1
CONTENTS PG 3.
WELCOME TO RIP CURL
PG 4.
THE ULTIMATE SURFING COMPANY
PG 6.
TRADITION
PG 8.
LIVE THE SEARCH
PG 10.
WORLD CLASS ATHLETES
PG 12.
ELITE TEAM – SURF
PG 16.
ELITE TEAM – SNOW
PG 18.
THE ULTIMATE EVENTS PLATFORM
PG 24.
PRODUCTS OF THE SEARCH
PG 32.
RETAIL & WHOLESALE
PG 38.
RIP CURL DIGITAL
PG 40.
RIP CURL PLANET
PG 42.
CREW
PG 44.
THE FOUNDERS & COMPANY STRUCTURE
PG 46.
RIP CURL OFFICES & LICENSEES
In the interest of the planet, this book has been printed using environmentally-friendly inks and recycled paper. Please keep our oceans clean by respecting.........
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Tom Curren - lost and found in Indonesia.....
WELCOME
TO
RIP
CURL
Rip Curl is more to me than a brand or a company. It links people from all corners of the world with others who share the same passions. It also introduces you to a family - a crew - that you’ll be a part of for the rest of your life. Born at Bells Beach in Australia we are today a global company that is present on every continent. Part of the surfing industry’s “big three”, Rip Curl is also considered one of the world’s top 10 sport brands, a connector of youth and boardsport cultures, carrying with it a fantastic vision and great values. We created The Search concept, which explains the feeling and way of life we had back when we first started this adventure. Every surfer, every windsurfer, every skater, every skier, every snowboarder and every human lives his own Search, and understands the meaning and power of it. We also want to make the best products for this lifestyle. Our crew works hard every day to achieve this and our champion athletes are waving the flag all over the world. This book will help to present Rip Curl better. It will also help to showcase the many different facets of the business, the brand, the company and the crew that drive it. I’m sure you will understand us and hope you join us in the future to write a page or two of our story… Best Regards Olivier Cantet, Rip Curl Group CEO 3
Koa Smith and Dean Brady - Living The Search
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RIP CURL T H E U LT I M AT E SURFING COMPANY Rip Curl is one of the world’s most recognised and respected brands. It has been at the forefront of the surf and snow scenes since its creation in the late 1960s. Started by Brian ‘Sing Ding’ Singer and Doug ‘Claw’ Warbrick in the
Our Mission is to continue developing a brand image that truly reflects
coastal Australian town of Torquay in the late 1960s, Rip Curl was initially
our Brand Values; and the attitudes and aspirations of those people on
a vehicle for the perfect lifestyle – a never-ending search by two mates
The Search, so that we strive towards our Vision.
for perfect waves, adventure and the fun that inevitably follows. Rip Curl applies Brand Values across everything it does and wants to Rip Curl was the standard by which other surf brands were measured.
achieve. These values encapsulate the spirit and belief system of Rip Curl
The company was created by surfers and the products were made by
– past, present and future.
the people who wanted to use them. Rip Curl was a company built by surfers for surfers.
There is no brand in the world quite like Rip Curl. Nor will there ever be. Rip Curl was built by surfers and continues to evolve thanks to a young
Today, there is still only one Rip Curl.
and energetic crew of people who believe in our mission and vision. Our crew will continue to evolve and shape the future of the world’s
Rip Curl’s Vision is to be regarded in all that we do as the world’s ultimate
ultimate surfing company.
surfing company. We endeavour to make the best products, run the best events, support the best athletes, deliver the best service, communicate the
RIGHT: Rip Curl is listed in the book The World’s Greatest Brands,
best brand message and have the best crew of people.
published by Interbrand in the United Kingdom.“
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T RAD I T I O N Born at Bells Beach, loved across the world...
Rip Curl began with a vision. In the late 1960s, Brian and Claw recognised
for Rip Curl Wetsuits in France. In 1979, Brian went to Europe to show their
an opportunity to make a living in the new surf market. The duo wanted to
wetsuits to the growing European sailboard market. Yves and American Alan
create a surfing business that would finance their surf and travel habits, so
Tiegen then signed on to sell and distribute Rip Curl Wetsuits throughout
they designed and made surfboards and wetsuits that would benefit their
Europe.
surfing and time in the ocean. The company was built on the strength and success of these core products.
In 1982 Brian and Claw worked with François Payot to start Rip Curl Europe. As co-founder, François would later become CEO of Rip Curl Europe
With its core purpose and grass roots enthusiasm, Rip Curl soon expanded
and more recently, Rip Curl Group CEO.
across the globe. Early pro surfers, sponsored by Rip Curl, helped spread the Rip Curl word everywhere they travelled, while Claw and Brian started
Today, Rip Curl has an annual turnover approaching US$500 million and
looking at other countries and opportunities.
has market presence across the world. The Rip Curl Group includes Australia, New Zealand, Thailand, Europe, USA, Canada, Indonesia and
In 1978 Brian travelled to California to launch Rip Curl in the USA. Famed
Brazil, with an additional 12 corporate Licensees in Argentina, Chile,
surfer and Quiksilver USA founder Jeff Hakman introduced him to the biggest
Israel, Japan, Mauritius, Peru, Philippines, Dubai, Columbia, Venezuela,
surf shops in Southern California, and after taking a bunch of wetsuit orders,
Malaysia and South Africa.
Brian headed back to Torquay to start production. USA wetsuit production would continue out of Torquay for another four years.
Today, even people in the Middle East, North Africa and Central America can buy Rip Curl products. Maybe they’ve never heard of Torquay or
On one of his early Californian adventures, Brian was also approached by a
Hossegor, but you can bet many of them share the same spirit as the rest
Frenchman named Yves Bessas, who was interested in becoming the agent
of us and do their best to live their own Search lifestyle.
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Main photo: Bells Beach firing Top right: Claw tests one of Rip Curl’s first innovative wetsuits with the underarm gusset. Middle right: The original Torquay glassing room. Bottom right: The famous Bells clifftop in 1967
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8
L I V E
T H E
S E A R C H
The Search is a way of life. It’s our call to action. It’s the chance to pursue our passion for the surf, the mountains, travel, adventure and fun...
Every search is different. New places, new people, new cultures, new experiences. Having the freedom to go surfing, snowboarding, skiing or skating, any place, any time...
It could be a weekend trip, where you throw your boards in the back of a car and go chasing adventure. Maybe a few drinks at sunset, a few laughs and a good party to finish. That’s what life is all about.
“The Search was the driving force that led to the creation of Rip Curl... We loved charging into the unknown and the journey that waited. It was about the great sense of adventure, anticipation, curiosity and the chance to score great uncrowded waves. Rip Curl helps us live this life...” - Doug ‘Claw’ Warbrick (Rip Curl Founder) We are always trying to develop quality products and make technological breakthroughs and innovative new gear that works better. That’s how we deliver the ultimate search life. We are the customer.
Our vision is to be The Ultimate Surfing Company in all respects – every product we make and everything we do. We are inspired by the search, our lifestyles, travel, the ocean, mountains, the youth, the weird, whacky and wonderful. By adventure, music, the environment, good times, possibility, originality, friends and we’re always ready to chase the unknown...
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WORLD
CLASS
ATHLETES
www.stephgilmore.blogspot.com
STEPHANIE GILMORE Surfing’s leading lady. Our sport’s super girl. Three-time world champion. Everyone’s favourite. The smiling assassin. Stephanie Gilmore is only in her young 20s, but she’s already a house-hold name across the globe. After storming on the scene in 2005 by winning the Roxy Pro Gold Coast contest as a 17-year-old wildcard, Steph has since proceeded to collect every major surfing title on the professional circuit in the past few years. Accolade-wise, she’s got three ASP Women’s World titles from three years on Tour, two Vans Triple Crown of Surfing titles and recently won the 2010 Laureus Action Sports Athlete Of The Year Award, just to name a few. Steph began surfing at age 10, when she started learning to stand on a bodyboard with help from her dad. She quickly honed her young skills on Australia’s Gold Coast and took up sponsorship with Rip Curl at age 11. Steph is now the ideal ambassador for women’s surfing, combing beauty and style with athleticism and a winner’s mentality. She’s a surfing superstar and an invaluable member of the Rip Curl surf team.
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MICK FANNING In life and in competition Mick has faced some monumental hurdles. In 1998, when he was 16 and his career was just taking off, his older brother Sean (who was also an aspiring surfer) was killed in a car accident. Although he was completely heartbroken after the death of his brother Mick stayed true to their dream and continued on his rise as a professional surfer. In 2002 Mick finished in the top five in his rookie year on the ASP World Tour and was moving closer to the number one spot each season when in 2004 tragedy struck again. While on a photo trip to Indonesia Mick tore his hamstring off the bone when he fell trying to execute a critical manoeuvre. Mick underwent major surgery and doctors were unsure whether he would ever fully recover. A committed training regime saw Mick miraculously return to the water and ASP World Tour six months later. Back in full flight, Mick’s next test would be the same challenge every other Australian pro surfer has faced in the last decade - the domination of Kelly Slater and Andy Irons. After winning the first event of the year in 2007, Mick put together one of the most impressive competitive seasons of all time. He won three events, finished runner-up in one and made four semi finals. He had done the impossible, by bringing the ASP World Title back to Australia for the first time since 1999. Mick climbed the hill again in 2009 and overcame a season-leading charge by good friend Joel Parkinson to claim his second ASP World Title during the final event of the year at Hawaii’s Banzai Pipeline. Mick’s comeback was amazing, spearheaded by wins in the USA, France and at the Rip Curl Pro Search in Portugal. He’s the ultimate competitor and an all-round great guy. www.mickfanning.com.au
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ELITE TEAM -SURF Hundreds of athletes have carved their names into the Rip Curl timeline and every individual team rider’s contribution and story is unique. It’s impossible to showcase everyone that has made a mark on Rip Curl’s history, so here’s a look at some select stars that will help pave Rip Curl’s future…
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TAYLOR KNOX
OWEN WRIGHT (NSW, Australia)
BEN DUNN (NSW, Australia)
MATT WILKINSON (NSW, Australia)
ALANA BLANCHARD (Hawaii, USA)
JESSI MILEY-DYER (NSW, Australia)
KEKOA BACALSO (Hawaii, USA)
BETHANY HAMILTON
PAULINE ADO (Bayonne, France)
(California, USA)
(Hawaii, USA)
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THE SEARCHERS -SURF PANCHO SULLIVAN (Hawaii, USA)
TOM CURREN (California, USA)
BRUNO SANTOS (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil) DEAN BRADY (Queensland,
TIMMY TURNER
RICHARD CHRISTIE (Mahia, NZ)
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(California, USA)
Australia)
NATHAN HEDGE (NSW, Australia)
FUTURE STARS -SURF DILLON PERILLO (California, USA)
GABRIEL MEDINA (Brazil)
STU KENNEDY (NSW, Australia)
DAVEY CATHELS (NSW, Australia)
TYLER WRIGHT (NSW, Australia)
NIKKI VAN DIJK (Victoria, Australia)
KOA SMITH (Hawaii, USA)
ALEX SMITH
GARUT WIDIARTA (Bali, Indonesia)
JAYCE ROBINSON (St Ives, England)
MEDI VEMINARDI (St Leu, Reunion Island)
(Hawaii, USA)
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ANDREA
BERCHTO
LD NSW, Aus
tralia)
ANDY FIN CH (California
, USA)
NATE JOH NSTO
NE NSW, Aus
ELITE TEAM -SNOW
NATE SH EEHAN (U
tah, USA )
MITCH BR OWN 16
(Mt Maga nui, New Zealand)
tralia)
EMILY TH
DARIUS
PER LOK EN (Norw
OMAS (NS
HERISTC
HIAN (Switze
ay)
rland)
W, Austra li
a)
ance)
RUSS HO LT (NSW
CRAIG BR ANCH (N
ELIAS EL HARDT
(Obersta ufe
, Australi
a)
SW, Austr
alia)
CHRIS BO OTH (NSW
DANI SA STRE (B a)
n, Germa ny)
MATIAS
RADAELL
I (Beunos Aire
s, Argenti
NILS ARD VISSON (J
arvso, Sw eden)
arcelona
, Australi
REMI LAM AZOUERE (Grenoble , Fr
, Spain)
VICTOR D E LE RUE (St Lary, Fra
nce)y)
na)
THE
U LT I M AT E
EVENTS PLATFORM RIP CURL HAS AN EXTRAORDINARY EVENTS PLATFORM, HEADLINED BY ITS ASP WORLD TOUR SURFING CONTESTS, JUNIOR PROGRAMS AND NUMEROUS SURF AND MUSIC FESTIVALS.
WE WERE THE FIRST MAJOR COMPANY TO SPONSOR A PROFESSIONAL EVENT (1973 RIP CURL PRO AT BELLS BEACH) AND TODAY WE’RE DETERMINED TO RUN THE WORLD’S GREATEST AND MOST UNIQUE SURF AND SNOW EVENTS.
RIP CURL VALUES IT’S MAJOR REGIONAL AND GLOBAL PARTERNSHIPS, CREDITING THE SUCCESS OF ITS EVENT PLATFORM TO THE SUPPORT OF OTHER WORLD-CLASS BRANDS. HERE IS A QUICK OVERVIEW OF OUR GLOBAL EVENTS...
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RIP CURL PRO SURF & MUSIC FESTIVAL AT B E L L S B E A C H The Rip Curl Pro is the world’s longest running professional ASP World Tour surfing event, calling Australia’s famed Bells Beach home since 1973. Its prize – the Bell – is one of the world’s most famous sporting trophies and the honour roll is literally the who’s who of competitive surfing. With past champions including Michael Peterson, Simon Anderson, Mark Richards, Damien Hardman, Mark Occhilupo, Kelly Slater, Andy Irons and Mick Fanning, it’s obvious that only the best win at Bells. The Rip Curl Women’s Pro champions list is just as impressive as the men, with names such as Lisa Anderson, Pauline Menczer, Layne Beachley and Stephanie Gilmore all engraved on the trophy more than once. The Rip Curl Pro is contested over Easter every year and is considered an annual tradition for the surfing world. It’s currently the second stop on the ASP World Tour and a favourite for the travelling pro surfers. The live music festival on the Bells clifftop gives visitors an extra bonus over the Easter long weekend, with local and international acts onsite for the celebration. High profile artists such as Silverchair, Faker, DJ Greyboy and TZU have all played Bells, with rock band Australian Crawl even sponsoring the event back in 1984.
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Reunion Island (2005)
Mexico (2006)
Chile (2007)
Indonesia (2008)
Portugal (2009)
Puerto Rico (2010)
RIP CURL PRO SEARCH
-
SOMEWHERE
The Rip Curl Pro Search is the newest stop on the ASP World Tour and is without doubt the most exciting and highly anticipated event of the year. With the world’s only ‘floating license’, the Rip Curl Pro Search relocates to a new exotic location every year, taking the world’s best surfers on the search for new waves and fresh new experiences. After an amazing first five years in Reunion, Mexico, Chile, Indonesia and Portugal, the Rip Curl Pro Search is heading to “Somewhere in Puerto Rico” in 2010. Mick Fanning won the first event, Andy Irons won the next two, brother Bruce claimed Bali and Mick won again in 2009, so it’s a prized title this year. The entire surfing world is excited about this next expedition and the outcome is sure to be nothing short of spectacular. The entire event is broadcast live around the world thanks to our Live Webcast on ripcurl.com.
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RIP CURL PRO PORTUGAL The coastal town of Peniche, Portugal was home to the Rip Curl Pro Search in 2009, but proved so successful that we decided to acquire a license to host an annual ASP World Tour event there every year from 2010 onwards. Epic waves, huge crowds and dramatic results are assured, while Rip Curl Europe guarantees to make sure that Peniche is a non-stop party throughout October. Supertubos, aka “The European Pipeline�, is the most famous wave in Portugal and home base for this event. There are multiple backup locations around Peniche though, which means the Rip Curl Pro Portugal will deliver quality waves no matter the conditions Mother Nature serves up.
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RIP CURL CUP, PADANG PADANG INVITATIONAL Indonesia’s longest running and most prestigious surfing contest turned international recently, attracting the who’s who of great barrel riders from around the world to the magnificent waves of Padang Padang in Bali. A class field of 16 international surfers are invited to join the 16 best Indonesian surfers for a one-month waiting period that helped the coin the event catch phrase, “it’s on when it’s on”. Competition only takes place when the surf at Padang is over 6ft, guaranteeing that the Rip Curl Cup remains the ultimate Indonesian tuberiding event. High action, epic waves and ultimate surfing,
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GIRLS GO SURFING DAYS Rip Curl has been a huge supporter of women’s surfing for over 20 years, not only manufacturing women’s products and sponsoring female athletes, but also vying to help introduce girls of all ages to the joys of learning to surf. Rip Curl Europe, Brazil, Australia and the USA all conduct events that provide girls with an opportunity to take fun surfing lessons in a safe and monitored environment. Every year our programs reach over 7000 girls from across the globe at over 70 different locations!
RIP CURL GROMSEARCH Rip Curl GromSearch is the world’s leading junior surfing series, targeted at boys and girls aged 16 and under. GromSearch runs in the USA, Australia, New Zealand, Indonesia, Brazil, South Africa and throughout Europe. In total, we hold over 35 unique GromSearch events, plus the International Final held at Bells Beach during the Rip Curl Pro Surf & Music Festival. GromSearch was initially created to give young surfers the chance to compete with their friends in a fun environment. It gives grommets great contest experience and has bred talent such as past winners Steph Gilmore, Owen Wright, Jordy Smith, Ben Dunn, Mason Ho, Matt Wilkinson, Jessi Miley-Dyer and Alana Blanchard.
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PRODUCTS OF THE SEARCH
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RIP CURL HAS NOT SUCCEEDED BY SIMPLY PRODUCING CORE SURF AND SNOW PRODUCTS, IT HAS SUCCEEDED BY MANUFACTURING THE BEST SURF AND SNOW PRODUCTS ON THE MARKET. THE BRAND HAS A TRADITION OF LEADERSHIP AND INNOVATION. SURFBOARDS, WETSUITS AND WATCHES GOT THE BRAND TO WHERE IT IS TODAY, BUT THE INTRODUCTION OF OUR OTHER PRODUCT RANGES HELPED STRENGTHEN RIP CURL INTO AN INTERNATIONAL PRODUCT POWERHOUSE. THE PEOPLE WHO RUN THE COMPANY ARE THE TEST PILOTS, WITH PRODUCT RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT HAPPENING FIRST-HAND ON THE STREET, IN THE OCEAN AND ON THE MOUNTAIN. RIP CURL AIMS TO CONTINUALLY CREATE INNOVATIVE, FUNCTIONAL, RELIABLE AND DURABLE PRODUCTS FOR THE SEARCH. IT’S NOT AN EASY LIFESTYLE, SO THE EQUIPMENT HAS TO BE GOOD. WITH A HISTORY SPANNING OVER 40 YEARS, CUSTOMERS HAVE TRIED AND TESTED OUR PRODUCTS TIME AND TIME AGAIN. THE RIP CURL BRAND IS TRUSTED, BUT YOU CAN’T BUY CREDIBILITY... THAT’S SOMETHING WE EARNED.
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WETSUITS Surfing wetsuits were near non-exsistent in the late 1960s, but with a little initiative and a pre-World War II sewing machine, Brian and Claw found a huge demand in the market and started marking Rip Curl Wetsuits. Although the duo initially hoped that selling wetsuits, “would be a good thing to advertise and sell more Rip Curl Surfboards”, the product would eventually propel Rip Curl towards mass success. Rip Curl takes pride in the fact that many of surfing’s best wetsuit inventions were developed in Torquay and it’s a credit to the company that the Wetsuit Design Center is still based in Australia. Bells Beach is a cold water wave that feeds off swells from the icy southern ocean, so the Torquay Surf Coast is the perfect testing ground for Rip Curl’s newest wetsuit technologies. GLOBAL DESIGN CENTER: WETSUITS / ISOTHERMAL (TORQUAY, AUSTRALIA)
“Rip Curl Wetsuits Made by surfers for surfers...”
Above Left: Ben Dunn Left: The H-Bomb Power Heated Wetsuit Batteries Right: The H-Bomb has taken surf exploration to an exciting new level
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Right: Mick Fanning riding his DHD Signature Pro Model Surfboard
SURFBOARDS Surfboards were the first product to ever bear the Rip Curl name and rightfully so - they’re the most important product in surfing. Take away the glitz and glam of surfing as most know it today and what do you have...? A wave, a surfer and a board. Simple. Surfboards were the first product Rip Curl made and sold, and they’ve been the most fundamental piece of equipment ever since. Rip Curl’s focus on surfboards is stronger today than ever before, with a famed stable of shapers and high-class list of surfers developing equipment and testing shapes with every surf. GLOBAL DESIGN CENTRE: SURFBOARDS (TORQUAY, AUSTRALIA)
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Matt Wilkinson pushing the limits.
SURFWEAR & BOARDSHORTS Surfwear is a key focus and huge market for Rip Curl, and the global range is a diverse collection of core, functional, fashionable and technological products. Boardshorts are a “best-at” category for the brand, led by recent innovations like Code STL seaming and Hydroflex fabric. Rip Curl’s most technically-advanced boardshort is currently the Mirage, worn proudly by our team of professional surfers. The style promises a better fit, rash-free seaming, flashdry material and less restriction than normal boardshorts. Lightweight. Super-stretch. Like wearing nothing... GLOBAL DESIGN CENTER: BOARDSHORTS (TORQUAY, AUSTRALIA & COSTA MESA, USA) The innovative Mirage Boardshort
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GIRLSWEAR & SWIMWEAR The Rip Curl brand has a close affinity to the ocean, so it’s no surprise that swimwear is Rip Curl’s largest performing women’s category. Led by a talented team of female designers and product managers, the swimwear category has grown over recent years to include an increasing number of fashion styles whilst still catering for the core surfer. ASP World Champion Stephanie Gilmore is at the forefront of swimwear product testing, continuously providing feedback to Rip Curl’s design team with the objective of creating the ultimate swimwear for surfing. Rip Curl is one of the world’s top three leaders in women’s surfwear and swimwear, offering customers sophisticated, fashionable and core products.
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Mountainwear product testing happens on the mountain, on The Search...
M O U N TA I N W E A R Like many surfers in the early 1970s, Brian and Claw were hooked by the rush of skiing and the relaxed mountain lifestyle. When winter hit, Rip Curl would head to the mountain in search of new adventures and a new type of fun. When the brand began expanding its product base into clothing during the 1980s, it was a natural progression that they would turn their hands to manufacturing specialised apparel needed for the snow. Today, our mountainwear design team lives on the mountain. Research and development takes place on the slopes and our professional team riders put the gear to test. The result is mountainwear that works. We aim to combine the latest advances in technical fabrics with functional innovation in design and fashion trends, giving skiers and snowboarders the reliable products they need. GLOBAL DESIGN CENTER: MOUNTAINWEAR (ANNECY, FRENCH ALPS)
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BAGS & ACCESSORIES
The all new Ultimate Tidemaster 2 Tide Watch
Travel is an obvious importance for Rip Curl, so a lot of design focus is put on the brand’s travel bags and accessories. No matter what the sport and destination, people need to get themselves and their gear from here to there effectively. From surfboards to snowboards to toiletries to computer gear, Rip Curl knows the importance of protection and quality when you’re moving equipment. Former two-time surfing world champion Damien Hardman is managing our global bags and accessories line, so experience and knowledge is key in every range. GLOBAL DESIGN CENTER: BAGS & ACCESSORIES (TORQUAY, AUSTRALIA) The ultimate travel equipment.
EYEWEAR Eyewear is one of the most recent product range expansions for Rip Curl and has seen some very consistent growth in Australia, Brazil, Indonesia, New Zealand and Europe over the past couple of years. Powered by an experienced technical design team in Europe, Rip Curl Eyewear has found its position in the market and is a key offering in Rip Curl Retail stores around the world. GLOBAL DESIGN CENTER: EYEWEAR (HOSSEGOR, FRANCE) Technical and stylish eyewear.
FOOTWEAR Launched in summer 2002, Footwear is still a relatively young product line for Rip Curl, but continues to go from strength to strength every year. Although the range is available in most Rip Curl regions, the three key markets are Europe, South American and Asia Pacific.
WAT C H E S
The open toe market is obviously a huge opportunity for sales and spearheads each range accordingly. Our closed-toe business is also important though, giving crew something to wear when they’re checking the surf or heading out to a party on the weekend.
Rip Curl is proud to say that its watch design team introduced tidewatch technology to the surfing industry in the early 1990s and has been at the forefront of ocean watch innovation ever since. Tide knowledge is essential for core surfers, often proving the difference between scoring perfect waves and missing the peak period.
More than 60 per cent of our styles are eco-friendly products and this focus will continue to help formulate our range.
Our watch range is diverse and extensive, covering guys, girls and youth styles from top-of-the-line tidewatches to trendy fashion models. GLOBAL DESIGN CENTER: WATCHES (TORQUAY, AUSTRALIA)
Rip Curl’s Light Series shoe - the perfect travel partner.
GLOBAL DESIGN CENTERS: OPEN TOE FOOTWEAR (TORQUAY, AUSTRALIA) & CLOSED TOE (HOSSEGOR, FRANCE)
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Rip Curl’s Torquay Flagship store in Australia.
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FLAGSHIP STORES Rip Curl’s flagship retail stores provide customers with an inspirational shopping experience and a first-hand look into the Rip Curl world… Our comprehensive product ranges are presented in depth, while our specialised visual marketing and merchandising helps showcase the unique Rip Curl brand values. Rip Curl’s mission is to be The Ultimate Surfing Company and our Flagship stores lead by example. We strive to create retail environments that communicate the true sense of Rip Curl and share the spirit and fun of surfing and associated board sports. We are focused on exceeding the service and delivery expectations of our customers with a trained team who believe and live the search. We are focused on achieving profit targets through superior shop fit outs, strong global marketing support and by releasing fashionable, innovative and durable product ranges. Rip Curl’s simple supply chain execution from one source means our Flagship stores are consistently replenished with the latest fashion ranges. With our national network of outlet stores we remove any need to go on sale in Airport locations. Rip Curl continues to make a significant investment within retail and will continue this strong commitment into the future.
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RETAIL
RIP CURL PRODUCTS ARE SOLD THROUGH A MIXTURE OF INDEPENDENT RETAILERS AND COMPANY-OWNED STORES IN MORE THAN 50 COUNTRIES ACROSS THE GLOBE. IN 2010, THE TOTAL NUMBER OF RIP CURL FLAGSHIP STORES SITS AT 206 WITH STRONG PLANS TO GROW THIS NUMBER RAPIDLY IN THE NEXT FEW YEARS.
FLAGSHIP STORES Argentina
5
Australia
42
Brazil
3
Canada
4
Chile
8
Europe
75
Indonesia
15
Israel
1
Japan
3
Mauritius
5
New Zealand
8
Peru
5
Singapore
3
South Africa
1
Thailand
11
USA
17
TOTAL
206
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4 75 17 3
1
11 3 15 3
5
8
5
5 1
42 8
Melbourne, Australia
Osaka, Japan
Huntington Beach, USA
San Sebastian, Spain
Mt Manganui, New Zealand
Gold Coast, Australia
Buenos Aires, Argentina
Singapore
Normandie, France
Kuta, Bali
San Clemente, USA
Newquay, England
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W H OL E S A L E RIP CURL IS PREDOMINANTLY A WHOLESALE BUSINESS, PUSHING OUR BRAND MESSAGE AND PRODUCTS OF THE SEARCH THROUGH THOUSANDS OF INDEPENDENT RETAILERS AROUND THE WORLD. WE FLY THE RIP CURL PRODUCT FLAG PROUDLY THROUGH THESE WHOLESALE ACCOUNTS, DISTRIBUTING OUR PRODUCTS AND VISUAL MARKETING TO EVERY CORNER OF THE GLOBE - FROM ASIA TO EUROPE TO AFRICA, CENTRAL AMERICA AND THE MIDDLE EAST. WHEREVER YOU ARE IN THE WORLD, THERE WILL BE RIP CURL PRODUCT NOT TOO FAR AWAY.
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Europe
3107
Australia
974
New Zealand
155
Asia
600
USA
1100
Canada South America
400 1568
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RIPCURL.COM
RIP CURL
DIGITAL
Ripcurl.com is the heart and soul of Rip Curl’s online presence for products, brand, crew, events, team and an overall direct Rip Curl experience. The website features a globally-managed Rip Curl landing page, which branches off into regionallymanaged websites and e-stores. Campaign material, product catalogues and promotional artwork is intertwined with interactive content, microsites and company information to deliver the ultimate observation of the Rip Curl world.
RIP CURL IS A MARKET LEADER IN NEW MEDIA, OFFERING A DIVERSE AND WELL-PLANNED DIGITAL MARKETING STRATEGY ACROSS THE GLOBE.
Marty Thomas & Kelly Slater host the Rip Curl Pro Search webcast in Chile
THE KEY OBJECTIVES FOR THE BRAND ARE: • TO SHOWCASE AND PROMOTE THE RIP CURL BRAND AROUND THE PLANET AND DISTRIBUTE DIGITAL CONTENT THAT CONFIRMS OUR POSITION AS THE ULTIMATE SURFING COMPANY. • PROMOTE AND SUPPORT OUR PRODUCTS AND ONLINE E-STORES, PROVIDING DISTRIBUTION FOR OUR PRODUCTS TO OUR CUSTOMERS AS THEY REQUIRE IT. • REACH, INTERACT AND SHARE WITH CONSUMERS IN A TIMELY, RELEVANT, PERSONAL AND COSTEFFECTIVE WAYS.
RIP CURL WEBCASTING Rip Curl leads the surfing industry with event webcasting and video webstreaming, delivering several quality online productions to surf fans around the world every year. ASP World Tour events have been broadcast live over the web for eight years and we’ve been at the forefront of pushing the developments. Produced in-house by Rip Curl and hosted on ripcurl.com, Rip Curl Pro webcasts offer the user a unique viewing experience with multiple cameras, live commentary, replays, scores, timing and statistics. Rip Curl also looks to live streaming technology for film premieres, exclusively broadcasting the occasional product online in conjunction with real-time screenings around the world.
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RIP CURL SEARCH TV
RIP CURL SOCIAL NETWORKING
The multi-epside Search TV series is produced from Search trips and Rip Curl Pro events. Our athletes are the stars of the show and their lifestyles give us the perfect storyline.
One of the key parts of Rip Curl’s global digital strategy is social networking and the brand is focused on a select group of target websites and technologies.
Facebook.com/ripcurl Globally managed Rip Curl Fan Page with regional content provided by contributors around the world.
Search TV is distributed globally via IMG to over 60 million homes around the world and a separate deal with Fuel TV sees it distributed to 30 million homes in the USA.
MySpace.com/ripcurl Globally managed Rip Curl Profile that was formed on the back of an exclusive online partnership with MySpace in 2007.
RIP CURL FILMS Rip Curl invests a large portion of its marketing focus to films and has used this medium to tell and sell the story of the Search since the 1990s. Rip Curl has several films in production and distribution this year, including the Stephanie Gilmore Profile piece and the new Live The Search film.
Twitter.com/ripcurl Globally managed Rip Curl Profile that tweets internationally-relevant news from around the Rip Curl world.
All Rip Curl films are distributed globally through a variety of networks, including DVDs, instore sales, magazine tip-ons and iTunes Store sales.
Regional marketing departments also have the authority to manage their own regional Twitter feeds.
RIP CURL MOBILE Rip Curl has had several co-branded associations with mobile phone manufactures around the world and these partnerships are usually handled regionally. The deals offer great exposure for the brand, both with hardware and software on the units. Rip Curl International is currently managing two unique iPhone applications, aimed at reaching our audience with valuable quality content: • Rip Curl Podcast video application • Rip Curl Surfer: Live The Search game application
YouTube.com/ripcurl Globally managed Rip Curl Channel which showcases our internationallyproduced videos and also features regional content via semented playlists.
Rip Curl Podcast Globally managed Podcast feed that distributed videos globally via RSS and the Apple iTunes Store.
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RIP CURL
PLANET FOUNDATION
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RESPECT FOR THE ENVIRONMENT IN WHICH WE SEARCH With Community and Environment are key company values, Rip Curl actively supports the protection of the world’s natural environment. With the creation of the Rip Curl Planet Foundation, our environmental program is continually growing stronger. The Rip Curl Planet collection is the leading environmentally conscious product line in the surf industry, headed by Project Resurrection, which recycles wetsuits into soles for sandals, and also features mountainwear and boardshorts made from recycled plastics, plus biocotton t-shirts and the use of other recycled fabrics. Rip Curl staff around the globe also participate in Planet Days, working with local environmental groups where Rip Curl has major offices to clean up, protect and revegetate beach and mountain areas. In our home town of Torquay, the Planet Days have run for 10 years, with staff crew responsible for successfully putting in more than 50,000 plants indigenous to the area. The Rip Curl Planet Foundation drives a host of environmental initiatives throughout the company’s activities around the world, focusing on reducing waste, cutting back energy consumption and recycling/re-using materials. In the words of Rip Curl CEO Olivier Cantet: “While we are proud of what Rip Curl Planet has achieved, there is still much to do to keep this progression going, and we are strongly committed to that!”
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RIP CURL STRIVES TO PROVIDE AN ENVIRONMENT WHERE RIP CURL CREW CAN LIVE THEIR SEARCH AND FEEL THE SPIRIT OF SURFING IN THEIR WORK. THIS IS THE FUNDAMENTAL REASON WHY PEOPLE WANT TO JOIN RIP CURL AND WORK FOR A BRAND CENTERED AROUND THE SURF AND THE MOUNTAINS...
Rip Curl offices are set up with its Crew in mind, designed with open spaces and chill-out areas, rooms for storing surfboards and wetsuits, showers, eating areas, staff ‘board’ rooms and a memorabilia bar for all important staff parties and announcements.
When you walk the halls of a Rip Curl office you’ll meet Crew from a variety of backgrounds, with a mix of languages and accents. Every Crew
The Rip Curl Crew is the living embodiment of the brand. They are its
member is an individual, but we all share the spirit of the Search…
passion, its drive, its engine and most importantly, its values.
Rip Curl’s ambition is to attract talented people to the company and we want to be considered in the industry as a choice employer.
Our offices play a vital role in the way Rip Curl operates. Instead of putting our HQs in the middle of concrete jungle cities, Rip Curl has preferred to set up offices in legendary surfing and snowboarding locations. Places such as Torquay, Costa-Mesa, Hossegor, Bali, Guaruja, Vancouver, Newquay and Annecy are our home bases.
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STAFF NUMBERS ACROSS THE COMPANY Rip Curl Australia: 257 full-time employees Rip Curl Brazil: 60 full-time employees Rip Curl Canada: 14 full-time employees Rip Curl Europe: 270 full-time employees Rip Curl Indonesia: 99 full-time employees Rip Curl New Zealand: 21 full-time employees Rip Curl USA: 70 full-time employees Rip Curl Wetsuit Factories: 794 full-time employees
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F O U N D E R S François PAYOT - Group CEO After a brief stint at medical school, François Payot, a young surfer from the Landes region in France, thought about a career in architecture. Just before completing his studies, an encounter with Maurice Cole at the Amateur World Surfing Championships in 1980 changed his destiny forever. The call of the ocean was stronger than that of the exam hall, so François became Maurice’s associate in ‘Aussiegor’, a company building surfboards for Rip Curl. In 1983, François, Brian, Claw, Maurice and Fred Basse all become associates, launching the Rip Curl distribution license for its entire product range, first of all in France and then for the rest of Europe. After accepting a role on the Advisory Board in 2005, he became CEO international for Rip Curl in 2007. A born Searcher, François has never stopped combining his passion for travelling with his work, making numerous stop-offs in Bali (setting up the company in Asia) and in Madagascar where he regularly tests out the Island’s surf spots. He also drove the Rip Curl Pro Search concept. BRIAN SINGER & DOUG WARBRICK Rip Curl Co-Founders / Board Members Brian Singer and Doug Warbrick were born in Queensland in the early 1950s and started surfing there, with each moving to Victoria with their respective families in the early 1960s. They met and became friends through surfing in Torquay and were among the state’s best surfers, competing in the 1964 World Championships at Manly in Sydney. They had a shared dream of surfing and travelling as much as possible and in 1967 started selling surfboards bearing the “Rip Curl” name, (made for them by a manufacturer in Sydney), to support their surfing and travelling ambitions. In early 1969 they began making Rip Curl Surfboards themselves in Torquay and in mid-1969 they (with the help of a small team of their friends) also began manufacturing Rip Curl Wetsuits. Throughout the period 1969 to 2001, Brian and Doug actively worked in every area of the business, from product design to marketing and sales. In 2001, Brian and Doug stepped down from their then-managerial roles to form the Rip Curl Board, to direct the company into the future. The Board was initially themselves, Rip Curl Europe founder François Payot and James Strong, a friend of Brian’s and former CEO of Qantas Airlines. Ahmed Fahour, the CEO of Australian operations for the National Australia Bank, was later appointed as the fifth Rip Curl Board member. Today Brian and Doug remain as majority owners and active directors of Rip Curl.
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AHMED FAHOUR – Board Chairman Ahmed Fahour has been the National Australia Bank’s Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer Australia since September 2004 and a principal Board member since October that year. He is responsible for managing the Australian and Asian region, which includes Retail, Business and Corporate Banking. Ahmed also oversees MLC, which includes retail investments, insurance, and wholesale superannuation. Mr Fahour is a Senior Fellow of Finsia (Financial Services Institute of Australasia) and appointed by the Premier of Victoria as Business Ambassador Melbourne’s North in Victoria. Ahmed has been a non-executive director of the Rip Curl Group and Rip Curl Properties since 2002.
OLIVIER CANTET – Europe CEO Olivier Cantet joined Rip Curl Europe in 2003. Before becoming François Payot’s successor as CEO of Rip Curl Europe, Olivier was formerly the General Manager of Millet and then of the Lafuma Group. For the last five years, this budding skier and expert mountaineer has dedicated his business acumen to RCE, driving the European teams to burst through the 100M€ barrier in 2006. He is also committed to sustainable development, giving impetus to the Rip Curl Planet project in 2005. An experienced traveller, skier and mountaineer, Olivier learned to love and share Rip Curl’s Search Spirit and the brand philosophy while taking various expeditions over the five continents.
STEVE KAY – Australia/New Zealand CEO
KELLY GIBSON – Northern America CEO
Steve Kay joined Rip Curl in April 2000 as the global Advertising and Promotions Chief. Prior to joining Rip Curl, Steve enjoyed a lengthy career in print media. As Publisher of the EMAP Action Sports division, he was responsible for managing over 20 magazine titles. He was also a member of the board of EMAP Australia.
Californian-born and raised, Kelly Gibson has a very strong surfing and surf industry background. He has been surfing for more than 30 years, as a 17-year-old winning the 1982 USA National Scholastic Surfing Association (NSSA) Open Championship. He then turned professional, competing on the Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP) World Tour and the US Pro Tour through the late 1980s and early 1990s. In 1992, Kelly changed his life path, joining the surf industry as a sales representative for a number of leading brands in a range of product categories. In 1999, Kelly joined O’Neill Clothing USA as National Sales Manager, a year later being appointed to Vice-President of Sales & Marketing. In 2001 he was promoted to O’Neill’s senior executive ranks and in 2002 was appointed President. Kelly was then bitten by The Search bug and took up his role as CEO of Rip Curl USA in October 2006.
In 2003 he was appointed as the General Manager of Rip Curl Australia. In 2004 he became the CEO for Australia and New Zealand.
MICHAEL DALY – Group CFO Michael Daly joined Rip Curl as the Group Finance Manager in May 2002. He was promoted to Chief Financial Officer and Company Secretary for Rip Curl globally in October 2003. His responsibilities include finance, information technology, legal, company secretarial and administration across Rip Curl’s global operations. Prior to Rip Curl, Michael spent 10 years with PricewaterhouseCoopers Melbourne and progressed to become a Senior Manager within the field of Business Assurance/Audit. He is a Richmond supporter, but hey, we all have our cross to carry.
FELIPE SILVEIRA – Brazil CEO Born and raised in the south of Brazil, Felipe Silveira has been a surfer for more than 30 years. He was a Regional State Champion in all divisions from 1981 to 1991 and achieved success on the ASP World Tour. In 1992, Felipe started his career as a Sales Representative for the main surfwear brands in Brazil, helping to position Rip Curl as the leader in his state market. Felipe then relocated to São Paulo in 1998 and became Rip Curl’s brand manager. Felipe was responsible for helping the Brazilian license move in-house in 2002 and became Marketing Manager around the same time. He held this position until 2007, when he was then promoted to CEO in February.
JEFF ANDERSON – South Asia CEO At the early age of 28, Jeff Anderson joined the Rip Curl team at the turn of the millennium. Already living in Bali for several years, Jeff harnessed his natural resonance with Rip Curl brand values like leadership, belief, fun, and irreverence to increase sales eight-fold in as many years. Jeff was able to combine his passion for surf with his local knowledge to move Rip Curl into the leadership position amongst surf brands in Indonesia. Whether surfing Waimea, snowboarding Japan or sailing in Bali, Jeff enjoys extreme sports and is now taking his adventurous soul to embrace the next challenge of managing Rip Curl South Asia.
NEIL RIDGWAY – Group Marketing & Advertising Chairman After graduating in 1991 with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies, Neil Ridgway became a freelance journalist and later Editor of Tracks Surfing Magazine, Launch Editor of FHM Australia and Publishing Director of over 30 action sports, kids and music titles for EMAP International. A surfer for over 25 years, Neil took up his position at Rip Curl as Group Advertising & Marketing Chairman in 2003. He claims to have “the best job and crew in the company”, working with his staff on instiling brand values, brand look and feel, film, TV, online, team, events and advertising campaigns. He is also a Director on the Board of the Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP).
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AROUND THE RIP CURL PLANET RIP CURL GROUP
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RIP CURL LICENSEES
Territory Headquarters Phone
Australia Torquay 61 3 5261 0000
Territory Headquarters Phone
Argentina Buenos Aires 54 11 4717 6033
Territory Headquarters Phone
Venezuela/Columbia Miami, USA 1 305 592 7535
Territory Headquarters Phone
Europe Hossegor, France 33 5 5841 7800
Territory Headquarters Phone
Chile Santiago 562 782 3900
Territory Headquarters Phone
South Africa Durban 27 31 312 8968
Territory Headquarters Phone
USA Costa Mesa 1 714 422 3600
Territory Headquarters Phone
Israel Hod-Hasharon 972 9 747 4100
Territory Headquarters Phone
Thailand Bangkok 662 954 6400
Territory Headquarters Phone
Brazil Guaruja 55 13 2101 0501
Territory Headquarters Phone
Japan Tokyo 81 3 5775 5338
Territory Headquarters Phone
Thailand Bangkok 662 954 6400
Territory Headquarters Phone
Canada Vancouver 604 731 9000
Mauritius Quatre Bornes 230 465 6323
Territory Headquarters Phone
New Zealand Auckland 649 4770373
Territory Headquarters Phone Territory Headquarters Phone
Territory Headquarters Phone
Indonesia Kuta, Bali 62 361 754 455
Territory Headquarters Phone
Venezuela/Columbia Miami, USA 1 305 592 7535
Peru Lima 511 219 6400
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