Surfing in the 50's - Renny Yater
One of the first interviews that I did was with Renny Yater. Renny Yater's legacy extends beyond his shaping skills. He is regarded as a key figure in the history of modern surfing, influencing the sport's evolution during a pivotal period. His dedication to craftsmanship and design principles has left a lasting impact on the surfboard industry. Yater Surfboards remains a respected name among surfers worldwide. As we started the interview he said this:
The sound that you hear at the end of him telling me he was 82 was me falling on the floor. At that moment I said “I want to be this guy: when I’m 82. He was fit and active, looked very healthy and happy - a true icon of modern surfing.
Renny Yater founded Yater Surfboards, a brand that has become synonymous with high-quality craftsmanship and performance-oriented surfboards. Yater's surfboards are highly sought after and have gained a reputation for their classic designs and versatility. Here’s an example of an inlay on one of his boards.
Renny’s Yater's early work was in wood and balsa. He worked with “The Skunk Works” the location in Orange County where Hobie and others worked to pioneer and refine foam. Here’s an example of two of his longboards in Wood.
Renny’s classic designs, are considered timeless. These boards are often characterized by clean lines, elegant curves, and an emphasis on both style and functionality.
Living in Santa Barbara and surfing between Rincon in Ventura and the breaks of Santa Barbara, Renny is one of the true legends and master of this crazy craft where people live an entire lifetime for that one great ride, kind of like bull riding. Still surfing at 92, I still want to be like this guy.
I’d like to thank you all for reading Wood Water Soul. We’d like to announce we have moved Addicted to Joy to a new streaming service, and now when you rent or buy Addicted to Joy you also get full length interviews with Paul Strauch Jr., Patti Paniccia, and Kathy Kohner. This is great for holiday entertainment, please share it with a friend. All the best for the holidays, see you in 2024.