Story behind Curl’s rise a ripping yarn
WHILE most eyes will be fixed on the Gold Coast Open this week, on Saturday Surf World Surf Museum at Currumbin is hosting its third function of the year.
Well known Coast author and publisher of Surf Culture Tim Baker is presenting his latest book, and 10th overall, on the story of Rip Curl.
The Victorian-based surfing conglomerate, which began as a backyard operation 50 years ago at Torquay, rose to prominence as a global leading brand in wetsuits and surfing accessories.
The Rip Curl history is vast and colourful and covers many great champions of the sport – legendary names such as Wayne Lynch, Nat Young, Michael Peterson, Rabbit Bartholomew, Cheyne Horan, Tom Carroll, Tom Curren, Pam Burridge, Steph Gilmore and Mick Fanning.
Current two-time world champion, Brazil’s Gabriel Medina, continues the high calibre at the world level.
Perhaps the Curl’s most successful campaign has been “The Search”, illustrating every surfer’s dream to travel around the world documenting perfect uncrowded waves.
North End Boardrider member Luke Hynd is the latest GC star in the Search movie adventures.
Co-owner of Rip Curl, Doug “Claw” Warbrick will join Tim Baker for a Q&A session from 6pm, $10.00 entry via Eventbrite or at the door, with fine food and drinks available at cost.
■ IT’S a big week coming up with the Gold Coast Open at Burleigh Point.
Formerly known as the Burleigh Pro and held in February, it has been upgraded from 1000 to 1500 on the World Surf League World Qualifying Series for both men’s and women’s events.
A WSL Pro Junior for boys and girls has been added over the six days of competition.
Small knee to waist high waves are forecast with an expected rising swell for Sunday in time for the finals.
Local names in the open men’s include Straddie’s Ethan Ewing, North End’s Luke Hynd, Burleigh’s Liam O’Brien, Snapper’s Mitch Parkinson, Mitch Crews, Quinn Bryce and Jaggar Bartholomew. The open women is a stacked field of local talent including Zahli Kelly, Ellie J Brooks, Alyssa Lock, Kobie Enright, Lucy Callister, Piper Harrison, Freya Prumm, Raya Campbell, Pacha Light and Shaye Leeuwendal.