Renny Yater: A Legacy of Surfing Excellence and Craftsmanship
Reynolds “Renny” Yater is a name synonymous with quality, innovation, and dedication to the craft of surfboard shaping. Born in Los Angeles in 1932, Yater began surfing at the age of 14, immersing himself in a lifestyle that would eventually shape his career. Over the decades, Yater Surfboards has become a symbol of timeless craftsmanship and a cornerstone of surf culture, known for designs that blend performance and artistry.
Early Beginnings: A Passion for Shaping
Yater’s journey into surfboard shaping began in 1953 when he started building boards at the age of 21. His early years were spent honing his skills under the guidance of some of the most influential figures in the industry. From 1955 to 1957, he glassed balsa boards for Hobie Surfboards in Dana Point, learning the intricacies of board construction. He then refined his shaping techniques while working with Dale Velzy in San Clemente from 1957 to 1959.
These formative experiences laid the foundation for Yater’s meticulous craftsmanship and innovative approach to shaping.
Yater Surfboards: A Quiet Giant
In 1959, Renny Yater moved to Santa Barbara, where he opened the Santa Barbara Surf Shop and trademarked the Yater Surfboards name. Unlike many of his contemporaries who expanded their operations during the surf boom of the 1960s, Yater chose to keep his business small and focused on quality over quantity. This deliberate choice ensured that every Yater board met his exacting standards and retained the unique touch of a master craftsman.
Despite his low-profile approach, Yater Surfboards became a favorite among industry icons like Surfer Magazine’s John Severson, filmmaker Bruce Brown, and Clark Foam founder “Grubby” Clark.
The Yater Spoon: A Game-Changer
One of Yater’s most iconic contributions to surfboard design is the Yater Spoon, introduced in 1964. Thin, lightweight, and highly maneuverable, the Spoon revolutionized longboard performance. Its innovative design made it ideal for riding long, point break waves like Rincon, a world-renowned right-hand break near Santa Barbara.
The Yater Spoon is still celebrated today as one of the most innovative designs of its time, embodying the blend of form and function that defines Yater’s work.
A Hollywood Connection
Renny Yater’s influence extends beyond the surf world and into popular culture. He appeared in several surf movies during the early 1960s, including Big Wednesday (1961) and Walk on the Wet Side (1963). His boards also made a cameo in the 1979 Vietnam War epic Apocalypse Now. In the film, Robert Duvall’s character, Lt. Col. Bill Kilgore, famously dons a Santa Barbara Surf Shop t-shirt and is seen with a Yater Spoon among his belongings—a subtle nod to Yater’s impact on surf culture.
A Family Tradition
Yater’s commitment to craftsmanship and surfing lives on through his family. Since the early 1980s, his son Lauran has been shaping under the Yater name, carrying forward the tradition of excellence. Together, they ensure that Yater Surfboards remains a beacon of quality and authenticity in the ever-evolving surf industry.
Still Shaping, Still Innovating
At over 90 years old, Renny Yater remains active in shaping surfboards, a testament to his enduring passion for the craft. He continues to influence the sport from his retail showroom, The Beach House in Santa Barbara, owned by Roger Nance. There, customers can find Yater boards and, on occasion, chat with the legend himself about surfing and shaping.
For those looking to learn more or purchase a Yater board, visit The Beach House or explore the history and designs of Yater Surfboards at www.yater.com.
A True Living Legend
Reynolds Yater is more than just a surfboard shaper; he’s a custodian of surfing’s history and a driving force behind its evolution. His deliberate, quiet approach to shaping and his refusal to chase trends have made his boards timeless works of art. For over 50 years, Yater has inspired surfers and shapers alike, proving that quality and dedication never go out of style.
