Rob Machado hardly needs an introduction; he s one of the most iconic surfers on the planet and is easily recognized for his afro. Dragon Alliance has picked up on this and recently debuted its Rob Machado line of sunglasses, known as the Rob Machado Experience. The Experience line is simply all about the life and times of Mr. Machado.

Think of the Experience glasses as modern-day aviators. They have a large fit size, provide 100% UV protection and are available polarized. But from where did Rob draw his sunglass stimulation? He says, My inspirations [for the Experience] came from the glasses that were around in the early 70s. I always thought they were cool, but a little too square and small. As we all know, my hair is getting bigger so I needed something that would look in proportion to it.

The Experience line consists of 3 different styles, each with its own story. The Momentum comes from Rob s introduction into the surfing spotlight in the early 90s, when the upcoming generation of surfers was known for their radical maneuvers. The Momentum style features black frames with a unique bullseye design on the temple.

At the end of 2001 Rob retired from the WCT and moved into a career of free-surfing, allowing him to explore and find the best waves in the world. To capture the essence of Rob s departure from the tour and discovery of bohemian life, the Mellow Tort style features an unconventional tortoise pattern with psychedelic rays of goodness throughout.

Perhaps the coolest shade in the Experience collection is the E.C.O., or Environmentally Conscious Optics. In 2003, Rob launched "The Rob Machado Foundation" to support environmental issues and promote education programs within Elementary Schools. The E.C.O. is the first EVER sunglass with material made from 100% renewable origin that is replenished through natural processes at a rate that matches the rate of consumption. Rob says, The fact that they can now make a frame material that is made from a 100% renewable resource is amazing and I m stoked that Dragon has stood up and asked the question.

Be sure to pick up your stylish Machado shades at finer sunglass suppliers near you...