BELLS BEACH, Victoria (Monday, April 13, 2009) – Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP) International and global, core surfwear giant Rip Curl have inked a nine-year license agreement that will see the world’s best surfers competing in both the iconic Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach and the dynamic Rip Curl Pro Search event annually through 2018.
“Rip Curl have been a huge supporter of core surf values since their inception and the recent signing of the nine-year license agreement for both the Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach and the Rip Curl Pro Search is further evidence of their dedication to the continued progression of high-performance surfing,” Brodie Carr, ASP International CEO, said. “We, at ASP International, are ecstatic about the deal and we look forward to watching Rip Curl host the world’s best surfers in the years to come.”
The license agreement between ASP International and Rip Curl is built on the three-by-three-by-three model, in that both the Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach and the Rip Curl Pro Search events are locked in for three years each with two renewal cycles, creating a potential of nine years worth of events.
“Rip Curl are committed to ASP World Tour surfing,” Neil Ridgway, Rip Curl Group Advertising and Marketing Chairmain, said. “Nine more years of pro searching suits us because the Search never ends.”
The Rip Curl Pro Search event, the only ASP Dream Tour event with an annual “roving” license, has narrowed down its field to “somewhere in the North Atlantic” for the 2009 installment. An ASP World Tour event since 2005, the Rip Curl Pro Search event has taken the world’s best surfers to Reunion Island (2005), Mainland Mexico (2006), Chile (2007) and Indonesia (2008) thus far, and each year’s venue is always a hotly-debated topic of discussion and speculation within the surfing world.
“We’re super excited to acknowledge the North Atlantic as the location for this years Rip Curl Pro Search,” Scott Hargreaves, Rip Curl International Events Manager, said. “October is a prime month for swell in the North Atlantic and we’re very excited about continuing the Rip Curl Pro Search’s success.”
The 2009 Rip Curl Pro Search event will be Stop No. 9 or 10 on the 2009 ASP World Tour, running from October 19 – 28, 2009 somewhere in the North Atlantic. This year’s Rip Curl Pro Search event will also host the ASP Top
17 for Stop No. 5 of 8 on the 2009 ASP Women’s World Tour. For more information, log onto http://live.ripcurl.com.au/?pro-search
While Silvana Lima (BRA), 24, was crowned the 2009 Rip Curl Women’s Pro Champion in beautiful Easter conditions at Bells Beach yesterday, the remainder of the ASP Top 45 are still in the hunt for the Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach presented by Snickers.
Swellnet, official forecasters for the Rip Curl Pro, are calling for swell to increase throughout the week and event organizers are confident that competition could resume as early as tomorrow.
Costa Mesa, CA (January 22, 2009): 2009 marks the 40th anniversary of the Rip Curl brand’s inception. What was born in 1969 by two surfers, who still own the company today, has been creatively expressed, celebrated, and showcased through the latest in Rip Curl boardshort technology: The “40th Searching” boardshort.
Comprised of iconic Search moments and imagery from the past 40 years and constructed with recycled P.E.T. bottles, this lightweight, eco-friendly boardie dawns the Tom Curren signature.
This boardshort is one piece of several “40 Years of the Search” pieces that highlight our mens’ 09 Spring Line, which are in stores now at authorized Rip Curl dealers.
From the depths of the creative watch department emerges the latest show-stopper in Rip Curl time-telling development: the DETROIT. Suitable for everyday use, depth tested for your daily surf, and eye-catching enough for your nightlife escapades, the DETROIT is undoubtedly a go-to piece.
Constructed with 316L stainless steel, the highest grade of stainless steel for a marine environment, the DETROIT dawns a classic look, while boasting 100m depth-tested rating. Of course, Rip Curl watches are not “batch tested ” . Each piece is separately tested for depth, pressure, and temperature to ensure top shelf Rip Curl quality.
Sullivan Leads Favorites in Perfect Rip Curl Pro Barrels in France
SEIGNOSSE, France (Thursday, August 21, 2008) Top seeds were greeted with perfect four foot (1.2 meter) barrels and off-shore winds when Round 2 resumed today, Les Bourdaines delivering some of the best conditions of the summer for Day 4 of the Rip Curl Pro pres. by Sprite. The worlds best qualifiers came up with several top performances all day long and the level got one step further as fourty-eight men only remain in contention for the coveted crown.
Jarrad Sullivan (AUS), 24, flew the Australian flag leading the contingent with the result of the day posting an impressive 18.87 point heat tally (out of a possible 20) in the opening battle of Day 4 to advance ahead of Aritz Aranburu (EUK).
It was really as good as I thought it would be and I am stoked to have my heat early, Sullivan said. I had a slow start and I was just hoping for the bomb to come to me. I got lucky and I made that barrel.
Sullivan, who was supposed to surf yesterday before the event was called off, was very satisfied with the call.
We were close to paddling out yesterday but when you see that kind of conditions, I am stoked I surfed this morning, Sullivan said. I hope we can get similar waves when I paddle back out tomorrow, and it seems like the forecast is pretty good.
The high tide conditions kept firing classic French South West coast tubes and lauching ramps giving Round 2 competitors a great opportunity to push the level to its best. From progressive surfers Brett Simpson (USA) and Kirk Flintoff (AUS) delivering airs and vertical maneuvers to best tube rider of the day Shaun Gossmann (AUS), crowds and competitors enjoyed a perfect morning.
Shaun Cansdell (AUS), former ASP World Tour member and Rip Curl Pro defending champion, was much expected for his start in the 2008 edition and lost no time to make his intentions clear coming up with an excellent 17.33 point heat result (out of a possible 20). Cansdell, who had to face the outgoing tide changing conditions, caught four waves only during the 25-minute decider finishing with a 9.50 point ride.
I am stoked I got through that heat, Cansdell said. Compared to this morning it was a whole different story but the outside sand bank is good as well and I just waited for the few better waves.
Cansdell, who spent a couple of years among the ASP Top 45, is chasing a requalification for the Dreamtour and will be a serious contender for a second consecutive crown this year.
The European contingent was not left behind on this classic surfing day. Marlon Lipke (DEU) and Tim Boal (FRA), both rated No. 14 on the Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP) World Qualifying Series (WQS) ratings, advanced today with good performances.
Lipke, who placed equal 5th in the Rip Curl Boardmasters earlier this month, unleashed in Heat 3 defeating ASP World Tour surfer Ben Dunn (AUS) and besting fellow European and ASP Top 45 rookie Tiago Pires (PRT).
I am stoked to be able to surf these conditions, Lipke said. I got a good start in the heat and I was just ready to go for the better waves. Ben (Dunn) and Tiago (Pires) are already on the ASP World Tour and I had nothing to lose so I just used every option to make this one.
Lipke, who used smart tactics to trap Dunn and push him to comit an interference on an excellent wave, showed great determination to finish ahead of heat favorites in a tricky heat.
I was not going to let anything go and I paddled out to win and give my best, Lipke said. Everyone is hungry for points and you have to stay focused and hold fermly to your goal. I am stoked I made it with Tiago (Pires). The guys on the World Tour are an example and things have been changing fast on the European stage.
Lipke, who stands as a potential ASP Top 45 qualifier for 2009, has had a good summer thus far with a 9th in the US Open of Surfing, a 5th in Japan and a 5th in Newquay, will be looking to get back on track after his Round 1 elimination in Lacanau.
Aritz Aranburu (EUK), Miky Picon (FRA) and reigning ASP European Junior champion Romain Cloitre (REU) were among those advancing today as well, flying the European flag in front of a cheering crowd.
Nathan Hedge (AUS), former ASP Top 45 contender and Rip Curl team rider, pleased his sponsors securing one of the ten best heat scores of the event so far after winning Heat 15 ahead of former ASP World Champion Sunny Garcia (HAW).
I was pretty pumped and ready to go big during that heat, Hedge said. I have been here for five days already and I was really looking forward to getting things underway. I am focused badly on requalifying and I am going to put everything into it.
Hedge, who came to the Rip Curl Pro rated No. 35, is chasing a strong result to keep any Dreamtour requalification hopes alive.
It is still a long way to go before we know who will make it through to the world tour, Hedge said. I am just trying to surf as good as I can and I thank everyone who believes in me.
Round 3 of the Rip Curl Pro pres. by Sprite will resule at 7.30 AM tomorrow and twenty heats are scheduled. The ASP WQS 6-Star Prime is getting closer to its business end and Man-on-man battles will start from Round 5.
Somewhere… The Movie, out soon and previewing across Europe!
The latest production from the Search… series gets its release in Europe at last. Following in the tradition of Search Movies like Tripping the Planet, Searching for Tom Curren and Feral Kingdom, this latest super-production from Rip Curl revisits the surf film genre, whilst avoiding the usual cliches. It offers us the very essence of the Rip Curl philosophy through the lens of 11 international film makers.
After previewing at the Surf Film Festivals at St Jean de Luz and San Sebastian, the film will continue its European tour during the Rip Curl Surf and Music Festivals this summer.
Anglet (France) / Glisseimages – July 22nd
Newquay (UK) / Rip Curl Boardmasters – August 9th
Hossegor (France) / Rip Curl Pro – August 24th
Zarautz (Spain) / Rip Curl Pro – September 12th
Somewhere... is without doubt one of the most eclectic films of this collection. Rip Curl has given carte-blanche to these film makers to express their own search, through 10 surf trips with the best surfers from team Rip Curl, as well as a snow trip to Chile with American snowboarder Andy Finch.
Led by Mick Fanning, Taylor Knox, Pancho Sullivan, Stephanie Gilmore, Jessi Miley-Dyer and Bethany Hamilton, the 10 segments offer up the best waves, at the best spots on the planet, all brought to the big screen through the talented hands of the film makers involved in the film.
“We were lucky to work with an incredible group of film makers. For them, it was a unique opportunity to have total freedom, as well as all the tools necessary to come up with their own take on the Search.”, said Neil Ridgway, Marketing Director for Rip Curl International. With cinematographers like Jon Frank, Matt Beauchesne and Matt Gye, we were sure to come up with a great film.”
THE RIP CURL GIRLS TEAM CLAIMS THE PODIUM IN PORTUGAL
Canelle Bulard (FRA), 16, claimed the Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP) Europe Grade-1 Womens Buondi Pro Junior, her maiden Pro Junior title. Bulard, who defeated reigning ASP European Womens Junior Champion Pauline Ado (FRA) in the final took the best out of the three foot (one meter) waves to win the opening event of the 2008 season and take the lead of the regional ratings.
Bulard, who faced Ado, Marie Dejean (FRA) and Mariana Macedo (FRA) posted a solid 13.17 point heat tally (out of a possible 20) to take the win after getting through two rounds today.
“I am so stoked to win the first event of the year , Bulard said. “The waves were a bit messy and we all had a chance to get the title but it ends up well for me.”
Pauline Ado, who just came back from South Africa were she posted her best result ever by placing second in the ASP World Qualifying Series (WQS) Womens 5-Star Mr Price Pro, was todays best perfomer but finished overall third.
“I am very happy with this result in South Africa , Ado said. I was very confident today but Marie (Dejean) and Canelle had the best waves and there was nothing I could do.”
Our Rip Curl Girls finish respectively 1st, 2nd and 3rd!
Congratulations Canelle, Marie and Pauline!
Rip Curl is proud to announce the success of their neoprene recycling project. Never again will this material – so valuable to surfers in cold waters – be treated as trash ! Project Resurrection can now save old wetsuits and production off-cuts from a gruesome end (burial or incineration), by offering worn neoprene a second life : reincarnation as an espadrille or a pair of slaps.
In 2006, the world leader in the production of wetsuits, in partnership with the Conseil Régional d’Aquitaine, launched a research program into the recycling of neoprene. They wanted to find some kind of use for old wetsuits, and for the production off-cuts, which constitute about 150 tons of waste per year.
“Project Resurrection” Beanbags for the Surfrider Foundation.
In July 2007, Rip Curl launched “Project Resurrection” by collecting wetsuits that had come to the end of their life. These collections took place on-site at the Rip Curl Pro Hossegor-Seignosse and in Rip Curl Pro Stores. More than 400 kilos of neoprene were collected in this way. Wetsuits which were still usable were given to young surfers in Morocco via Rip Curl Maroc. A portion of the remaining neoprene was chopped up and used as filling for beanbags, whose outer-shells were made out of old Rip Curl event banners. These one-off, designer beanbags will be auctioned off on the Internet during the Rip Curl Pro WQS 6* this summer. The auction will be available on the event web site, and all the proceeds will be donated to the Surfrider Foundation.
The Basque connection
At the same time, the research initiated in 2006 to find a large-scale recycling program was turning towards footwear, which offered sufficient volumes to absorb the amount of waste generated, as well as using materials that could integrate neoprene. At the beginning of 2007, after numerous attempts at coming up with the right formula, and plenty of resistance testing, a new material was created : “resurrection rubber”, a mixture of chopped neoprene (30%) and rubber.
This material is manufactured in France, and the search for a local product ended up in Mauleon, in the heart of the Basque Country, with the conception of the “must-have” item for summer ’08, the Resurrection Espadrille. With an organic cotton upper, printed with Öko-test certified ink, a sole made of “resurrection rubber”, and a limited distribution zone, the Resurrection Espadrille represents an excellent ecological end product, and stands out as a symbol for the Rip Curl Planet initiative.
A limited series of Resurrection Espadrilles will be sold from the end of June ’08 in Rip Curl Pro Stores, at the Rip Curl Boardmasters in England and the Rip Curl Pro Hossegor in France, at the price of 25 euros.
The Asian Connection
This technology was adopted by our Asian partners in 2007, with the goal of using all the neoprene off-cuts in the manufacture of slaps. All the off-cuts will now be transferred from our wetsuit factory to or slaps production site. This re-cycling allows us to avoid the treatment of 150 tons of waste, as well as replacing the same amount of raw materials. In the Summer ’09 Collection, there will be a total of 8 models of slaps, representing 10% of our range, which will use “resurrection rubber”. A fantastic result for a project, which is very close to our hearts here at Rip Curl.
The Collection continues
In 2008, Rip Curl continues to collect old wetsuits. So don’t throw away those old leaky, cracked piles of neoprene, molding away at the back of your garage! Take your old wetsuit to one of the participating Rip Curl Pro Stores (Biarritz, Anglet, Hossegor, Bordeaux, Merignac, Brest, Paris, Marseille and Chamonix), and Rip Curl will re-cycle it.
And from the 15th of July to the 15th of December, Rip Curl will be giving away a “Project Resurrection t-shirt”, and a 25 € voucher (valid throughout the store from October 15 to December 15 when you spend more than 100 euros), with the purchase of a new wetsuit.
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