. But he hasn’t forgotten his roots, which is why the Honolulu native never hesitates to give back to the surf world. “Surfing isn’t just about good waves or a good board, it’s about becoming a better person,” he said. “It promotes a better understanding of the world.”

Not surprisingly, two of surfing’s more worldly figures, Rob Machado and Donavon Frankenreiter, joined in for a couple of jams in Laguna and Oceanside. In Oceanside, after Shimabukuro plucked out everything from a rendition of “Thriller” to an ancient Japanese “koto” song at warp speed, Machado admitted he was “nervous.” He even forgot the words to his own song on his first go-‘round, but pulled it off with style in typical Machado fashion.

At the end of the long weekend, Jake and friends helped raise more than $25,000 for five different non-profits, proving that ukuleles and surfboards do make the world a better place.

[Special thanks to Keiko Beatie for making the events happen.]

For more photos and a sick video of Jake shredding the uke, click here.


Photo: courtesy of Surfermag.com

Dragon Introduces Machado Inspired E.C.O. Sunglasses | 4.10.2009


E.C.O. (Environmentally Conscious Optics)

Dragon proudly introduces the E.C.O., an initiative inspired by Rob Machado to actively investigate the method of making and manufacturing environmentally friendly sunglasses.

With the help of Rob, we set out on a mission to discover and incorporate ways in which we can reduce our footprint on the environment.

The result is the first EVER sunglass with material made from 100% renewable origin. This means that Mother Nature replenishes the material used for the sunglass at the same rate that it is consumed.

The E.C.O. will launch as part of Rob Machado’s Experience collection, which includes FSC certified packaging material and comes with 100% organic cotton bags, printed with water-based ink.

FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) Managed Forests deals with proper forest management and ensures that the trees used to make the paper are from well-managed forests designated for papermaking. For more information, log onto (www.fsc.org).




###

About Dragon Alliance
Dragon is a leader of eyewear and accessories in the youth market. Drawing influences from its athletes, art, music and alternative culture, Dragon strives to empower the individual with premium products that define. For more details on Dragon, visit www.DragonAlliance.com

Sliding the Alaia | 3.18.2009
been getting a lot of "sightings" and questions about the piece of wood that looks like a bookshelf that I've been sliding all over the place on, but it's really just an alaia. a board that was originally ridden by the ancient hawaiians in the early 1900's. recently, tom wegener re-created some of the alaia's at his home in australia and it's been going crazy ever since. i was turned onto it about a year ago by thomas campbell and i haven't looked back. it's the fastest i've ever gone on a surfboard, and once you learn how to turn, it feels as good as any turn i've done on any board. check out more at...

www.tomwegenersurfboards.com

also, you can see some alaia footage of myself, dan malloy, rasta, and tom carroll in the new thomas campbell film "the present". check out the trailer at www.trimyourlifeaway.com

RM Honored With | 2.17.2009
ROB MACHADO DOES MORE WITH LESS

Champion Surfer and Environmental Activist Supports Local Community and Is Honored with “One Degree Less Award”

Costa Mesa, CA, February 2 – Hurley’s own Rob Machado was honored for his work toward water conservation at the Green Inaugural Ball presented by Discovery’s Planet Green and Green Building Council, Brazil in Washington, D.C. on January 17, 2009.

The evening was a celebration of the diverse people and grass roots projects that are improving and protecting the environment while inspiring others toward sustainability.

Rob received the “One Degree Less Award” for his involvement in a multitude of projects and programs: First, for an Indonesian well digging project with the Sumba Foundation; second, 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; and finally, for the Rob Machado Foundation’s work with the Cardiff Education Foundation to green Machado’s hometown’s elementary school district.

Rock-n-Roll Hall of Fame inductee musician and activist Jackson Browne and Dr. Hashem Akbari, senior scientist at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory and renown for his work on cool roof technology, were also given awards.

“I am extremely humbled to be recognized with this One Degree Less award for what I see as just doing the right thing,” states Rob Machado. “This is an exciting time for our country and I’m proud to be able to contribute positively towards the quality of another person’s life and to help shape the young minds for the future.”



Photo: "Rob presents $15,000 to the Cardiff Education Foundation"

RM In San Diego Magazine | 12.4.2008
RM was recently chosen as one of seven local celebrity philanthropists to be featured in the December issue of San Diego Magazine. The article title is "The Munificent 7". Check it out and learn about what inspires Rob and others to give back! SanDiegoMagazine.com

Rob Machado Foundation | 12.4.2008
Check out this little video to see what my foundation has been up to. We've been collaborating with the Cardiff Education Foundation on a recycling and gardening program at Cardiff Elementary...


Rob Machado Foundation

RM Honored with Kids For Peace Award | 10.11.2008
Rob was awarded the Kids for Peace, "Peace Hero", Award last month at the 3rd Annual Walk For Peace and Friendship Festival in San Diego, CA. Kids for Peace is a worldwide movement of kids leading the way for positive change and social responsibility in the world.

We wanted to share with you a little video of the day...



Words and action to live by...
Kids for Peace Pledge
I pledge to use my words to speak in a kind way.
I pledge to help others as I go throughout my day.
I pledge to care for our earth with my healing heart and hands.
I pledge to respect people in each and every land.
I pledge to join together as we unite the big and small.
I pledge to do my part to create peace for one and all.

Rob was honored to be awarded their "Peace Hero" and encourages everyone to check out all of the cool things this movement of kids have been doing at

R.I.P. Johnny Romano (9-23-08) | 9.24.2008
i'm having a really hard time writing this, but here goes. i met
johnny and his family in huntington beach in 2006. His dream was to
come to california and watch the US open of surfing. I had the
opportunity to hang with johnny and get to know him. we spent the
whole weekend hanging out. good times...his entire family watched
every one of my heats and in between heats i would just hang with all
the kids and watch them run around and go nuts. cause that's what
kids do. i dedicated my victory that day to johnny. i brought him up
on stage with me, which i'm not sure if he was really that stoked
about... standing in front of thousands of people.
i cried when i introduced him that day on stage...how does that
happen when you've only known someone for 2 days? well, here's how.
johnny was one of the good ones. he was an incredible soul. and one
that will be truly missed.
my heart goes out to johnny's family.

i love you johnny.
rob




to learn a little more about johnny...

7th Annual Rob Machado Golf Experience | 8.27.2008


You're invited to join Rob and friends for a day full of experiences and surprises in support of The Rob Machado Foundation and Cardiff Education Foundation.

Monday, September 29, 2008
Lomas Santa Fe Country Club
1505 Santa Fe Dr., Solana Beach, CA 92075
Phone: 858-755-1547
Cardiff Reef Foursome - $1,200
One (1) foursome at the 7th Annual RM Golf Experience

Individual Golfer - $450
One (1) golf spot at the 7th Annual Rob Machado Experience

Tournament also includes:
Gift bags per player
Continental breakfast, lunch, dinner, and referesments
Prizes for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place will be awarded for closest to the pin and longest drive.
For more information please contact:
Justine Chiara - (323) 467-2690 | justine.chiara@gmail.com
or
Mike Bone - (909) 399-3553 | mike@spectrumsports.net

Also, more info and registration form available at...

http://www.robmachadofoundation.org