Torquay based surfing company, Rip Curl, is one of the world’s most recognised and respected surf brands leading the surf scene since its inception in 1969. Today, Rip Curl is reaching new heights with the introduction of the world’s first virtual surfing competition presented by Fiji. 

What makes Rip Curl’s first virtual pro even more unique, is the fact surfers didn’t know they were part of the event. It was held completely retrospectively. If Rip Curl GPS users logged a session during the 10-day competition period, their data was analyzed and scored by a unique algorithm based on five key points: distance paddled, surf time, total waves surfed, top speed, longest waves and number of surfs, cumulating in a final score and personalised surf data video. Most excitingly, the winner and four mates (yet to be announced) are due to receive the trip of a lifetime to Fiji. 

The state-of-the-art Rip Curl Virtual Pro presented by Fiji is only possible due to Rip Curl’s leading innovative technology, allowing surfers across the world to plan, capture, and relive their surfing activity (privately or with friends) on their smartphone devices. 

Since the GPS launch in 2014, Rip Curl’s GPS technology has tracked over 50, 000 surfers across 76 countries, recording a massive 25 million waves surfed across 2,400 beaches. 

The next round of the competition, of the Rip Curl Virtual Pro will be open to the public, offering non-professional surfers the chance to compare skills with amateurs and pros from all around the globe. As well as track their progression and share their surfs in visually beautiful and digital first way. 

James Taylor, Head of Brand and Marketing at Rip Curl said: 

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

The competition comes after a notable increase in surfing participation globally, with the International Surfing Association reporting the number of surfers worldwide has increased by 25% over the past decade, with more than 35 million people now enjoying the sport. 

“We’re really thrilled to bring the second part of our partnership with Rip Curl to life, and align with a brand bringing an innovative lens to surf culture. The Virtual Pro is a truly unique competition, and we can’t wait to see winners in the ultimate surf destination, Fiji, later this year,” said Srishti Narayan, Tourism Fiji’s Head of Global Marketing. 

For further information on Rip Curl’s virtual pro and how to get involved, please visit www.ripcurl.com.au.