Rip Curl run first virtual surf pro retrospectively

RIP CURL is reaching new heights in the surf industry with the introduction of the world’s first virtual surfing competition presented by Tourism Fiji.

Thanks to their innovative Rip Curl GPS watch and smartphone app, the Torquay based surfing company held their first virtual pro event retrospectively last month without surfers even knowing they were participating.

More than 1,671 surfers took part in the 10-day competition and were scored and measured via their GPS watch on a series of key criteria including distance paddled, surf time, total waves surfed, top speed, longest waves and number of surfs.

Across six separate continents, a total of 43,388 waves were caught and surfers clocked up more than 5,000 separate surf sessions.

The final scores are being tallied and with the winner to take four mates on the trip of a lifetime to Fiji.

The competition comes after the International Surfing Associated recorded a notable 25 per cent increase in surfing globally over the past decade, documenting that more than 35 million people now take part in the sport.

Rip Curl Head of Brand and Marketing, James Taylor said the virtual pro format was another progressive step forward for Rip Curl.

“Aligned with our vision of being the ultimate surf company, the development and launch of our GPS Watch technology was a pinnacle moment for Rip Curl,” Mr Taylor said.

“The launch of The Rip Curl Virtual Pro is another display of leadership in a rapidly changing surfing landscape.”

Since Rip Curl’s GPS technology launch in 2014, more than 50,000 surfers have been tracked across 76 countries, recording a colossal 25 million waves surfed at 2,400 beaches.

The next round of the competition will be open to the public and will offer nonprofessional surfers the chance to compare their skills with amateurs and professionals from across the globe.

Locals with a GPS watch are told to keep an eye on their inbox for the official results of the first round of the virtual competition.

For further information on Rip Curl’s Virtual Pro and to get involved, visit www.ripcurl.com.au