Surf Artist Turns Trophies into Art
Written by SurfWriter Girls Sunny Magdaug and Patti Kishel
Surf artist Dave Reynolds has a deft touch that can turn a blank canvas into captivating artwork. His minimalist style makes his paintings instantly recognizable and in much demand. Unlike other artists, though, Reynolds has a side gig that brings him as much recognition as his art – making trophies.
Not just your standard trophies – the metal loving cups with handles on the side – but extraordinary trophies that are themselves works of art. Sculptures and constructions, often made from sustainable materials, that are perfectly suited to the award the winner receives.
Since 1988 Reynolds has been creating custom surfing and paddleboard trophies and awards for everything from local events to World Surf League competitions and the Olympics.
He's created more surf trophies than anyone – as many as 30,000! In addition to competitive events, that includes trophies for companies from Quiksilver and Coppertone to Verizon and Hawaiian Airlines.
A fan of the Pearl Jam rock band (with wife Kellie), Reynolds has made awards for them, too.
Reynolds has partnered with the Surfrider Foundation, Bolsa Chica Wetlands, Wyland Foundation, and many other organizations to create special, one-of-a-kind trophies.
With collaborator Phil Roberts, Reynolds made trophies (in the form of tractors) for the first event at 11-time World Surfing Champion Kelly Slater's Surf Ranch in 2018 with surfers competing on Slater's man-made waves in the middle of Central California's farmlands.
And when Rip Curl held its GromSearch TV competition Reynolds was the one they chose to make the trophy.
So did the prestigious New Big Wave Championship in Nazare, Portugal, this past fall with surfers from around the world riding waves the size of skyscrapers.
And the International Surfing Association World Games in Puerto Rico in February 2024 where surfers competed for slots at the Paris Olympics. Reynolds already had a slot at the Games – designing the ISA’s VIP Surfing Award, a sculpture of Tahiti’s fearsome Teahupo’o wave!
Retro TV sets refitted with 3-D art scenes inside the frame.
Endless Summer shadow boxes and beach themed chess sets and pinball games. Bronze sculptures of sea life. The list goes on, limited only by Reynolds' boundless imagination.
The surfing world is fortunate to have Dave Reynolds commemorating its victories with trophies that, like the recipients themselves, reach incredible heights.
Sunny Magdaug and Patti
Kishel hold the exclusive rights to this copyrighted material. Publications
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