Machado shows his animated side

Audiences at Edwards Big Newport had an opportunity to meet professional surfer Rob Machado twice Wednesday evening — once in human form and again as a penguin.

Machado, who won last year’s U.S. Open of Surfing in Huntington Beach and is sponsored by Costa Mesa’s Hurley International, joined more than 400 people at the theater for an advanced screening of Sony Pictures Animation’s “Surf’s Up,” an animated action-comedy profiling a young penguin surfer as he prepares for his first pro competition.

In addition to providing expert advice to film animators, Machado lent his voice to the film, starring as a penguin version of himself, complete with his signature big hair and goatee.

“There were times during the movie that I wasn’t sure if it was real or animated,” Machado said, adding that he enjoyed the chance to play himself alongside surf buddy and eight-time world champion Kelly Slater.

“I tell all my surfer friends to go see the movie because the waves are so amazing, it will want to make you go surfing.”

Partnering with Sony Electronics, Quiksilver, Inc. of Huntington Beach hosted the event, and Chief Executive Officer Bob McKnight was happy to share it with surf industry VIPs and their children.

“The film sends a great message about happiness, friendship, travel and humor rather than the competitive aspect of surfing,” he said. “It’s got a sophisticated edge so old people like it and young people like it, too.”

“Surf’s Up” opens today nationwide.