Reynolds "Renny" Yater was one of the first real commercial surfboard builders of the 1950s-a generation that really put surfing on the map. As the sport of surfing has continued to grow and flourish throughout the years, so too has Yater's reputation as a leading contributor to the surfing industry. Perhaps even more remarkable than Yater's early accomplishments has been his ability to change and grow with the industry, staying on top of current trends and new materials and continuing to produce innovative new boards. In the early 1950s, Yater shaped and fiberglassed his own boards.
It was during the 1960s, that Yater's two most popular surfboard models were conceived. From 1965-66, he shaped the Yater Spoon, one of the most innovative surfboard designs of the time. He produced this model until longboard-style surfing went through an evolution in 1968. From 1969-72, he produced the Pocket Rocket, a surfboard designed with Hawaiian surfing in mind, riding the crest of the short board era. In the 1960s, Yater's customers included surfing legends the likes of Joey Cabell, Gordon Clark, Mickey Dora, Philipi Pomar, Kemp Auberg, Bob Cooper, Bruce Brown and John Severson.
