Rip Curl stocked up and putting safety first

A SURGE in the number of people enjoying the benefits of surfing has buoyed the dedicated crew at Rip Curl’s Torquay store.

Store manager Nathan Austin and his team are relishing the opportunity to help customers of all ages to discover – or rediscover – a love of the sport the Surf Coast is famous for.

“Since the pandemic, surfing has just gone through the roof in popularity,” Nathan said.

“We are seeing a lot of females whose boyfriends have always surfed and a lot more couples taking it up to enjoy the sport together.”

Nathan said the store was fully stocked to ensure no-one left disappointed.

“They know they can get the whole thing here and walk out, jump in the water and go for gold,” he said.

“I think because we can still surf there is a buzz and it’s a nice feeling to know that we can do something to help the community.”

Nathan said keeping staff and customers safe was paramount and there was extensive signage, hand sanitising stations, social distancing decals on the floor and separate entry and exit points.

He said his team was more appreciative than ever to work for a Surf Coast-based company.

“We’re a real team here and we are like family so we all look after each other.”

Another member of the Rip Curl team helping surfers enjoy the ocean all year round is Global Wetsuit Chairman, Cam Lamperd.

Cam’s team is on a constant search for the latest developments in wetsuit technology to cope with all conditions.

“Interestingly the water here gets to its coldest point around the last week in August and the first week in September,” Cam said.

“So, for surfers at this time of year it’s all about warmth, mostly, with the waters getting down to around 12.5 degrees.”

Cam said wetsuit technology has come a long way since the days when it weighed four times as much, lacked stretch and did not provide warmth.

“It used to be just the hardcore surfers who would surf all year round and intermediate surfers would hang up the surfboards and wetsuits over winter,” he said.

“Now on a nice small, perfect day you’ll see hundreds of people out there learning to surf in the depth of winter.”

Rip Curl’s global development team is based in Torquay and Cam said it was always exciting to see what came next.

“What might seem impossible today could be completely plausible next year.”

Cam is also grateful to work in an industry dedicated to a sport with many psychological and social benefits.

“Whilst everyone is stressed and dealing with their respective situations around COVID, to be able to go for a surf is a way of releasing the mind,” Cam said.

“You can paddle up and sit respectfully near someone and have a conversation.

“I think the benefits of surfing are shining through under these tough times.”

Rip Curl’s Torquay store is located at 101 Surf Coast Highway and opens 9am to 5.30pm seven days a week.