The Groove is Rob Machado’s boldest return to high-performance surfing—his most responsive and refined shape to date. While still rooted in the hybrid DNA that defines much of Rob’s design legacy, the Groove shifts closer to the realm of modern shortboards, offering the ability to surf vertically and tightly in the pocket without sacrificing the paddle power and glide that make his shapes so approachable.
At its core, the Groove is built for controlling speed, not just generating it. It features significantly more rocker than Rob’s recent models, especially in the tail, which helps it fit into steeper sections and drive off the bottom with precision. The elevated nose rocker makes it easier to land lip punches without pearling. Despite these performance tweaks, the board retains a bit of width and foam up front, giving it excellent paddle power and down-the-line glide—a subtle nod to Rob’s roots in user-friendly surfboard design.
The squash tail and narrow tail block enhance release and rail engagement, while the thinned-out foil improves sensitivity underfoot. Designed primarily for waist-high to overhead surf, the Groove can hold its own in softer waves too, though it stops short of being a true groveler. Pairing it with Rob’s Groove Fin Set or his 2+1 template opens up even more tuning options depending on wave quality and desired feel.
Pros:
Rob Machado’s most high-performance shape to date
Tail and nose rocker promote vertical surfing and pocket control
Still maintains paddle power with front-end volume and hybrid outline
Excellent balance between speed and control in good waves
Fin versatility allows customization for performance or looseness
Cons:
Not ideal for extremely weak, mushy waves—leans performance over pure fun
Higher rocker requires better wave judgment and positioning
May feel more sensitive than Rob’s more relaxed designs
Summary:
The Groove is where Rob Machado’s style meets high-performance surfing head-on. It’s fast, sharp, and built to attack the lip—yet still forgiving enough to paddle easily and flow through flatter sections. With design cues pulled from his 90s tour days and blended with his modern surfboard philosophy, the Groove is a perfect fit for the surfer who wants more performance without going full CT-blade. Think of it as a shortboard for surfers who love hybrids—but want to rip.
