“There are very few men that can hold the title ‘The Man, the Myth, the Legend’ and live up to all parts. Reynolds Yater is one of those. I have known the man for 50 years and have been riding his boards for all fifty. His shaping innovations over the years have always been ahead of the curve. Long live this legend and may he continue to shape for years to come.”

“Currently the reigning pope of surfboard shaping, Reynolds Yater, is a man that has lived through the golden era of Southern California-the 40s, 50s, and 60s. He never stopped to bath in glory. He just maintained a strong work ethic and focus on his next project. This makes for a simple and rewarding life. Blessed with perfect health due to”good genes” (he says) this young salt hasn’t slowed down. You won’t see him in the tabloids. He is untouchable, unassuming and looks good in a tux barefoot.

THE FUNCTION OF A MAN IS TO LIVE
NOT EXIST
I SHALL NOT WASTE MY DAYS
TRYING TO PROLONG THEM
I SHALL USE MY TIME

JACK LONDON – SURFER , WRITER”

“Growing up in Green Bay, Wisconsin my biggest dream was to move to California because of my curiosity and inspiration toward surfing. I wanted to learn more about it in every way possible. Never would I have thought that I would land in the gold mine that Santa Barbara is when It comes to surf history.
It all started with Renny Yater, who is one of the hardest working people anyone could look up to. Renny has been shaping in Santa Barbara since the 50’s and still to this day delivers board to Beach House. The accomplishments and fame of Renny’s ongoing legacy have spread all over the world. Renny Yater to myself, and the surfing world, is a mentor and a living legend. I can’t speak of Renny without bringing up the Yater Spoon, not only is it a great centerpiece to surfing’s history but to this day, from looking at the rocker to the rail, it’s understandable why this board is a favorite to many.
Since living here and working for Beach House I’ve learned that surfing is built on heritage and mentorship, it’s something that belongs to the individual and to many not just a hobby but a lifestyle. If you are to look at the accomplishments of surfboard design in Santa Barbara, you’re working off of the hardworking legacy of Reynolds Yater. ”

“When I first moved to Santa Barbara in 1979 the first thing I did was seek out a Yater surfboard, I mean come on I am in SB right.... gotta have a Yater board. Well little did I know I would soon be sitting in Yaters surf/shaping room on Gray Ave with Renny Yater himself talking about what type of board I wanted......I will never forget get the moment.

To me Renny Yater is what Santa Barbara surfing is all about. In fact Renny is what yesterdays surfboards and todays surfboards are all about. Think about all the changes in surfboards since the 1950’s/60’s and he is still considered today one of the best shapers in the industry and he is still making boards at 88 years young. To me, his boards are more than wave riders, they are pieces of art. He is one of a kind, not only an iconic legend, but a quiet spoken, man of few words, whos impact on surfing shouts from the rafters and will never be forgotten..... ”

“I admire Renny for his work ethic and physical fitness. He is an icon in the surf industry, and I particularly love his Santa Barbara Surf Shop logo and I’ve seen people wearing it while vacationing in Europe and Hawaii.”