While the world often celebrates surfers who dominate pristine, perfect waves, true skill is honed on the average, everyday surf — the kind most surfers encounter regularly. Bobby Martinez, a former pro who stepped away from competitive tours, exemplifies this ethos. Although no longer competing on the tour, Martinez continues to demonstrate exceptional prowess riding the kinds of waves typical for most surfers.
In a recent clip filmed in his backyard surf spots near Santa Barbara, Martinez showcased his skills on a custom-designed quad board named the “Bobby Quad.” Generally riding shortboards around 5’8”, Martinez opted for a shorter version this time, in the 5’2” to 5’3” range, tailored specifically to his style.
According to the Channel Islands design team, “By shortening the rail line and distributing the volume into the width throughout the plan shape, Bobby achieves better speed and maneuverability, enabling him to skate over flat sections while maintaining the ability to perform his signature gouges.”
Despite the modest wave heights — often under two feet — Martinez’s mastery is clear. The Bobby Quad’s design allows it to be ridden slightly shorter and wider than typical shortboards, a feature that enhances speed and control on less powerful waves.
“The Bobby Quad features a low entry rocker transitioning into a flat planing surface beneath the rider’s foot, generating the necessary speed to catch waves and navigate flat sections,” Channel Islands explained. “Its exit rocker and bottom contours emphasize performance, with a flip and generous double concave for lift, helping Bobby maintain momentum on weaker waves. The tail’s rocker profile, combined with extra width and a modified swallow tail, ensures speed and stability during quick turns.”
Martinez’s approach highlights the importance of versatility and technical skill in everyday surfing conditions — a reminder that the foundation of great surfing is not only found in perfect waves but also in how surfers handle the waves most of us ride every day.