Our 10 Favourite Freesurfers: Shortboard Edition
We often think that longboarding and shortboarding are two ends of the same spectrum.
The former is considered elegant, graceful and relaxed, while the latter is often associated with high-energy manoeuvres and aggressive surfing.
In reality, the style of surfing we connect to shortboarders is actually more competition surfing.
Freesurfing shortboarders are a diverse bunch – a veritable fruit bowl of funky surfcraft, creative lines and hand jives.
We love longboard freesurfers at Rise Up, but we can’t help but admire the wild and stylish approach to the ocean that shortboarding freesurfers bring to the table.
Here are our top 10 favourite freesurfers in the shortboard category.
Mikey February
Poise and flow incarnate. Mikey February is often called the most stylish surfer of his generation, and it’s easy to see why.
His movements on a wave are fluid and effortless, blending modern performance with a touch of old-school grace. Mikey’s approach to surfing is deeply rooted in his South African heritage, often drawing inspiration from the rhythm and culture surrounding him.
Funky and free but with a hard-charging undercurrent, Mikey makes the critical look cool and the cool look, well… normal.
Rob Machado
If surfing was as easy as Rob Machado makes it look, we’d all be world champions.
The Californian style god has been pushing the limits of “soul surfing” for decades, and his long-standing career is proof of his enduring appeal. With oodles of easy-going talent (and more hair than Cousin Itt), Rob Machado surfs with a fluid, organic approach that never fails to inspire and excite.
His boards are pretty dope too!
Dave Rastovich
Dave “Rasta” Rastovich is one of Australia’s most treasured cult surfing figures.
The Northern Rivers native is known for his carefree attitude, love for all things ocean and an approach to surfing that is equal parts technical and jazzy.
Dave never ‘over-surfs’ a wave, which is to say he never tries to force it into submission, instead choosing to ride the wave and let it take him where it wants to go.
Throw in the fact that Dave is a passionate environmental activist and his surfing takes on an even deeper meaning.
Léa Brassy
Léa is a passionate waterwoman and adventurer, exploring the ocean from the Arctic’s snowy shores to the remote reefs of the Pacific.
A dedicated surfer, bodysurfer, spearfisher and sailor, she embraces a nomadic, minimalist lifestyle rooted in simplicity and sustainability. Born in Normandie, she moved to Biarritz at 16 to pursue surfing, later embarking on solo adventures across Morocco and New Zealand.
She’s also a qualified nurse, blogger and Patagonia surf ambassador.
Is there anything she can’t do?
Victor Bernardo
If there was an award for most stylish surfer in the world, Victor and Mikey February would be sharing the first place podium.
The power-meets-grace approach that Victor brings to the waves is second to none. And the Brazilian native dances across waves with a fierce yet elegant style, making even the most technical manoeuvres look effortless.
His pairing with Album Surfboards is a stroke of genius, and with Matt Parker’s futuristic boards under his feet, Victor has firmly cemented himself on this list.
Coco Ho
The calming cool to her brother’s frenetic energy, Coco Ho is known as one of the most stylish female surfers in the world.
Born and raised on the North Shore of Oahu, Hawaii, surfing has always been a part of her life. Her father and her uncle are famous surfers and her brother, Mason Ho, is a freesurfing legend in his own right.
Coco’s surfing is smooth and effortless, with an ability to make even the most critical sections look easy.
Throw in a 1,000-megawatt smile and surfboard shaping savvy and you’ve got yourself one of the most well-rounded freesurfers in the world.
Miguel Blanco
There’s perhaps no other surfer in Europe who does more for the environment than Miguel Blanco.
His IMPACT YouTube series is a must-watch for any eco-conscious surfer. Beyond his environmental activism, Miguel is also an incredibly stylish and progressive freesurfer with abundant talent and creativity.
Big waves? He’ll go the biggest. Crazy tubes? No worries. Technical airs? If the conditions call for it.
A legend in his home country of Portugal, Miguel is quickly making a name for himself on the freesurfing international stage.
Noah Klapp
Noah Klapp, originally from Spain, has called California home for the past decade.
A talented surfer and artist, she’s made waves both in and out of a jersey, winning a QS event in Barbados (Phil’s backyard!) and placing third at the Portugal CS.
While competition isn’t her ultimate goal, she dreams of freesurfing and creating unique projects.
Now based in Ventura, she shares the lineup with her idol, Dane Reynolds, blending power, style and creativity as she carves her own path in surfing.
Ainara Aymat
When finesse, power and attitude merge, you get Ainara Aymat.
Born and raised in the surf town of Zarautz in the Basque Country, Ainara is one of the world’s most underappreciated freesurfers. She’ll surf any board and any wave. And to watch her rip and boogie across a blue wall is to glean an insight into Ainara herself.
If the definition of freesurfer is someone who surfs unconstrained by rules and rankings, Ainara wrote the book.
Dane Reynolds
Last but certainly not least we have one of the most influential freesurfers in history: Dane Reynolds.
Known for his progressive and unapologetically raw approach to surfing, Dane has had a massive impact on the sport.
He turned his back on competitive surfing and a lucrative sponsorship deal, and has since carved out a niche for himself as one of the most talented and creative freesurfers in the world.
A true rebel (minus the leather jacket and cigarettes), Dane’s surfing is a constant reminder to always stay true to yourself.
Wrapping up
Any names we left off the list?
Nathan Florence? Paige Alms? Mason Ho?
Hit us up by leaving a comment. We love scoping out surfer’s instagram profiles and getting a feel for who they are and how they surf.
After all, the more surfers you expose yourself to, the easier it is to define your own style.
Let us know in the comments below!
