ASBMAG#87

Australasian Surf Business Magazine May

2019

ASBMAG.COM AUS $6.95 (INCLUDING GST)

FEATURE ARTICLES: Rip Curl’s Summer of Love / Rip Curl on Chapter 11 – The big three now / BUYERS GUIDE: Shorts / Tees & Tops / Dresses / Surf Accessories.

#87

SUMMER 2019 NOW AVAILABLE FOR INDENT

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CONTENTS

ISSUE #87 JUNE

inside this issue

contents 08 18

Industry News Feature Article RIP CURL’S SUMMER OF LOVE – HOW KRISHNA CONSCIOUSNESS AND COMMERCE MELDED TO BIRTH THE MODERN SURF INDUSTRY

26

Media Meter

28

Fresh

30

Buyers’ Guide

32

Buyers’ Guide

34

Buyers’ Guide

36

Buyers’ Guide

40

ActionWatch OZ Insights

42

Feature Article

45

SHORTS

TEES / TOPS

DRESSES

SURF ACCESSORIES

RIP CURL ON CHAPTER 11 – THE BIG THREE NOW

Faces in the Lineup

PUBLISHER ASB is published six times a year

by Australian Surf Business Pty Ltd ABN 38 109 415 983

AUSTRALIAN SURF BUSINESS PTY LTD PO Box 747 Torquay VIC 3228 Australia Phone/fax 03 5568 3488. Mobile 0417 747 855.

Email info@australiansurf.biz

CREATIVE

If you have any comments to make about ASB, or any aspect of the surfing industry, drop us a line: editorial@australiansurf.biz

fluid.com.au studio@fluid.com.au

ACCOUNTING & FINANCE Montgomery Carey & Associates www.mcaaccounting.com.au ACTING EDITOR editorial@australiansurf.biz ADVERTISING Keith Curtain 0417 747 855 sales@australiansurf.biz QLD & NZ GREG SCOTT +61 407 577 997 sales@australiansurf.biz FASHION CO-ORDINATOR Fiona Hampson fashion@australiansurf.biz SUB EDITOR Jock Serong Bryan Dickerson

ASB PROUDLY SUPPORTS

EDITORIAL PLATFORM Australasian Surf Business (ASB) magazine objectively reports on all aspects of the Australasian surf market. ASB is committed to editorial excellence and provides the only one-stop forum for the entire Australasian surf industry. Views expressed in ASB do not necessarily represent the opinions of the editors or publishers. No responsibility is accepted by ASB for the accuracy of advertisements or information within the publication.

ABOUT THE ENVIRONMENT Australasian Surf Business Magazine is printed using ECO-CLEAN print processes. We use vegetable based inks and recyclable metal plates during the printing process. ASB is printed on FSC® accredited stock.

Our printer is accredited for ISO9001, ISO14001, AS/NZS 4801 and is an FSC® certified printer ensuring that we uphold the highest international standards for the prevention of pollution and promotion of a clean environment. No animals were harmed during the production of ASB.

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THE RIP CURL STORY FOR ASB Thirty-four years ago, as a cadet reporter for the Melbourne Sun, I managed to persuade my sports editor to send me to Bells Beach to cover the Rip Curl Pro. To spend my Easter at Bells instead of compiling country lawn bowls results was a dream come true for a city-bond surfer. If you’d told my 20-year-old self that I’d one day write a history of the iconic surf brand I would have either fallen over in shock or laughed in your face.

Back then, I attended the inaugural Surfing Hall of Fame Awards at the old Torquay Golf Club, a brainchild of Rip Curl co-founder Doug “Claw” Warbrick. Four-time world champ Mark Richards and surf pioneer Charles “Snow”McAlister (a protégé of the great Duke Kahanamoku), were inducted into the Hall of Fame, as I scribbled dodgy shorthand notes in my spirex pad surrounded by my surfing heroes, and bolted to a public phone to dictate a story to the copy taker in time for the The Sun’s 10pm deadline.

In 2019, I stood in roughly the same spot and launched The Rip Curl Story, a 400-age, 120,000 word book that had consumed 18 months of my life, interviewing some 80 characters across six countries. But, in a sense, it was a gig I’d been training for my whole life.

I’d grown up as a dry-docked surfer in the waveless eastern suburbs of Melbourne, at least an hour’s drive from the nearest surfable wave.

I relied on the Rip Curl recorded surf report to know what was going on down the coast, in an age before internet, web cams and seven-day surf forecasts.

When Rip Curl marketing chairman Neil Ridgway rang me in late 2016 to see if I was interested in taking on the gargantuan task of documenting their history for their 50th anniversary in 2019, I had to think long and hard about it. For about three seconds.

With fact-finding missions to France, Portugal, California, white-out runs with the founders at Mount Buller, innumerable visits to Torquay and in-depth research surfing its surrounding reefs, it’s been one of the most enjoyable and engrossing projects of my working life. I hope it shows in the finished product.

The surf industry’s been through some tough and transformational times in recent years, but I reckon there are a few undying lessons to be learnt by the Curl’s wild ride over the past 50 years.

Tim Baker Guest Editor

@globebrand | GLOBEBRAND.COM | est. Australia 1994

The CT-IV was originally designed for skateboarding in the late 90s and became one of the best-selling skate shoes of all time.

Now the CT-IV has been re-released and re-imagined with new limited edition colours, materials, and smaller sizes.

THE CT-IV CLASSIC

GLOBE

INDUSTRY NEWS

brand news

with ABG’s brand building know-how and a global network of best-in-class partners, make an unstoppable combination. We look forward to joining forces to take this brand to new heights.”

every time they go to work,” said Nolan.

Newly sponsored and marquee team rider Reef Heazlewood will support Havaiana’s competitions and activations around his current WQS calendar of events.

AUTHENTIC BRANDS GROUP ACQUIRES VOLCOM

“Jamie’s commitment and conviction throughout the sale process was proof of his passion for the brand,” said Todd Hymel, CEO of Liberated Brands. “ABG has built an impressive portfolio by being a powerhouse in brand development and marketing.

Jamie and his team share our vision and excitement for Volcom’s long-term growth, and we are excited to be a part of this next chapter for the brand.”

The announcement will not affect the brand’s current involvement with Surf Lifesaving, which Nolan says is also an important organisation when it comes to people having fun in the sun and at the beach. Havaianas will still assist in fundraising for much needed SLSC equipment and training as well as continuing to supply uniforms with a special Havaianas x SLSA thong available exclusively to members.

Authentic Brands Group (ABG), a global brand owner, marketing and entertainment company, announced the purchase of the intellectual property of Volcom from Kering S.A. ABG’s diverse portfolio includes brands such as Airwalk, Vision Street Wear and many more. ABG have formed an operating company, ‘Liberated Brands’, with Todd Hymel and members of Volcom’s current management team taking the majority stake and maintaining Volcom operations based in the U.S., France, Australia and Japan with continued oversight of the brand’s product development, athlete marketing and its retail and wholesale businesses worldwide.

Through this acquisition, ABG diversifies its growing lifestyle pillar with the addition of America’s first brand dedicated to skate, surf and snow, and boosts the value of its portfolio to more than $9.3 billion in annual retail sales.

Kering bought Volcom in 2011 for US$608 million. But on April 10, 2018, Kering announced plans to spin off the brand, issuing this statement at the time: “In accordance with Kering’s strategy to fully dedicate itself to the development of its luxury houses, Volcom no longer constitutes a core asset and Kering has initiated a disposal process.” (Also that year, Kering announced plans to spin off Puma.)

“We are thrilled to have completed the purchase of Volcom,” said Jamie Salter, Chairman and CEO of ABG. “For nearly three decades the Volcom family has created one of the most iconic brands in the skate, surf and snow markets.

During the last few years, the brand has been consistently gaining traction with broader audiences around the world while staying true to its core. We could not be happier to finally get to work with this team.”

Closer to home, Volcom AUS/NZ General Manager Alison Thomas commented “The acquisition with ABG is a fantastic outcome for Volcom globally and all our partners. Same management, same vision and same momentum. It really is business as usual. I am really looking forward to the next chapter and continuing to do things just a little bit differently from the pack.”

With nearly 100 retail stores globally and distribution in 60 countries, Volcom boasts a strong presence in key markets around the world, with 45% of its revenue being driven by its loyal customers internationally.

ABG will focus on amplifying brand awareness and business development for Volcom while leveraging Liberated Brands’ specialised retail and wholesale operations as a platform for international expansion of complementary ABG-owned brands.

ABG, Footwear News 2018 Company of the Year, has established itself as a footwear powerhouse — picking up the Nautica brand from VF Corp. last March, purchasing Nine West and Bandolino out of bankruptcy in June and securing Camuto Group in October. Early this year, the firm also announced a decade-long partnership with Tilray Inc., a global pioneer of cannabis production.

ABG said the acquisition will allow Volcom to launch targeted digital campaigns and influencer partnerships that cater to millennial and Gen Z audiences.

“Volcom is one of the world’s most soughtafter lifestyle brands by board sports enthusiasts,” said Nick Woodhouse, president and CMO of ABG. “Liberated Brands’ operational expertise, combined 8/ Australasian Surf Business Magazine issue #87

The initial focus for Volcom will be on developing near- and long-term strategies that reinforce the brand’s current positioning. ABG and Liberated Brands will continue to invest in and build upon }the brand’s core men’s and snow businesses as well as fuel the momentum of its women’s and kid’s categories in North America and key international markets.

Volcom AUS/NZ Marketing Manager Nick Boon said “We are all really excited about this next chapter, and leveraging all the new assets that we have with our new strategic partners. Good times ahead and a fantastic result for the brand & our retail partners.”

BEHIND THE SCENES AT RIP CURL’S EPIC 50TH PARTY It was a night to remember at the RACV Resort in Torquay, and we’ve got all the photos from Rip Curl’s epic 50th Birthday party held this Easter, just prior to the opening of the Rip Curl Pro at Bells Beach.

2019 marks a big milestone for the company and if there’s one thing Rip Curl knows how to do, it’s throw a party.

For the 50th birthday, Founders Doug “Claw” Warbrick and Brian Singer decided it was time to bring the company together – from every corner of the globe – and usher in the fifth decade of surfing at Rip Curl.

Employees from all over the Rip Curl company, from the USA to Canada, Brazil to Argentina, Thailand to Indonesia, Russia and South Africa, were flown to Rip Curl’s birthplace, Torquay, Victoria, to attend a birthday party to remember.

With irreverence and tradition in mind, it was an evening for the books – the speeches, the talent, the crew.

Congratulations to all the crew at Rip Curl for ushering in another 50 years of surfing at the ultimate surfing company. Check out the pics in Faces In The Lineup.

TOM NOLAN ON HAVAIANAS’ BIG MOVES IN SURFING. Surfing NSW (SNSW) and Havaianas have extended their partnership for another year, in a deal that will see the footwear brand support surfing across the state from "a grassroots level through to elite competition. Havaianas will partner on a range of events and initiatives on the SNSW calendar including the Havaianas NSW Grommet Titles at Maroubra and the Havaianas NSW Junior Team for the Australian Junior Surfing Titles as well as partnering with Manly Surf School and Cronulla Surfing Academy.

Commenting more widely on the partnership, Tom Nolan, Aqueo Head of Sales and Marketing, (Havaianas’ exclusive distributor) observed that the surf industry was a key factor in making the brand what it is here in Australia.

“We haven’t done anything in surfing since we looked after Luke Stedman, so it’s great to support organisations like SNSW who are literally trying to make surfing better

“We’ve worked closely with the team at Surfing NSW since 2016 and have seen first-hand the incredible work they deliver to support the sport of surfing,” continued Nolan.

“Summer, fun and an active outdoor lifestyle are at the core of the Havaianas brand, and we’re proud to continue a valuable partnership that promotes the same values.”

Surfing NSW CEO Luke Madden shared Nolan’s stoke at the partnership.

“Havaianas have been a joy to work with over the duration of the last two years and we’re elated to be able to extend that partnership,” said Madden. “The Havaianas Grommet State Titles is one of the marquee events on the Surfing NSW calendar and we look forward to heightening this event through this partnership.”

We asked Tom why it was important to focus on surf sponsorship at this time and he said “We don’t want to put ourselves out there as a technical surf brand because we aren’t.

We are a brand that is based around the beach, summer time and the sun.

“Surfing is such a healthy lifestyle and the more people we can encourage to get involved, the better. SNSW are doing incredible work with grassroots surfing; operating schools, programs for indigenous and underprivileged kids and for those who don’t have easy access to the coast.

“There is a huge population west of Sydney that wants to learn more about the ocean and the sport of surfing and SNSW are the catalyst for this. More people surfing and more people having fun at the beach is the measure,” said Tom Nolan.

TOUGH AS NAILS BUT MADE FROM HEMP – PATAGONIA LAUNCH NEW WORKWEAR LINE Patagonia launched Patagonia Workwear, a new line of workwear made with Iron Forge HempTM canvas, a new blend of industrial hemp, recycled polyester and organic cotton that is more durable and 25 percent more abrasion-resistant and comfortable off the rack than conventional cotton duck canvas. Patagonia first debuted its workwear line in 2017 in the USA and while trading conditions in the boardsports market continue to be challenging here in Australia, Patagonia’s entry into the work-wear channel couldn’t have been better timed or a more ‘natural’ fit for the brand.

The new line will be released in Patagonia stores and online immediately.

With farmers, builders, surf shapers and environmental activists in mind, Patagonia set out to build a collection of superior, function-specific workwear that uses less harmful materials and withstands the rigors of the field or the job site.

“Our Workwear line is built to meet the needs of the men and women who are putting real environmental solutions in place on the ground, redefining what progress really means,” notes Ed Auman, Patagonia’s business director for Workwear.

“The company’s early roots in iron forging, our ongoing commitment to conservation and our forward-looking investments in organic regenerative agriculture have us well-placed to build the best product for the folks who require true workwear, backed up by our Ironclad Guarantee.”

Manual labour requires the same range of motion as any other self-powered outdoor activity, yet the stretch fabrics used in many outdoor technical garments don't have the abrasion resistance needed for the most strenuous work. The apparel styles in Patagonia’s Workwear collection are generously cut for unrestricted movement and have a roomier fit compared to most Patagonia styles, with ample room for layering.

Drawing its strength from industrial hemp, Patagonia’s newly-developed work cloth is a lightweight but remarkably durable material that requires no break-in and offers the resilience and freedom of motion needed to carry the day as temperatures rise.

More information; www.patagonia.com.au/workwear

OUTERKNOWN LAUNCHES WOMEN’S COLLECTION Outerknown, the sustainable lifestyle brand founded by Kelly Slater and John Moore, moves into spring 2019 with the launch of its first-ever women’s collection.

Launched In 2015 by Kelly Slater and creative director John Moore, the pair set out to create a brand that would disrupt the fashion landscape by making a connection between sustainability and style.

“We started Outerknown to prove that we could make great clothes using fair labour practices and materials that are not harmful to the environment,” said Slater.

“Our growing business shows us that people want to make conscious choices about their clothes—you don’t have to harm people or the planet for the sake of fashion.”

Slater expanded further on social media, saying; “We’ve spent over three years now refining our process, getting our men’s line in order and understanding what women wanted from the feedback on style and design. Did you know Outerknown was the first and only brand ever to be Fair Labor Association certified prior to ever selling a single item of clothing? Another thing we are very proud of is that this women’s line is made up of 100% preferred fibers meaning recycled, regenerated or organically produced fibers” The debut collection of 17 styles includes a variety of tops, dresses and bottoms in various colour ways that all work together to create a versatile wardrobe of effortless, everyday essentials that come with a clean conscience. Incredibly, the entire collection is made of 100% benefit fibres (organic, recycled, and/or regenerated) with prices ranging from $48 - $268.

John Moore added that over the years they noticed Outerknown’s customer base was growing beyond just men. “Women were always ‘borrowing from the boys’ and have continuously showed their support of our ethos, quality and style. We thought it was time to give them pieces they could call their own.”

Outerknown women’s debut campaign features environmental activist and Trash is for Tossers blogger Lauren Singer, activist and founder of Female Collective, Candace Reels, and model and founder of Chasseresse, Raychel Roberts. “It was important for us to look to women with an authentic connection to People and Planet,” said Moore. “Lauren, Candace and Raychel each embody the intelligence, enthusiasm, and drive to leave this planet better than they entered it, and more importantly, are sharing their knowledge to inspire change.”

FIND REFUGE IN THE SEA

SALTY

INDUSTRY NEWS

RIP CURL SELECTS NEW GLOBAL SUPPLY CHAIN PLATFORM New Generation Computing, Inc. (“NGC”), a leading provider of digital supply chain solutions announced that Rip Curl will replace its legacy PLM system with Andromeda PLM® from NGC. For more than 15 years, Rip Curl’s legacy supply chain software solution created a siloed environment that required each global office to have its own database and unique ways of working across products.

To accelerate product design and sourcing for Rip Curl’s fashion and performance collections, the company searched the market for a single collaborative platform to connect its global network and seamlessly integrate ERP data to increase visibility and efficiency.

“It is important we continue to push the limits and innovate in both the products we offer consumers as well as in how we do business,” said Milan Thompson, group general manager of Technical Products, Rip Curl. “We saw a great opportunity to work more efficiently and collaboratively with modern, advanced systems to help streamline our global processes.”

Following a comprehensive market evaluation, Rip Curl selected NGC’s cloudbased Andromeda PLM solution based on the platform’s robust planning functionality, strong vendor interaction capabilities, and efficient data management and entry.

“NGC understands the challenges we have as a global business and the opportunities available to us with a modern system in place,” said Heather Evans, project manager, Rip Curl. “We are excited to operate in a highly collaborative environment on a single platform to help bring together both our internal and external partners across the global supply chain.”

NGC’s Andromeda® platform will help Rip Curl accelerate time to market and ensure all departments across the globe are on the same page in real time. Rip Curl will also be able to automate many of its processes to provide complete visibility and control from product concept to customer delivery.

“We are excited to work with Rip Curl and help make a difference in how its global team collaborates with vendors,” said Mark Burstein, president, NGC. “NGC’s Andromeda PLM is created specifically for fashion brands and retailers like Rip Curl, and we look forward to helping the company transform its supply chain to accelerate product development and delivery.”

marketing news BILLABONG LAUNCHES KNOW THE FEELING BRAND CAMPAIGN Billabong unveiled their latest female content series for 2019, “Know the Feeling.”

The progressive video series features multiple female surfers, including world-renowned athlete Laura Enever, as well as three young women, Monica Guo, Meryem El Gardoum and Natasha Sand, who are pioneering women’s surfing in China, Morocco and Sri Lanka. Shot in each of the women’s hometowns, the campaign shares both the inspiring women’s stories of breaking through cultural norms to become surfers and also a local perspective on the food, environment and people that make their surf community unique.

The “Know the Feeling” video series is about the magic of the ocean that connects us all.

It’s for the women who see the sea not as limiting, but as an invitation. This latest

10/ Australasian Surf Business Magazine issue #87

campaign from Billabong showcases the power of what surfing can bring to an individual and community, and how wherever our travels take us, no matter what language you may speak, in the ocean we are all connected with the same voice. The bond we forge across the sea is a freedom, a familiarity. And when you feel it, you’ll know. “Know the Feeling” can be viewed this season by heading to the Billabong Women’s YouTube channel

time to party? What’s cool is the fact that the clothes worn by brand advocates and ambassadors in the pics are available online now @VolcomAU and you can ‘Shop the Look’. Volcom have been referring to it as The Party Of The Decade for a while now because they knew what was coming… and now the hangover has passed, and all is done n’ dusted they’re feeling 100% confident to let it go down in history as just that.

The product featured in the campaign is from the latest Summer 2019 collection and is available at Billabong.com. For more information and to shop the latest collection of swimwear, visit the site, or follow the brand on Instagram @BillabongWomens.

“Monday and Tuesday were very tough back at work, but back to normal now!” admitted Volcom A/NZ Marketing Manager Nick Boon.

OAKLEY LAUNCHES SEE IT IN PRIZM™ CAMPAIGN

“We only had around a month and a half to plan it all out,” he continued.

“About ‘shop the look’, this is all about having team and ambassadors in product that’s available NOW.”

and creative liberation. He always fits right in at the Volcom House in Hawaii and now it’s true… Jack’s finally home!” said Todd Hymel, Volcom CEO. Commenting on his new sticker, Jack said “The moment I put the sticker on I couldn’t be more stoked. It’s exciting to have people that believe in my dreams.

Volcom is core and true to this and it’s an amazing fit for me!”

This union could not come at a better time for both Volcom and Jack as they both embark on an epic new adventure.

We can’t wait to see what the future brings.

RYAN CALLINAN JOINS THE O&E (ACCESSORIES) TEAM Ocean and Earth announced the signing of Ryan Callinan to the International team, on a three year deal. Ryan had a brilliant year in 2018. He won two WQS events, in Japan and Portugal, won the Pipe Trials in Hawaii and was awarded a wild card into the France Pro WT event where he placed second to Julian Wilson.

Oakley has launched a new multi-channel global campaign, SEE IT IN PRIZM, featuring stories of obsession, passion and vision from the brand’s global community.

From the world’s best athletes, including superstar New York Yankees outfielder Aaron Judge, NFL star quarterback and 2018 MVP Patrick Mahomes II, seven time MotoGP World Champion Valentino Rossi, professional skateboarder and three time X Games gold medal winner Ryan Sheckler and professional surfer Julian Wilson, to everyday athletes, including selfproclaimed ‘most interesting dad in the world’ and stuntman Mike Escamilia and a pioneering Los Angeles street dance crew.

“We’re fully CLAIMING IT! With absolutely no doubt in our minds that it absolutely was…let it be known, The Volcom Pink Hotel was the party of the decade!” enthused Boon.

Oakley Prizm, is a revolutionary lens technology that fine-tunes individual colours to enhance details for an optimised viewing experience. With ordinary sunglass lenses, the world looks dull and flat, but Prizm lenses are designed to make everything look vivid and vibrant, revealing nuances that would normally be missed by the naked eye.

Havaianas Australia has announced the signing of rising star Reef Heazlewood (19, Sunshine Coast, QLD). Reef is the first pro surfer to be sponsored by the footwear brand since Luke Stedman in mid 2000’s.

The current world number 10 on the World Surf League’s Qualifying Series sent notice through the surfing world after incredible free-surfing performances in Hawaii late last year, marking Heazlewood as one of Australia’s brightest surfing prospects on the world tour. Havaianas Sales and Marketing Manager for Australia, Tom Nolan jumped on the opportunity to ink a deal with the likeable young Aussie and get some premium rubber on his feet.

Ryan joins the International O&E team of Owen and Tyler Wright, Kanoa Igarashi and Russel Bierke, and CEO/ Founder Brian Cregan couldn’t be happier!

“Reef is an incredible surfer, but he’s also such a humble and down-to-earth guy, and it’s something that attracted us to him in the first place. He’s an incredible ambassador in and out of the water,” said Nolan. “We saw Reef ’s talent, and regardless of his first name [laughs] we are stoked to be a part of his WQS assault and his ultimate goal of World Championship Tour qualification.”

“I have been testing out products from all surf hardware brands for the last year or so, but O&E products by far had the best quality.

No matter where I was surfing or traveling, I could always trust their products. I am really looking forward to working closely with the team and developing my signature tail pad which will launch later this year.”

The See It In Prizm campaign harnesses the power of obsession by bringing together pro and amateur athletes, influencers, everyday heroes and Oakley innovators; asking them a very simple question - What do you see through Prizm?

Their response to this question was used as the creative inspiration for the campaign.

The campaign will kick off as a conversation on social media, where Oakley will ask the brand’s global community the same question that they asked their athletes: What do you see? The movement will turn #oneobsession into a platform where athletes of all levels can interact with Oakley and Team Oakley athletes to share stories about their sports and passions.

“See It In Prizm, the evolution of our One Obsession platform is an incredibly powerful message. The passion of athletes – from professionals to the everyday amateurs – is what fuels our brand and product design,” said Ben Goss, Global Marketing Director at Oakley. “The campaign is built to harness that passion and celebrate how Oakley is a part of inspiring and enabling people who relentlessly pursue their obsessions.”

The content will be launched on Oakley’s global communication channels, supported by a full 360 multi-channel campaign which includes social media activations, athlete highlight videos, immersive retail experiences and regional activations.

To get involved in the global conversation, show Oakley what you see through Prizm and tag #oneobsession, #OakleyPrizm and @Oakley.

VOLCOM ROCK THE PINK HOTEL Volcom launched a huge activation at Coolangatta’s coolest venue, The Pink Hotel, across the WSL season opener on the Gold Coast. With all the crew in town, what better

If you missed it (like we did) don’t worry - we’ve got all the pics covered in Faces In The Lineup.

team news HAVAIANAS SIGNS REEF HEAZLEWOOD

While Havaianas is not a technical surf company, the brand is centred on having fun and hitting the beach. “We see a lot of ourselves in Reef,” added Nolan.

“For us it’s not just about surfing, it’s about giving back to the kids in Reef ’s local and wider community.”

“It’s such a great feeling to be recognised for the hard work you put in, and the timing of the deal couldn’t be better for me – right at the start of a new qualification year,” said Reef.

IT’S TRUE. @JACKROBINSON_ OFFICIAL JOINS THE STONE Yeah, it’s true. @jackrobinson_official, the 21-year-old Western Australian surfing phenom, has joined The Stone. The news is fresh off Jack’s win at the Volcom Pipe Pro in February - a contest performance that solidified his reputation in Hawaii amongst the world’s best.

“Years in the making, Jack truly rounds out the Volcom family: he embodies a powerful combination of incredible talent, passion

On top of this, Ryan finished number four on the WQS for the year (Just behind O&E team rider and winner Kanoa Igarashi), earning him a spot back on the World Tour for 2019.

Regarded as one of the best goofy footers in the world, his explosive surfing is sure to rattle everyone in the top 32 this year, including current world Champ Gabriel Medina, who had Ryan ranked 2nd on his list for The 2018 Stab Surfer Of the Year Award.

“I have been watching Ryan for some time……he’s one of, if not the most underrated surfers in the world right now. His surfing has everything! From huge airs, to massive backhand cracks, big pits at pipe, to straight-out power surfing, he is just amazing to watch in all conditions.

We are super stoked to have him as part of the O&E family.”

Equally, Ryan is super stoked to join the O&E team.

on the move QUIKSILVER’S FORMER HQ SOLD The former boss of Impact Investment Group, Chris Lock, has snapped up the Quiksilver headquarters in Torquay through his new investment vehicle, Generation IP. The quietly marketed expressions of interest campaign was run by local commercial agents Tim Darcy and Simon Jarman of Darcy Jarman for a group of Geelong investors who originally developed the office-warehouse in 1997.Title deeds show Generation IP slapped a caveat on the 6529 sq m two-storey building late last week. The price is understood to be around $15 million. The former Quiksilver HQ sits on nearly 20,000 sq m in the Torquay industrial precinct behind the Surf Coast Highway and returns $1.63 million a year.

Boardriders have a lease until 2021 and two further five-year options.

Via SurfCoast Times

11/

INDUSTRY NEWS

STU BATES ON HURLEY’S NEW LINEUP

BOARDRIDERS BURLEIGH HQ SOLD FOR $36M

SURF CO WARRNAMBOOL TO OSMOSIS

We caught up with Hurley’s recentlyappointed National Sales Manager, Stu Bates to get a round-up of all the new sales agents and reps at Hurley. “In QLD, our agents are DLX Agency with Andrew Ross and Dominic Reisch. In NSW we have two new in-house account managers in Jason Curtis – Senior Account Manager, and Lehman Jennings. In NZ, it’s Ink Agency and Jos and Sarah Jennings. In VIC / TAS, it’s Easey Street Group with Mark Greyson, James Lanyon and Faye Burke. Lastly, in WA/SA/NT, it’s Will Mills Agency – Will Mills and Jess Phelps,” said Bates.

ASB MAGAZINE: Boardriders has sold its Burleigh Heads Headquarters with the sales and purchase contract recently inked between Singapore based Aims Apac Reit (AA Reit) and Boardriders subsidiary GSM Rocket Australia to buy the freehold industrial facility on the Gold Coast for a reported $38.46 million.

Surf Co Warrnambool has been sold with new owners, the Rip Curl-owned Osmosis taking over. Owner Raelene Ponting has had the business for four years but will remain one of the team, with current employee Robyn Campbell, when the new owners begin.

MICHAEL SEARLE TO SUNDAY COLLAB Former Founder and Managing Director at International Sports & Entertainment Group, Michael Searle has joined Italianroasted but French-inspired coffee, tea and lifestyle brand Sunday Collab International Limited, in the position of Executive Director. Sunday Collab is headed by former Billabong Europe duo Reid Pinder and Carl Wiser. Read more about Sunday Collab’s Australian connection ‘A Sunday Coffee’ on our Professional Edition.

THE NEILSENS EXIT ALFRED’S Founded in 2012, Gold Coast-based Alfred’s Apartment was established by brothers Danny, Kris and Matt Nielsen. The concept was innovative, rolling a menswear store albeit with a surf influence, amen’s barber and diner all into one. “We wanted the chance to work for ourselves in something we were passionate about and truly believed in. With a shoestring budget and help from a lot of our friends and family, we were able to achieve a dream, Alfred’s Apartment,” Nielsen said via Instagram. After seven years, the next chapter of Alfred’s belongs to the new owners who have taken over.

“I want to thank my brothers, Kris and Matt - I literally couldn’t have done anything without them,” continued Nielsen. “Through all adversity we tried to change the bricks and mortar retail experience for the better and I believe we had a small impact on pioneering this philosophy.”

Meanwhile former Alfred’s Apartment co-founder, Kris Nielsen moves to Quiksilver and Roxy in the position of Merchandise Manager.

ZOE NEILSON EXITS DRAGON Former Dragon Alliance Marketing Manager Zoe Neilson has exited the company after eight years with the brand. Moving forward, Tom Wright takes over everything Marketing.

DULLENS DEPARTS ACCENT Dave Dullens has departed Accent Group and takes on a new role with Converse.

Deena Colman is now heading up all Marketing at Accent with Andrew Mapstone being elevated to Vans Marketing Manager. Congrats to both Deena and Andrew on your appointments.

KOMUNITY PROJECT SALES AGENTS: WA & VIC-TAS-SA Komunity Project are on the look-out for results-driven, goal-oriented, proactive Sales Agents to join the group in the key areas of WA and, (Vic-Tas-SA). If this sounds like you, please contact Chuck Warner at chuck@missionsports.com.au

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Boardriders announced in November its intentions to sell the company’s Burleigh Heads base with the focus to free up capital to reinvest in its business. Further, Boardriders said it would maintain its occupation of the site under a 12-year lease. Today’s sale price was below market expectations for the former Billabong HQ in Burleigh Heads which market sources expected the price range for the property between the $45 to $50-million price bracket.

The deal amount was arrived at after considering an independent valuation by CBRE Valuations, which put the property at A$38.46 million. After including stamp duty payable and other transaction costs, the total estimated cost of the acquisition is about A$41.5 million.

The property will be leased to GSM Operations for 12 years on a triple net lease basis, which is a lease structure where the master tenant is responsible for outgoings of the property, including repair and maintenance costs, insurance, and taxes, among other things.

According to press reports, the first-year rental from the property is A$3 million, and will increase by 3 per cent a year, with a rent review at midterm of the lease.

Under the contract, the GSM Operations also has an option to renew the lease for another five years.

The development, which sits on a land area of 33,300 sq. m, with a total net lettable area of 14,833 sq. m, comprises a warehouse and office facility, as well as a two-storey retail building.

Source: The Strait Times.

retail news BOARD SHOP DAY Board Shop Day was held worldwide on May 18. This annual event celebrates the independent board shops that are vital to our surf, skate, and snow industry on the third Saturday in May. Building the Revolution founder Mike Vavak decided to create this event to honour board shops around the world.

“It’s been said before that Board Shops are the temples of our industry. Let’s protect our temples and celebrate them. Is it too much to ask that we have a day dedicated to the shops that created an industry and culture for many of us?” said Vavak.

Board Shops planned events for the first annual Board Shop Day. Island Water Sports in Deerfield Beach, FL had their Board Swap and sample sale fundraiser for surf and skate camp scholarships on BSD. Mike’s hope is to see all shops create events on this day to draw in many new and old customers into their stores.

If your store wants to plan an event for next Board Shop Day, let us know @asbmag and we’ll include it on our site.

For More information on Board Shop Day go to @BoardShopDay or @Building_The_Revolution

"I've had a great time in the business," Ms Ponting said. "It's probably been the best four years of my life. I've found it very rewarding and met so many people and I've worked with my children."

Ms Ponting said her daughter Leah was her backbone over the past few years, buying stock and establishing the store's online business.

"There were four females running a surf store and none of us surfed but yet we learnt about it and we now know the industry back to front. It's taught us a lot as well."

Rip Curl backed Ozmosis have purchased the business with the shop gradually changing over in the next few months.

Ozmosis is Australia's leading urban surf retailer with more than 50 stores in Western Australia, the ACT and New South Wales, and 31 operating in Victoria.

"It will be a better multi-branded, core surf store than we've been able to provide, because our buying power's not as good as theirs," said Ms Ponting.

"It will be a huge advantage to the Warrnambool public because we'll have brands that customers previously had to go online and buy, whereas they'll now be able to come in store and try them on and buy locally."

Ms Ponting said it was the perfect opportunity to take a step back and she'd enjoyed her time operating the successful business. "We love the CBD. We're a destination store.

"We've got so many loyal and regular, repeat customers and we've made so many friends in such a unique industry. It's just been a wonderful experience."

sponsorship news RIP CURL AND WSL ANNOUNCE THREE-YEAR PARTNERSHIP RENEWAL Rip Curl and the World Surf League (WSL) announced the three-year renewal of two major events on the WSL Championship Tour (CT) calendar, the Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach and the Meo Rip Curl Pro Portugal.

With this renewal Portugal welcomes back the world’s best female surfers, the first time the women’s field has had the opportunity to compete at Supertubos since 2010.

“Rip Curl is celebrating 50 years of surfing this year and Championship Tour events have always been a part of what we do.

We love the sound of the heat hooter in the morning,” said Neil Ridgway, Rip Curl’s Chief Brand and Marketing Officer.

2019 marks the 58th year of the Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach, and the 11th edition of the Meo Rip Curl Pro Portugal. This three-year renewal will see Bells through to its 60th year, a mammoth landmark for competitive surfing.

“Both of these events are combined, supporting men and women equally in both hemispheres of the world,” continued Neil. “You can't have one without the other – gender or hemisphere – if you mean it.”

“We were born at Bells, so our place there goes without saying; and we have been in Peniche 30 years too and our love for the town and the event gets bigger every year.

In Europe, you need a World Title event to say, 'Ultimate Surfing Company' – and there's no better way to stamp our brand's place on the continent than at the Rip Curl Meo Pro Portugal."

“Bells Beach and Peniche are both incredibly important stops on the Championship Tour and, with the 2019 season set to be the biggest yet, we are thrilled to be extending our partnership with Rip Curl to support these events through 2021,” said WSL CEO Sophie Goldschmidt.

“Australia’s Bells Beach is one of the most iconic stops on the tour and a real barometer for surfing excellence. Portugal is a true highlight of the season and plays a crucial role in deciding our men’s world champion each year. This year we are very excited to see our female surfers compete alongside the men in Peniche and look forward to watching them push performance levels.”

Jose Farinha, the General Manager of Rip Curl Portugal, has seen how a CT event has grown surfing in and around his region.

“Since we first started holding an event in Portugal back in 2009, we’ve seen a huge increase in surfing and surf tourism in the country – and with this, positive socioeconomic effects.

“For Rip Curl, Portugal has been an important part of the history of our company in Europe. We couldn’t be more excited to extend this relationship once again.”

AIRASIA RENEW PARTNERSHIP WITH WSL AirAsia and the World Surf League (WSL) Australia / Oceania announced the extension of their partnership to support the three Australian Championship Tour events in 2019. As the Official Airline Partner of the WSL, the world’s best low-cost airline unveiled an AirAsia Beach Club and the AirAsia Flight Cam at each event, beginning with the Quiksilver Pro and Boost Mobile Pro Gold Coast, and continuing through the Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach and on to the Margaret River Pro. AirAsia will also extend its ‘Surfboards Fly Free’ initiative in 2019, meaning surfers from Australia will be able to travel with their surfboard with no excess luggage cost, to any of the surfing hotspots found in AirAsia’s network of more than 140 destinations.

“We are really excited to be continuing our partnership with a company that keeps the dream of the perfect surfing holiday a reality for Australians from all walks of life. We’re really excited about the continuation of these programs but especially the engagement of our fans through this partnership,” said Andrew Stark, General Manager, WSL Australia and Oceania.

“Partnering with the WSL is a natural fit for AirAsia. Since announcing the deal last year, we’ve been able to showcase the breadth and depth of our fast-growing network.

Take Padang in Indonesia, for example the gateway to the Mentawais - where we now see thousands of surfers each year travel with us. This is what makes the partnership so unique,” said AirAsia Group Head of Branding Rudy Khaw.

To celebrate the renewed partnership, AirAsia and WSL are offering two lucky winners with the chance to see pro-surfing at its best, including access to corporate hospitality and multi-day passes for each event.

To enter, simply follow @AirAsiaAustralia on Facebook and look out for the competition details.

The New Wave of Waterproof.

THE BASE TIDE PRO

@john_john_florence

nixon.com

INDUSTRY NEWS

WSL 2019 SEASON; ALL NEW MEDIA, PARTNERSHIPS & INITIATIVES

“We are stoked to have Rip Curl as part of the event going forward,” Surfing Victoria CEO, Adam Robertson said.

The WSL season kicked off in Australia and it promises to be another big year, including expanded media deals, the launch of WSL Studios, equal prize money and a new WSL Women’s Initiative. The WSL is supported by global partners Anheuser-Busch, Red Bull, and Jeep, in addition to many regional and event partners all over the world – including Quiksilver, Roxy, Rip Curl, Billabong, Vans, Boost Mobile, Hydro Flask, MEO, Woolmark, Swatch, Barefoot, Jose Cuervo, Polo Blue, TropicSport and many others.

“This event holds a special place in not only the Victorian Surfing Calendar but also nationally, and having Rip Curl support the event will be a massive win for the Indigenous Surfing Community.”

The WSL also welcomed new partners Red Bull, Breitling, Outerknown, HarleyDavidson, BFGoodrich, Boost Mobile and New York State Division of Tourism.

“2019 is set to be a landmark year for the WSL and we are thrilled to be welcoming so many new and returning partners to the family,” said WSL CEO Sophie Goldschmidt.

“It is a testament to the inspirational power of surfing that so many incredible companies are involved this season, which is shaping up to be the biggest year in surfing’s history.

With increased media partnerships, the women’s initiative and WSL Studios there are lots of exciting things for the season ahead.”

2019 will welcome expanded media partnerships and broadcast innovations, including judges’ scoring dropping live in the broadcast, live broadcast of the WSL Awards and fan heat picks in the broadcast.

Fox Sports will be the exclusive U.S. television broadcaster for WSL’s 2019 Men’s and Women’s Championship Tour (CT), as well as the Big Wave Tour. FOX Sports will telecast more than 500 hours of WSL programming, including live contests and highlight shows, across FOX, FS1, FS2 and the FOX Sports app in 2019.

2019 will also see expanded reach in China with four video platforms streaming a mix of live events and VOD content as well as local-language social media accounts in the country.

In addition, WSL has brought on more television broadcast partners than ever before and the WSL will be broadcast on television in over 130 countries.

WSL Studios WSL Studios will deliver a broad range of high quality scripted and unscripted surf and lifestyle content. 2019 will unveil new original content series starring WSL surfers, inspirational stories, behind-the-scenes, in addition to acquired content embracing surfing as a lifestyle.

The Boost Mobile Pro Gold Coast was the first CT event to award equal prize money, in addition to every stop on the CT for 2019 and beyond. The WSL also launched the global beachside engagement program for girls, called Rising Tides, which brought together female surfers of all ages and levels.

The program will continue at every women’s CT stop.

2019 will also see the continuation of the Heritage Series, which celebrates female legends, as well as the launch of an international marketing campaign, “Every Wave for Every One,” to highlight the women’s tour and increase event viewership and fan engagement as well as a number of other activations.

VICTORIA TO PRESENT THE AUSTRALIAN INDIGENOUS TITLES AT BELLS BEACH Rip Curl has signed on as presenting partner of the Australian Indigenous Surfing Titles at Bells Beach for the next three years. Held on the traditional land of the Wadawurrung people, Surfing Victoria is pleased to see the world famous surf break host the titles for the eighth consecutive year.

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The Australian Indigenous Surfing Titles sees over fifty competitors from around the country compete across six divisions including Junior Boys and Girls, Open Men and Women, Longboard and Masters.

“Rip Curl is thrilled to commit to the Australian Indigenous Titles at Bells Beach and partner with Surfing Victoria to help add to the great things that have been achieved so far,” Neil Ridgway, Rip Curl Group Marketing Chairman said.

“With Rip Curl being born at Bells Beach and the Wadawurrung People having a spiritual and cultural connection to the location for thousands of years we are stoked to be part of the event and support the Australian Indigenous Surfing Communities.”

The event will feature past champions such as Otis Carey (Coffs Harbour, NSW) and Russel Molony (Shelly Beach, NSW), Summer Simon (Port Kembla, NSW) along with former Masters champion Robbie Page (Kempsey, NSW).

association news 2019 NATIONAL TITLES DATES ANNOUNCED BY SURFING AUSTRALIA Surfing Australia has announced its schedule for National Title events in 2019. The SAE Group Australian Surf Championships, Hyundai Australian SUP Titles, the Surf Dive N Ski Australian Junior Surfing Titles and the Australian Indigenous Surfing Titles presented by Rip Curl are expected to attract more than 1000 surfers from around the country.

The Nudie Australian Adaptive Surfing Titles will be included in the new-look Australian Surf Championships (formerly the Australian Surf Festival) which will be hosted at The Tweed, while Victoria’s Phillip Island will host the Hyundai Australian SUP Titles for the first time.

The Surf Dive N Ski Australian Junior Surfing Titles will again host individual divisions, incorporating Under 14, 16 and 18 age groups along with Allstars and MR Shield Schools divisions.

Surfing Victoria will again be hosting the Australian Indigenous Surfing Titles presented by Rip Curl. For the seventh consecutive year, the event will be held at the iconic Bells Beach at the start of the world-famous Great Ocean Road.

“Surfing Australia is stoked to be able to announce these National Title events and 2019 shapes up as another great year of competition,” said Surfing Australia CEO Chris Mater.

“Winning an Aussie Title is something all Australian surfers aspire to and can open the door to a career on the international stage.”

For the full schedule please visit www. surfingaustralia.com

LIBERAL GOVT PLEDGE $4M TO SURFING WA Surfing Western Australia welcomed a commitment from a re-elected Morrison Liberal Government to invest $4 million in a new purpose-built facility for surfing

in Western Australia.The investment will cater for increasing participation demands and allow for the future growth of the sport in WA. Liberal Candidate for Stirling, Vince Connelly and outgoing Federal Minster Michael Keenan met with representatives from Surfing WA to discuss the funding commitment, which will allow the organisation to move from its existing headquarters at Trigg Point to a new stateof-the-art facility at South Trigg Beach.

or her life over to surfing, and in doing so has enriched the lives of other Australian surfers over time was awarded to Al Hunt.

Having overseen the careers of almost all of Australia’s champions, Al is a living legend of the sport of surfing.

The Surf Culture Award for a project that captures and explores a quintessential element of Australian surfing culture was won by “Never Town”, whilst the Simon Anderson Club Award was taken out by Noosa Boardriders Club.

The new facility will feature an expanded operational area for surfing lessons, water safety programs, training of judges and officials, increased equipment storage facilities as well as more workspace for staff.

Stu Gibson’s committed and dramatic water angle of Mikey Brennan at Shipstern’s Bluff was named the Nikon Surf Photo of the Year while Chippa Wilson’s ‘Number 4 – Octopus’ took out the Nikon Surf Video of the Year.

“Surfing is an iconic Australian pastime and there are thousands and thousands of West Australians who regularly enjoy the thrill of surfing,” said Surfing WA CEO Mark Lane.

“The new facilities will be critical to the continued delivery of world-class events, coaching and education programs and will ensure the future of the sport of surfing in WA.”

The winner of the Nikon Surf Video of the Year Award receives the new Nikon Z6 kit while the winner of the Nikon Surf Photo of the Year Award will take home the new Nikon Z7. Each will come with the new Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/4 S and FTZ adapter.

Surfing WA’s current headquarters has passed its use-by date and today’s announcement will help Surfing WA continue to support 31 boardriding clubs along the WA coastline, deliver a suite of local, state, national and international events and assist in the identification and training of the next generation of WA surfing heroes like Taj Burrow and Bronte Macaulay.

AUSTRALIAN SURFING’S MOST IMPORTANT NIGHT: ALL THE WINNERS. The Australian surfing community gathered on the Gold Coast to honour four time Women’s World Champion Wendy Botha, who was inducted into the Australian Surfing Hall of Fame at the Australian Surfing Awards Inc. The Hall of Fame.

Powerful and relentless in competition, friendly and warm in person, Wendy Botha defined an era in women’s pro surfing competition. At a time when women were struggling to be recognised in the sport next to an all-consuming men’s roster, Wendy stepped in to assert her rights — both to world titles and to the attention women truly deserved in the sport.

“It is really an honour to be named amongst these icons,” said Botha. “Thanks to all the amazing women surfers that came before me - without their determination and resilience we wouldn’t have had the opportunity to be a part of this incredible sport of surfing.”

Botha’s induction as the 41st member in the Australian Surfing Hall of Fame was one of a number of presentations as part of the 2019 Australian Surfing Awards at QT Gold Coast, including our own ASB Greater Good Award, taken out by Patagonia’s Fight For the Bight Alliance, who early this year led a petition with their latest campaign “Big Oil Don’t Surf “, driven by surf brands opposing drilling in the Great Australian Bight.

After taking a record-equalling seventh world title in 2018, Stephanie Gilmore was always going to be hard to beat, winning Female Surfer of The Year. After a battle that went all the way to the wire in Hawaii, Julian Wilson took home top honours as Male Surfer of the Year. Young Avoca phenom Caleb Tancred and Cabarita’s Zahli Kelly won the Male and Female Rising Star Awards.

South Coast charger Russell Bierke won his first Heavy Water Award. Russell had a break-out season on the World Surf League (WSL) Big Wave Tour, cementing himself as one of the elite in world big wave riding.

The Peter Troy Lifestyle Award, which is presented to the person who has given his

2019 Australian Surfing Awards Incorporating the Hall of Fame Winners List: Male Surfer Julian Wilson Female Surfer Stephanie Gilmore Rising Star – Male Caleb Tancred Rising Star – Female Zahli Kelly ASB Greater Good Award Patagonia & Fight for the Bight Alliance Heavy Water Award Russell Bierke Peter Troy Lifestyle Al Hunt Simon Anderson Club Award Noosa Boardriders Club (Qld) Surf Culture Award Sean Doherty, “Never Town” Nikon Surf Video of the Year Octopus – Chippa Wilson Nikon Surf Photo of the Year Stu Gibson – Mikey Brennan World-renowned Surf Journalist Nick Carroll continues in the role of Curator of the Australian Surfing Awards incorporating the Hall of Fame.

Operated with the support of Tourism and Events Queensland, the Australian Surfing Awards is renowned for recognising the best in surfing talent.

The Australian Surfing Awards incorporating the Hall of Fame is proudly supported by Tourism and Events Queensland, QT Gold Coast, Nikon, nudie, Hyundai, Australasian Surf Business Magazine, 2XP, XXXX Summer Bright Lager and DrinkWise.

environment news PATAGONIA X FIGHT FOR THE BIGHT WIN THE ASB GREATER GOOD AWARD The Australian surfing community gathered last month on the Gold Coast to honour four-time Women’s World Champion Wendy Botha who was inducted into the Australian Surfing Hall of Fame. Botha’s induction was one of a number of presentations as part of the 2019 Australian Surfing Awards, hosted

by QT Gold Coast, including our own award the ASBMAG Greater Good Award.

The ASBMAG Greater Good Award is Australasian Surf Business Magazine’s major sponsorship with Surfing Australia and is given to the person or group who in the past year has given back to Australian surfing through extraordinary results in a charitable, humanitarian, environmental, or philanthropic cause.

The three finalists for the 2019 ASBMAG Greater Good Awards were, Patagonia x Fight For the Bight Alliance (Jointly), Surfrider Foundation Australia and the Victorian Indigenous Surfing Program.

Patagonia have stepped up their ‘Fight For The Bight’ with their latest campaign ‘Big Oil Don’t Surf ’. Earlier this year the company led a petition of surf brands opposing drilling in the Great Australian Bight.

This led to widespread protests across the nation from Streaky Bay to Burleigh and the campaign has captured the attention of global media. In the process, the Fight For The Bight campaign has united surfers, fishermen, coastal dwellers and all walks of life to stand arm in arm against Norwegian oil giant Equinor and its plans to drill for oil on one of the world’s most fragile and rugged coastlines, the Great Australian Bight.

Surfers and activists are united around the country on the topic. Local chapter spokesperson Ben Druitt of Fight For The Bight Alliance said that beyond the issue of drilling in the Bight, surfers are sending a bigger message to say ‘no’ to the relentless industrialisation of our planet and our remaining wilderness.

“Together with the Moyne Shire Council (in western Victoria) we were able to pass a motion opposing deep sea oil drilling in the Great Australian Bight. And we started something,” said Druitt.

“There are now three other Victorian councils who have passed similar motions along this coast and Glenelg Shire Council is currently considering doing the same. These councils will represent 57% of voters in (the federal electorate of) Wannon.” A slew of South Australian councils have already delivered similar motions. And given that the prospectors’ own modelling shows a spill could potentially reach all of Victoria and substantial portions of the New South Wales and Tasmanian coasts, it seems likely that more municipal councils will get on board.

“In fact,” said Druitt, “new research from The Australia Institute shows that 60% of Australians are opposed to drilling for oil in the Great Australian Bight, while the rate of opposition amongst South Australians is even higher at 68%.”

“The first-ever national poll on the issue found that only one in five Australians, and 16% of South Australians, support drilling in the Bight, while more than two thirds of Australians want to see the area given World Heritage protection.”

Congratulations to Patagonia and Fight For The Bight. For updates follow the hastag #fightforthebight.

Past winners include Billabong x SurfAid Schools Program (2008), Coastalwatch (2009),David Rastovich/Surfers for Cetaceans (2010), Surf Aid (2011), Barton Lynch (2012), Misfit Aid (2013), National Surfing Reserves (2014), Surfrider Foundation Australia (2015), Andrew McKinnon (2016), Walk for Waves (2017) and NevHouse (2018) The Australian Surfing Awards incorporating the Hall of Fame is proudly supported by Tourism and Events Queensland, QT Gold Coast, Nikon, nudie, Hyundai, Australasian Surf Business Magazine, 2XP, XXXX Summer Bright Lager and DrinkWise.

RIP CURL RECEIVES B+ SCORE IN THE 2019 ETHICAL FASHION REPORT For the second year running, Rip Curl has received a B+ score in the 2019 Ethical Fashion Report published by the Baptist World Aid Foundation. Each year the Baptist World Aid Foundation research and publish a globally-recognised Ethical Fashion Report. This report gives consumers the power to make informed and ethical choices in their fashion, which in turn encourages companies around the world to work in an ethical manner and protect their workers’ rights.

This year, the report has also included a new category of “Environmental Management”.

“With the inclusion of the Environmental Management category, many brands have fallen behind in their scoring under the report,” said Helen Sharp, Rip Curl Group Ethical Sourcing and Compliance Manager.

“Over the past few years we have invested significant resources into research and growth in the environmental space, and we are very pleased that this has been recognised.”

“We are dedicated to improving across the board,” said Michael Daly, Rip Curl Group CEO. “We strive to make positive changes year-on-year and will continue to do so into the future.”

Rip Curl acknowledges that it is their job to continue to address the ethical responsibilities that come along with being a global retailer and look forward to continual improvement in this area.

For more information on the Baptist World Aid Foundation and the 2019 Ethical Fashion Report: baptistworldaid.org.au

PATAGONIA RANKED AMONGST MOST TRANSPARENT FASHION BRANDS Brands and companies are being increasingly scrutinised for their social and environmental policies, and Fashion Revolution, a nonprofit campaign group, rated 200 of the world’s top fashion brands for their level of transparency. Compiled in the 2019 Fashion Transparency Index, the results show that Patagonia, along with Adidas and Reebok, all champion the industry when it comes to having transparent policies, all three scoring 64% in a maximum of 250 points, followed

by Esprit and H&M at 62% and 61%, respectively.

While some other brands haven’t scored as high, a handful of them saw the biggest improvement over the last year, with Dior at 22%, Nike at 21%, New Balance at 18%, and Marc Jacobs at 17%.

Looking forward, Carry Somers, founder of Fashion Revolution, urges brands to be more transparent: “Consumers are wading in and demanding to know the truth behind their clothes, and we have more and more online transparency tools at our disposal to hold brands and retailers to account. We love fashion. We love beautiful clothes and shoes. But there is no beauty without truth, and there is no truth without transparency.”

Indeed, over the course of just last year, more than 3.25 million people joined Fashion Revolution’s campaign, showing increasing amounts of concern over the practices of the industry. It’ll be interesting to see how large fashion brands tackle this situation in the near future.

Ed’s note: No other surf brands are represented on the Index

action watch ACTIONWATCH MARCH - SALES DOWN DOUBLE-DIGIT (-11.6%) After a positive start with just single-digit decline in February (-3.9%) and a bumper Australian summer, our ActionWatch panel returned to double-digit decline (-11.8%) in March 2019 compared to March 2018.

This resulted in Q1 being down single-digit (-7.9%) across all categories and all price points. It is not the rebound we’d hoped for, but validates some of the anecdotal feedback we’d received from panel members. It’s worth noting that March was the warmest on record for Australia as a whole. The national mean temperature was 2.13 °C above average. It was also amongst the six warmest Marches on record for New South Wales, Queensland and South Australia.

Let’s dive right in to try and un-earth some category highlights; The Female market closed down (-10.8%) only slightly better than the Male market (-15.4%). All broad categories were down double-digit with the exception of Hardgoods (+5.7%) and ‘Other Categories’ which closed down (-5.5 %.). Apparel was down (-11.6%), Accessories (-19%), Footwear (-17.8%) and Wetsuits (-11%) were all down.

Looking for the key drivers of Hardgoods performance in March, Surf Hardgoods were up (+10.3%) with Softboards continuing to grab our attention (+79.8% YOY), which suggests we haven’t reached the ‘glass ceiling’ on softboards just yet. Meanwhile, Shortboards were up (+21.7%). When both Shortboards and Softboards are up, so too are complimentary categories with Fins (+8.1%), Surfboards Bags (+21.9%) and Traction Pads (+49.1%) all up. You’d expect the hottest March on record would boost Hardgoods sales and that seems validated here with our ActionWatch panel results.

However, digging into the data to try find some bright-spots in broad categories (down double digits) requires a deeper dive.

Apparel closed down (-2.1%) in February but fell sharply double digit in (-11.6%) in March with the only bright spots being Women’s Skirts (+4.3%) and Sweaters (+8.6%). Accessories were hit hardest (-19%) despite March’s bumper weather. Sunglasses closed -15.2% but Metal Frames were up (+56.7%). Hats were down (-13.9%), but Visors were up (+5.1%). It’s worth noting the Watch category was hit hard, down -51.1%. Footwear was down (-17.8%), with Shoes down (-29.7%). This category was highlighted by Casual Sandals (+43.3%).

Wetsuits were down (-11%) with growth coming from Spring Suits (+10.8%) and Short Sleeve Full Wetsuits (+20%). Wetsuit Vests were up (+17%).

As noted, Hardgoods led by Surf Hardgoods was the only category showing signs of recovery, but we should single out Bodyboard Leashes (+21.4%). Skate Hardgoods were down (-24.9%), but Bearing sales were up (+39.1%). Protective Gear was up (+75.9%), highlighted by Helmets, up a whopping +290.1%. Skimboards, which had been running hot, closed -3.7%.

Average Unit Sales increased slightly (+2%) thanks to higher turn rates, which increased by 2 points from 14% in February to 16% in March. Average Prices and Average Margins (49%) were flat compared to last March, which resulted in +1% average $ Sales Growth. Average Margin improved slightly in March (+3.5%) across all categories, led

by Hardgoods (+14.4%). If you’re a core store stocking hardgoods there’s some good news in March compared to those stores stocking apparel only.

In summary, there’s no sugar-coating the fact we’re back in double digit decline for March, but the good news is that Q1-19 closed down single digits (-7.9%). Average $ Sales on our ActionWatch panel were down circa $25K for Q1-19 compared to Q1-18, but there was slight Avg Margin YOY improvement (+3.3%) across all categories. Maintaining a ‘glass half full’ approach to our March analysis, we’ve attempted to unearth some gold in the key categories and put a spotlight on those categories where there’s still some gains to be made.

Let us know if we’re on the money and how your store performed relative to these results.

See you next month.

Keith Curtain ActionWatch Oz

media news STAB ANNOUNCES RETURN OF WACO EVENT Stab High 2.0 is returning to Waco, Texas on June 29, along with a live broadcast on stabmag.com.Last year’s greatest performers, including event champ Noa Deane, runnerup Chippa Wilson, Big Air winner Eithan Osborne, teenage flipster Eli Hanneman, and the highest scoring surfer Mason Ho will all be back in attendance, including another dozen (or so) elite surfers.

“It’s pretty much the sickest event ever,” Noa Deane said in 2018, following his Stab High win. “Chip and I just slammed like four beers before the final.”

In his exclusive chat with ASB Professional Edition, creator Sam McIntosh agreed: “For a first-time event, STAB High got a lot of elements dead right. McIntosh points to the fact that “many of the surfers described it as the best surf contest they’d been in. “It felt raw and it felt new,” he said, “ and there was a real energy about it that I’d never seen at a surf contest.”

The ethos of Stab High is simple, according to McIntosh: “We want to create a fun, progressive, and brutally honest surfing event that doesn’t take all day.” It’s a great platform for the anarchic sense of humour that’s characterised Stab ever since the early days of Stab in print. “When we sat down on the morning of the event,” McIntosh told ASB, “we said to the commentary and broadcast teams to feel free to say what they thought. If a score sucks, or the format isn’t right, or the event doesn’t work, say it on the broadcast. Bobby Martinez looked up, and said: “We can? Whatever we want? Even cussing?”

This year, Stab High will run from 3 p.m. ’till sunset and can be viewed in-person at Waco’s Barefoot Ski Resort (tickets on sale here) or on live webcast. Competition highlights will air on ESPN following the event.

This year’s event will introduce the Stab High Ladybirds division– an invitational aerial competition for 14-and-under females, including Sierra Kerr, Caitlin Simmers, and Bella Kenworthy. First and second place will advance to the 2019 Australian Stab High event (details coming soon).

This year the event will be judged by 2018 Stab High competitor Albee Layer (who is out of the water with an injury), east coast aerial tycoon Aaron ‘Gorkin’ Cormican, and one yet-to-be-named punt critic, with Stab’s resident surf nerd Michael Ciaramella acting as head judge.

For additional exclusive insights please see our Professional Edition article with Sam Mcintosh live now on ASBMAG.com

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OVERSEAS NEWS

US Surfboard Show Honors Wayne Lynch as Icons of Foam Honoree

ActionWatch

u.s. news

SURFING HERITAGE CENTRE TO HONOR MARTIN DALY

MARCH SALES UP After the roller-coaster 2019 start with double-digit growth in January and the weather induced -7% decline in February, the ActionWatch panel grew +1% in March 2019 compared to March 2018. It was not as much of a rebound as we would have liked, but the good news is that for the first time in several years this marked the third consecutive quarter in which the ActionWatch retail panel experienced positive growth.

The female segment returned to positive territory with +2% growth while the male segment declined by -1%. There were some notable differences by geographic region, with the Northeast (+12%), the South (+4%), and the Midwest (+1%) leading the charge, while the Northwest and the Southwest both declined by -3%. All broad categories were flat with the exception of Apparel (+1%) and Wetsuits, which declined by -8%.

Continuing a trend from February, the Apparel categories that grew in the women's segment include Denim (+88%), Fleece Pants (+76%), Jackets (+36%), Pants (+27%) and Fleece/Hoodies (+16%). The only additional category that grew was S/S T-Shirts with +5.4%. The Women's Accessories segment once again struggled overall, but there were some bright spots with growth in Jewellery (+236%), Sport Watches (+73%), Underwear (+58%), Wallets (+4%), and Socks (+1%). With the exception of Wetsuit Accessories, the female wetsuit categories cooled down compared to the same month in 2018, while it was very encouraging to see strong, double-digit growth for Sport Shoes (+18%) and +4% growth in Casual Sandals.

Similarly, many of the same categories enjoyed growth in the male segment, including Fleece/Hoodies (+17%), L/S T-Shirts (+9%), Jackets (+8%), and Pants (+4%). Contrary to the Women's Footwear segment, all the Men's shoe segments declined except for Sport Sandals, which grew +3%. In Men's Accessories the biggest bright spots were Duffel bags (+74%), Jewellery (+48%), Sport Watches (+26%), Belts/Buckles (+18%), Socks (+10%), and Backpacks (+4%). Men's Wetsuits (-10%) as a whole cooled off further, but a few wetsuit categories, including L/S Spring Suits (+97%), and Wetsuit Vests (+45%) still performed well.

The Hardgoods categories were hit especially hard in February, but it was encouraging to see quite a few bright spots in March, including Surfboard Bags

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(+45%), Softboards (+33%), Surfboard Leashes (+29%), Traction Pads (+21%) and Short Boards (+16%). Skimboard and Bodyboard hardgoods grew as well, with +24% and +14%, respectively, while Long Decks (+31%), Long Completes (+3%), Trucks (+3%) and Motorized Skateboards represented the Skate Hardgoods categories that grew.

Average unit sales increased slightly by +1% thanks to higher turn rates, which increased by 2 points from 21% to 23%. Average prices and average margins were flat compared to last March, which resulted in +1% Average $ sales growth. California bounced back from -18% February declines with +3% growth in March, with positive growth across all the major categories. On average, at the end of March each door had 2% less inventory compared to last March but there is still plenty of inventory in the stores, which leads us to believe that as foot traffic picks back up again with more favourable weather conditions we should see a return to more significant growth in the second quarter.

US SURFBOARD SHOW HONORS WAYNE LYNCH AS ICONS OF FOAM HONOREE The Boardroom International Surfboard Show honored iconic surfer/shaper Wayne Lynch at the Icons of Foam Tribute to the Masters Shape-off presented by US Blanks at the Boardroom International Surfboard Show in Del Mar, California from May 4-5.

“It is an honor for me to be recognized for my shaping accomplishments alongside the past Icons of Foam honorees,” said Lynch.

“Thanks to all of them and all the craftsmen in our tiny yet global surfboard industry.”

“We are over the moon to be honoring Wayne Lynch,” said Scott Bass, Boardroom Show Executive Director. “The Boardroom prides itself on acknowledging great craftsmen, great shapers, and great surfers, but also great human beings. Wayne Lynch checks all the boxes.”

Past Icons of Foam honorees include Mike Diffenderfer, Bill Caster, John Bradbury, Dick Brewer, Renny Yater, Doug Haut, Simon Anderson, Carl Ekstrom, Mark Richards, Rich Price, Terry Martin, Ben Aipa, Rusty Preisendorfer, John Mel, Gerry Lopez, Al Merrick and Marc Andreini.

The Boardroom, beginning its 12th year, is a consumer-facing showcase for the US surf manufacturing industry featuring shapers, designers, manufacturers, artists and the industry’s state-of-the-art surfboards.

The show also highlights fins, wetsuits, skateboards, performance wear for both men and women, board shorts, technology, other hard-goods, the California Gold Surf Auction and much more. ⁣Check out https://boardroomshow.com

This year, the SHACC’s annual Ohana Gala will be celebrating the adventures and achievements of five of surfing’s most notable explorers: Dick Metz, Craig Peterson, Kevin Naughton, Martin Daly and Liz Clark.

A salvage diver by trade, a surf explorer by fate, at the helm of the infamous Indies Trader, Captain Martin Daly plotted surfing’s course through the secret wave garden of the Mentawais Islands in Indonesia throughout the 1980s and ’90s.

These days, you’ll find him and his boat deep in the South Pacific, where the Marshall Islands have captured his imagination.

But that’s another story.

SHACC’s 2019 Ohana Gala will take place at the newly-renovated Huntington Bay Club in Huntington Beach on June 15. As part of the evening’s festivities, which serve as a fundraiser for SHACC, the honorees will regale the crowd with their stories of adventure and discovery. All of the honorees will be introduced by notable VIPs, including former Quiksilver boss Bob McKnight and photography legend Jeff Divine. Captain Daly’s flying in from Indonesia, and Captain Clark from Tahiti, just for the event.

VFC SIGNS FASHION INDUSTRY CHARTER FOR CLIMATE ACTION VF Corporation announced that it has become a signatory to the Fashion Industry Charter for Climate Action, furthering the company’s commitment to global climate advocacy and engagement.

In signing the charter, VF joins more than 40 fashion and apparel industry companies in the shared pursuit of net-zero emissions by 2050, among other specific targets. Under United Nations Climate Change, the Fashion Industry Charter was launched at the UN international climate negotiations (COP24) in Katowice, Poland, in December 2018.

Excellent. Currently, VF is working to establish science-based climate targets with the goal to announce them later this year.

The impact of VF’s climate actions is amplified by the efforts of its individual brands, several of which are recognized as global leaders in environmental sustainability. Through the Van’s Triple Crown of Surfing, Vans is making the series the world’s most sustainable surf event by powering it with 70 percent renewable energy and offsetting 100 percent of the carbon emissions with verified carbon credits.

SURF EXPO LAUNCHES NEW VISUAL IDENTITY AND WATERFEST FOR SEPTEMBER In anticipation of the upcoming September show in Orlando, Florida, Surf Expo has launched an evolution of the brand’s visual identity. Surf Expo SVP and Show Director, Roy Turner explained, “Our goal was to create a visual identity for the show that reflects and describes who we are today, and the markets we serve. The new branding brings to life Surf Expo’s two pillars; Watersports and Coastal Life. Watersports includes the product categories Surf, Wake, Bluewater, Paddle, Wind and Skate, while Coastal Life features Swim, Boutique, Resort, Coastal Gift, Souvenir and Footwear.”

Since the debut of Surf Expo as a “surfboard show” more than 43 years ago in Cocoa Beach, Florida, the markets it serves have continued to expand. “We are seeing the beach lifestyle markets, with our deep roots in surfing, expand from saltwater coastlines to all shorelines including oceans, lakes, rivers and more recently, man-made water & wave parks. Our new branding better reflects how we serve our individual markets and how those markets offer crossover opportunities as we continue to be the Premier Watersports and Beach Lifestyle B2B Marketplace,” Turner said.

“Prioritizing environmental and social responsibility is foundational to who we are and how we operate at VF,” said Steve Rendle, VF’s Chairman, President and CEO. “As one of the largest companies in our industry, we look forward to the opportunity to collaborate with our peers in the effort to pursue long-term, sustainable solutions to climate change.”

The new branding will be unveiled at the show’s new location in the West Concourse at the Orange County Convention Center.

The West Concourse has been updated since Surf Expo was last held there in 2015. Surf Expo’s floorplan in the West Concourse will feature five front entrances to the show, for maximum visibility, easy access and walkability for retailers to get their buying accomplished.

Climate action is a central pillar of VF’s sustainability strategy. In 2015, the company announced its goal to use 100 percent renewable energy in all owned and operated facilities worldwide by 2025. Its primary corporate offices in the Americas, Asia Pacific and European regions are LEED Platinum or LEED Gold Certified, and its new Antwerp, Belgium, office is rated BREEAM

A key new event to launch at Surf Expo September is Waterfest, an outdoor festival experience and kick-off event for the show.

The event will feature music, food and forty of the newest and best products and brands.

Waterfest will be an opportunity for retailers and media to experience the brands and interact with the teams in a casual, outdoor environment.

MR to be honoured at the 30th anniversary waterman’s event

“We’re curating the newest & most unique brands from across the Watersports and Coastal Life segments. Waterfest will include hard goods, apparel, accessories (sunglasses, towels, umbrellas, chairs, outdoor toys), consumables and bikes in addition to hard goods like SUPs, canoes and kayaks that can be tried out on the water,” said Surf Expo Category Manager Ken Andres. “It’s a fun new buying opportunity for our retailers, and our exhibitors are excited for the additional chance to connect.”

pro surfing scene in the winter of 1975 and that winter, along with Shaun Tomson, Rabbit Bartholomew, Ian Cairns, and Peter Townend “busted down the doors” of surfing on Hawaii’s North Shore. In 1978, he debuted one of his own surfboard designs that featured a new take on the twin-fin design that was perfect for his style.

That new design would not only become the key to MR becoming a four-time world champion, but also cement Richards as a world class shaper.

In addition to Waterfest, the show will host the 16th annual Wakeboarding Magazine Wake Awards on Thursday, September 5.

Richards was thought of as unstoppable during his world title years. In 1979 he skipped four of the scheduled 13 events (two in South Africa, two in Florida), and was ranked fourth going into the World Cup in Hawaii, the final event of the year.

In what would turn out to be the decade's most thrilling title finish, the three frontrunners faltered one after the other, and the 22-year-old Richards won both the World Cup and the championship. He won four of 10 events in 1980 to easily defend the title.

Richards also came to be loved in the surfing world for being confident (wearing a silver wetsuit and decorating his boards with a giant Superman logo), but also humble and self-effacing.

More information about Surf Expo, Surf Expo Waterfest and the Wake Awards can be found at surfexpo.com.

MR TO BE HONOURED AT THE 30TH ANNIVERSARY WATERMAN’S EVENT The Surf Industry Manufacturers Association (SIMA) will honor a trio of breakthrough honorees at the 2019 Waterman’s event this August. Amongst them former four-time world champion and surf icon Mark Richards will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award. Kai Lenny is to receive the Watermen of the Year and Plastic Pollution Coalition cofounder Dianna Cohen the Environmentalist of the Year. They will join an esteemed list of past Waterman’s honorees that include Kelly Slater, Eddie Vedder, Lisa Anderson, Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., Mick Fanning, Wayne Bartholomew, Greg Noll, Jackson Browne, Al Merrick, Bethany Hamilton and many more.

Celebrating its 30 years of environmental contribution, Waterman’s will return to the idyllic setting of The Ranch at Laguna Beach in Laguna Beach, Calif. The night serves as a gathering for leading the surf industry executives, local business leaders and surf enthusiasts. They will gather under the stars for a fun night of competing for unique silent and live auction items, enjoying great wine and gourmet food, and paying tribute to this year’s amazing honorees. All of this is in the name of raising money for some of the most impactful environmental organizations working hard to protect our oceans, beaches and waves. Since 1989, Waterman’s has raised more than $8 million to support beneficiaries that are dedicated to keeping plastics out of the ocean, overseeing beach clean-ups, protecting surf breaks from destruction and more on behalf of surfers.

Hailing from Newcastle, Mark Richards emerged in the 1970s as one of the best junior surfers in Australia, while also building a burgeoning surfboard shaping business. MR burst onto the international

“MR is such a unique character in the surf world and surfing wouldn’t be the same without him,” said Naude. “He was the first professional surfer to win four world titles.

He not only shaped his own boards, but he’s as good a shaper as he is a surfer. And he was unmistakable out in the water, with his height and wounded gull style. There will always only be one MR!” Waterman’s benefits the SIMA Environmental Fund, a 501(c)(3) charitable foundation that awards grants to various environmental groups based on their dedication to preserving and protecting the world’s oceans, beaches and waves.

Waterman’s attracts more than 500 people annually and is expected to raise more than $250,000 for 15 ocean conservation groups this year.

Sponsorship packages for the 2019 Waterman’s are on sale now. Individual tickets for Waterman’s are scheduled to go on sale in early June. For more information, please contact Shannon Park Zseleczky, SIMA Managing Director, by e-mailing shannon@sima.com.

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There will be over $10,000 USD in prize money spread across the Men’s and Women’s, Shortboard and Longboard divisions.

FIRST GYM SPECIALISED IN TRAINING SURFERS OPENS IN BALI

There will be a new stop in the 2019 RAST tour, which will definitely be a highlight in the 2019 series. The next stop of the RAST tour will be at Covelong Point in India, from 22-25 August as part of the annual Covelong Point Surf, Music and Yoga Festival.

Fetch Surf Concept, a new and unique approach to develop and train surfers, has opened its first Surf Training Center in Bali.

Located in Berawa Canggu, the training centre offers four different kinds of classes focusing on the improvement of the physical performance of surfers of all levels. “We want to change the way people perceive and learn surfing. We strongly believe that surf is a sport rather than an experience” says Israel Llansola, founder and head trainer.

RAST’s creator and host company REnextop is also the exclusive authorized partner of ESPN for X GAMES CHINA, and together they'll co-create the 1st X GAMES China in Shanghai on June 1-2. Please tune in and check it out. They are also looking forward to the possibility of a partnership in surfing in the future.

Fetch Surf Training Centre is a one of a kind in Indonesia and throughout South East Asia, catering specifically to surfers and thereby offering a service that doesn’t exist yet. They currently train Diah Rahayu, Bali’s pioneer female surfer, Ryuki Waida, winner of the 2018 RipCurl GromSearch and many more.

euro news

Most surfers know the eagerness to become better, or that feeling of frustration that we do not improve. Fetch Surf Concept uses a holistic approach to giving their clients a better understanding of their body, the movements and the importance of the physical condition you are in to become a better surfer.

According to a report on US website Shop Eat Surf, Boardriders is making a leadership change in Europe as the company prepares for the integration of the Billabong Group into Boardriders in the region. SES reports that according to a (presumably leaked) company memo, former CFO Thomas Chambolle, who stepped in to lead EMEA after the death of Pierre Agnes, is departing Boardriders.

For more info contact: Instagram fetch_surfconcept

RENEXTOP ASIAN SURFING TOUR STARTS 3RD SEASON AT PADMA BEACH REnextop Entertainment together with the Asian Surf Cooperative (ASC) and the Padma Boys are excited to announce that Padma Beach in Legian will be the first stop of the third season of the REnextop Asian Surfing Tour (RAST), China’s first and only international surfing series，which will see an exciting field of both shortboard and longboard surfers coming to Bali to compete in RAST #1 from 19-22 June, 2019. The RAST Tour for 2019 will now embark on its 3rd year of surfing and travelling around Asia, embracing the passion and stoke of surfing, together with the adventure of travelling to new places and making new friends.

This year will see the series start again in Bali, but this time just north from Kuta Beach at Padma Beach, which will provide another quality beach break for the shortboard and longboard competitors joining the RAST tour.

BOARDRIDERS CHANGES LEADERSHIP IN EUROPE

Further, Boardriders’ Global President, Greg Healy, will take on the additional role of overseeing Europe. Greg will likely travel back and forth between Europe and Australia, but will spend the bulk of his time in Europe.

SES speculated in their story that the integration in Europe is taking longer because of the laws in France surrounding job changes and reductions, and the bulk of the integration is expected to happen in the back half of the year. The plan calls for Billabong to exit its Hossegor headquarters and move to Boardriders headquarters in Saint-Jean-De-Luz, about 45 minutes away. The warehouse, however, will be consolidated into Boardriders’ 3PL provider.

According to SES, about 170 positions will be eliminated, however there will be about 50 new hires as well.

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FEATURE ARTICLE / WORDS TIM BAKER

18/ Australasian Surf Business Magazine  issue #87

Rip Curl’s Summer of Love HOW KRISHNA CONSCIOUSNESS AND COMMERCE MELDED TO BIRTH THE MODERN SURF INDUSTRY TIM BAKER

IN SAN FRANCISCO’S HAIGHT ASHBURY DISTRICT IN 1967 THEY HAD THE SUMMER OF LOVE – FREEDOM-SEEKING TEENS MAGICALLY DRAWN TO THE CITY BY A PIED PIPER TUNE ONLY THEY COULD HEAR WAFTING IN THE ETHER, WEARING FLOWERS IN THEIR HAIR AND GATHERING IN PARKS AND SHARE HOUSES TO “TURN ON, TUNE IN AND DROP OUT.” In Torquay, a couple of years later, a similar phenomenon took place, when young surfers were drawn to the once-sleepy seaside holiday town by the siren song of its uncrowded quality surf. But Torquay’s Summer of Love was distinct from San Francisco’s counter culture revolution in one key way.

While the flower children of Haight Ashbury rejected work and materialism and opened “free stores” to give stuff away, many of the young surfers who moved to Torquay weren’t interested in over-Throwing capitalism.

Instead, they were intent on commercial enterprise, starting cottage businesses to fund their lifestyles.

Surfboards, wetsuits, boardshorts, ugg boots, leather goods and other lifestyle accoutrements were handmade in garages and share houses and old bakeries and abandoned butcher’s stores in a flowering of surf commerce alongside Krishna consciousness and the quest for enlightenment. These were the unlikely, hippy roots of what we know as the modern surfing industry.

It would have taken a brave punter to bet that any of those fledgling garage start-ups and cottage enterprises would last, but it is now 50 years since the most enduring of those idealistic businesses, Rip Curl, first hung its shingle from a backyard garage on the Great Ocean Road.

Being tasked with documenting this outlandish business success story stands as one of the greatest honours and most daunting challenges of my working life. I’ve grown up with Rip Curl. From the funky round wetsuit logo, to the famed rainbow logo (long before the marriage equality campaign), to garish ‘80s mutations and the ‘90s diamond wave, to the current stylised red-wave that brings to mind the Nike swoosh, Rip Curl has been an ever-evolving but constant presence throughout my surfing life.

To get to the heart of how it all happened, why they’d endured while so many other surf brands came and went, loomed like a mystery worthy of the Scooby Do team.

How exactly had a restless school teacher, Brian Singer, and a self-described “nomadic beachcomber,” Doug “Claw” Warbrick, teamed up in the Autumn of 1969 with the modest dream of making surfboards in a garage, and birthed one of the most successful surf brands on the planet? And what might the rest of us learn from their far-fetched rise and stunning longevity?

My investigations took me to California, France, Portugal, many trips to Torquay and fact-finding missions to Mount Buller, where the Rip Curl founders spend their winters.

What I learned along the way could, and indeed ultimately did, fill a book – The Rip Curl Story, published by Penguin Random House, and launched at Torquay at Easter 2019, where the surfing tribe has gathered since the very first Bells Easter Rally in 1962.

The Torquay locals, and the Rip Curl crew in particular, have always known how to have a good time so the 50th birthday celebrations were always likely to get rowdy.

Claw and Brian may have mellowed a little with age but there are several generations of younger Curl employees more than willing to carry the torch for their raucous roots.

There were Vegas-style show girls on stilts, a large python, a string quartet, young men modelling an array of Rip Curl wetsuits through history and, just to prove how defiantly politically incorrect they still are, a dwarf dressed as the Easter Bunny jumping out of a birthday cake.

But the highlight of the evening for me were the speeches, heartfelt recollections and intimate observations from 50 years of surf commerce and the associated social mayhem and surfing adventures, that left you scratching your head how this band of mavericks and misfits have remained in business for half a century.

Photo: Brian Singer and Butch Barr 19/

Co-founder Brian Singer set the tone, addressing the 280-strong crowd resplendent in his favourite pair of thongs, and providing a rich insight into the humble beginnings of the brand. “I was walking down Gilbert St, Claw and I were walking in opposite directions. I’d just got back from teaching science in Geelong,” he recalled.

“We crossed paths and he just said, ‘Do you want to make surfboards?’ And I said, ‘Yes.’ It took about two seconds, it was quite opportunistic.I resigned from teaching two days later.”

Abandoning a secure career in teaching for the uncertainty of surfboards was in keeping with the mood of the times.

“The ‘60s was a time of social change. The generation before had been through the depression and the Second World War. They were trying to afford a fridge or a car, if they worked really hard,” Brian observed. The combined effects of the Vietnam War, the civil rights movement, the contraceptive pill and recreational drugs radically changed society, seemingly overnight. “And the music was reinforcing that. The Summer of Love and the Shortboard Revolution started in around mid-1967.

That was the world into which Rip Curl was born …

The 9 to 5, city and suits weren’t part of the dream.”

The beneficiaries of that dream include the likes of Rip Curl team rider Matt Wilkinson, who has been sponsored by the Curl since he was 10 years old and accepted an award for 20 years of service. “I’ve only been alive for 30 years so it’s most of my life,” Wilko told the crowd. “I don’t know what the rest of the world is like but this part is pretty good.”

20/ Australasian Surf Business Magazine issue #87

The founder of Rip Curl Europe Francois Payot had a typically poetic explanation of the unique chemistry between his co-founders. “Claw and Brian are like pepper and salt. You need both to make your food good,” he observed.

There was a fabulous speech by Brooke Farris, Rip Curl’s general manager digital, paying tribute to all the strong women who have contributed to Rip Curl’s success, from the local ladies who sewed wetsuits in the early days to high profile team riders. And a visibly nervous two-time world champ Gabriel Medina gave an impassioned speech in his halting English about his surfing institute in Brazil, which helps young surfers from low socio-economic backgrounds pursue their surfing dreams. “We know they won’t all become pro surfers but we want to help them become good people,” he explained.

But the biggest ovation of the evening arose for the man credited as Rip Curl’s “spiritual leader”. Claw has been dealing with a few health issues since a skiing accident last year and some were quietly questioning whether he would take the stage this evening. But Claw was not about to let the occasion pass without a few astute observations of his own. Claw’s an unabashed fan and student of pro surfing and he wished their team riders good luck for the upcoming competition before noting that competitive success had nothing to do with luck, that it was about “focus, preparation and love of surfing.” The same might be said of success in the surf industry. But Claw saved his warmest praise for the many “high calibre people” Rip Curl

Left to Right: Brian Singer, Claw, (Unknown), Maurice Cole, Wayne Lynch, Michael Anthony, Terry Lyon.

Original 'Search' Mission Corsair Wall.

Photo (Unknown).

“IF YOU MAKE QUICK DECISIONS YOU CAN SPEND LESS TIME IN MEETINGS, LESS TIME CHAINED TO YOUR DESK LOOKING AT EMAILS, AND MORE TIME SURFING THE BOWL.”

had attracted over the years and proposed a toast to those he referred to as “the true believers”. This abiding loyalty of long-time staff, a sense of shared mission and purpose seems to be key to Rip Curl’s enduring success.

In The Rip Curl Story I’ve tried to identify the elements that have led to Rip Curl’s lasting success and staying power. Here are a few of the things I learned along the way: Don’t give up.

I had no idea just how many ways Claw and Brian had tried to make a living from surfing before they started Rip Curl. Claw had tried his hand at starting surf shops in Brighton, Lorne and Torquay (twice), none of which lasted more than a year or two. He worked in surfboard factories doing everything from sweeping floors to foiling fins to glassing and shaping. Brian had been an agent for Joe Larkin surfboards and carried out minor repairs and bought and sold surfboards from his parents’ garage in suburban Geelong. Claw had worked at the Torquay golf club and filled bags of fertiliser in nearby Geelong. Brian had worked as a beach cleaner and flipping burgers.

They screened surf movies. The Bells Beach Surf Shop they founded together in 1967 only lasted a year before they shut the doors, and yet a chance meeting in 1969 and a determination to continue to pursue the surfing lifestyle helped them ultimately prevail.

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FOR TWO HOURS HE HAD 10 OR 15 PEOPLE IN THE BOARDROOM AND YOU COULD HAVE HEARD A PIN DROP,” SAYS NICHOL. “HE TALKED ABOUT THE DIFFERENT TIMES HE HAD TO SHAKE THINGS UP, HOW HE MIGHT HAVE HAD ONE SUCCESS TO 10 FAILURES AND LEFT A LOT OF MESS ALONG THE WAY, BUT HE SPOKE TO PEOPLE ABOUT NOT FEARING FAILURE, TO ALWAYS AGITATE FOR CHANGE . . . I LOVE THAT STUFF, IT’S WHY I’M HERE.”

No Cold Calls.

Be ambitious.

Rip Curl took out their first ad for their surfboards in Surfing World soon after they opened for business in 1969, featuring a beautiful sunrise shot of the Bells lineup by local photographer Barrie Sutherland, and the bold and prescient declaration: “We know what we are doing and we will be around for a long time.” Brian reckons that ad continued to serve them well when he started calling in on surf shops up and down the east coast with their new product line in wetsuits. “When I said I was from Rip Curl, it was easy to get in the door as they’d already heard of us from our surfboard ads,” Brian told me. The same lesson was applied when they embarked on their US expansion.

They started taking out ads in Surfer magazine six months before they travelled to the States in 1977. “We didn’t have any address on it but we were getting mail addressed to Rip Curl, Torquay, so we knew there was interest,’” said Brian.

Steve Kay, General Manager International, says Claw and Brian were always more ambitious than their casual, surf-forthe-day attitudes suggested. They had two main ambitions: “They wanted to have a global company to follow their customers around the world. Coming from Australia, it was really exciting for someone to have that global vision,” says Steve. “And the second one was that they were very ambitious about the breadth of products they wanted to do after they got over the idea of just being a wetsuit company. And their capacity to do both really has been quite remarkable . . .

They worked on those two great ambitions and they did more travel than most owners and spent time in productrelated meetings here just grinding things out.”

Quick decisions are good decisions.

Wilco Prins, the head of Rip Curl Europe, said Rip Curl organically arrived at a style of business he refers to as “enterprise liberee” or “liberation management,” which large mainstream corporations are now trying to emulate.

As Brian was always fond of saying, “If you make quick decisions you can spend less time in meetings, less time chained to your desk looking at emails, and more time surfing the Bowl.”

Take risks and trust your gut.

Nichol Wylie, group general manager of product, recalled Claw drumming into him the importance of their founding principles of risk-taking and experimentation. “He got me in a bit of a headlock about the state of the surf industry,” says Nichol. “He gave me a spiel about how he always wanted to challenge the norm when things got a bit boring, not to listen to the metrics of retail, to keep trialling things and not to fear failure, to have a crack. He said, ‘What are you going to do to take things to the next level, because the surf industry has always been a leader?’”

The speech was so impressive, Nichol asked Claw to address his team of designers. “For two hours he had 10 or 15 people in the boardroom and you could have heard a pin drop,” says Nichol.

“He talked about the different times he had to shake things up, how he might have had one success to 10 failures and left a lot of mess along the way, but he spoke to people about not fearing failure, to always agitate for change . . . I love that stuff, it’s why I’m here.”

Back your people

“Where Rip Curl Europe is special is the way François managed it from the start as an ‘entreprise libérée’,” Wilco says. “François would give you a mission and you would execute it the way you wanted. The job was not restricted but there was a framework. There’s a lot of opportunity at Rip Curl to evolve and take initiatives. They really like pushing people to be entrepreneurs. Now that’s the trendy thing, a lot of big companies are trying to adopt that kind of system, which was already here built up from the ground.”

Brian Singer has given plenty of thought to the reasons for their success. “We were definitely customer focused and worked hard, but timing did play a role in our success,” said Brian. “Many people look back to the time of their youth with great memories; however, I do think the late 1960s and early 1970s were a special time of social change.

It was a melting pot of the civil rights movement in the US, the advent of the contraceptive pill, the Vietnam War and increased economic freedoms, and surfing rode this new wave of music, sex, drugs and rock-and-roll. This was the world into which Rip Curl was born.”

And despite the recent trials and changes wrought on the surf industry, he still believes it is a blessed path for any young surfer. “I feel we were really lucky, like many others, to have lived our life in the surf industry. We lived and worked in the lifestyle we loved,” he said. “The early days were special – on the road selling to surf shops and meeting great people are some of my best memories. Certainly, the surf industry is in a different place today, as is surfing itself.

No longer rebels of society rejecting many of the values of the previous generation – parents are now actively encouraging their kids to surf. However, surfing and the industry is still a wonderful way for young people of today to live their life.”

22/ Australasian Surf Business Magazine issue #87

W W W. A S B M AG .C O M

PROFESSIONAL EDITION

Subscribe Online At:

WWW.ASBMAG.CO M

SAM MCINTOSH SURF MEDIA’S ORIGINAL HIGH ROLLER 2.0 SURFING HAS LONG PROSPERED BY ITS CONTRARIANS. FROM PETER DROUYN TO SIMON ANDERSON, FROM KEAL A KENELLY TO NATASHA ZIFF, IT’S BEEN THE PEOPLE PREPARED TO GO AGAINST THE GRAIN WHO HAVE FOUND NEW PATHS FOR THE REST OF US. In surf media, the Great Antagonist for well over a decade now has been Sam McIntosh.

From co-founding the surf mag enfant terrible STAB to his early wave pool experiments and now to his pioneering use of a pay-per-view model for live broadcasting of surf events –McIntosh has pushed the boundaries at every turn.

– Keith Curtain

ASB MULTI MEDIA METER 2019

Print Media THE PRINT MEDIA METER SHOULD BE USED AS A GUIDE ONLY TO SURFERS’ AND BRANDS’ IMPRESSIONS IN THE FOLLOWING MAGAZINES OVER THE SAMPLE PERIOD OF JANUARY THROUGH UNTIL MAY (2019) MAGAZINE COVER DATES. Magazines Tracks Magazine Australia’s Surfing Life Magazine Surfing World Magazine Surfers Cumulative advertising and editorial impressions using the point score legend opposite.

Brands First past the post. To qualify company logos must be clearly legible to the average person. Corporate advertising bearing more than one company logo earns one impression.

Brands accrue one point for every legible impression including all editorial and advertising.

Advertising & Editorial Ratios Magazines are ranked in order of highest editorial content percentage.

The Pointscore Legend Cover Poster (pull-out) Three-page action gatefold Double page spread Full-page plus column Full-page Half-page Quarter-page Less than Quarter-page

20 20 15 10 7 5 2 1.25 1

SURFERS Rank

RIP CURL

26/ Australasian Surf Business Magazine issue #87

Total

1

—

MICK FANNING

380.75

2

—

JOHN JOHN FLORENCE

219.00

3

—

CREED MCTAGGART

139.50

4

—

MASON HO

119.00

5

—

CRAIG ANDERSON

113.00

6

—

MIKEY WRIGHT

105.00

7

—

ANDY IRONS (RIP)

97.00

8

—

JULIAN WILSON

96.00

9

↑

GABRIEL MEDINA

93.25

10

↓

STEPH GILMORE

92.50

11

↓

JOEL PARKINSON

90.00

12

↓

TAJ BURROW

86.00

13

↑

MATT WILKINSON

66.00

14

↓

HARRY BRYANT

65.00

15

↑

KELLY SLATER

59.50

16

↑

TOM CURREN

57.25

17

↓

RUSSELL BIERKE

55.00

18

↓

CONNOR COFFIN

53.50

19

↓

HARRISON ROACH

52.00

20

↓

TYLER WRIGHT

49.25

21

↑

DANE REYNOLDS

48.00

22

↓

CHRIS 'CHIPPA' WILSON

47.00

23

↓

OWEN WRIGHT

47.00

24

↑

BRYCE YOUNG

44.00

25

—

KANOA IGARASHI

44.00

26

↓

BEN SERRARO

37.00

27

↓

LEO FIORAVANTI

37.00

28

↑

NATHAN FLORENCE

34.00

29

↓

NOA DEANE

32.00

30

↑

DAVID TRELOAR

32.00

Brand

Total

BRANDS Rank

MICK FANNING

Athlete

1

↑

RIP CURL

76.00

2

↓

BILLABONG

65.00

3

—

HURLEY

44.00

4

↑

DHD SURFBOARDS

43.00

5

↓

QUIKSILVER

43.00

6

↓

ROCKSTAR ENERGY DRINK

38.00

7

—

RED BULL

36.00

8

—

REEF

25.00

9

—

DRAGON

20.00

10

↑

OAKLEY

17.00

11

↓

O’NEILL

17.00

12

—

MONSTER ENERGY DRINK

16.00

13

↑

OCEAN & EARTH

16.00

14

↑

WORLD SURFARIS

16.00

15

↓

VOLCOM

15.00

16

↑

PYZEL

12.00

17

↑

VANS

12.00

18

↓

GLOBE

11.00

19

↓

CHANNEL ISLAND SURFBOARDS

10.00

20

↓

CREATURES OF LEISURE

10.00

21

↓

HAYDENSHAPES SURFBOARDS

10.00

22

↓

ATOLL ADVENTURES

9.00

23

↓

JEEP

9.00

24

↓

JS INDUSTRIES

9.00

25

↓

PIPING HOT

8.00

26

—

SLATER DESIGNS

8.00

27

↑

VISSLA

8.00

28

↓

PATAGONIA

7.00

29

↓

NIKE

6.00

30

↓

NIXON

6.00

Advertising

Editorial

ASB MULTI MEDIA METER 2019

Social Media SURFERS Rank

Athlete

Twitter

Total

1

— GABRIEL MEDINA

9,479,007

2

— KELLY SLATER

5,251,092

3

— MICK FANNING

2,112,849

4

— JOHN JOHN FLORENCE

1,970,942

5

— JULIAN WILSON

1,447,920

6

— FILIPE TOLEDO

1,374,780

7

— STEPH GILMORE

1,250,801

8

— JORDY SMITH

988,015

9

— TAJ BURROW

664,827

10

— OWEN WRIGHT

656,778

11

— TYLER WRIGHT

357,200

12

— MATT WILKINSON

304,083

13

— DANE REYNOLDS

271,126

14

— CRAIG ANDERSON

247,606

15

— MASON HO

223,136

16

— CONNOR COFFIN

199081

17

— KANOA IGARASHI

190319

18

↑

LEO FIORAVANTI

171702

19

↑

MIKEY WRIGHT

147,106

20

↓

CHRIS 'CHIPPA' WILSON

138,722

Facebook

#SOCIAL_MEDIA_METER

Instagram

Using top brands and surfers we’ve tallied surf brands or brands operating in surfwear distribution as the baseline for our social media list. Using the social media links from each brands Australian website homepage, we’ve combined their Facebook ‘likes’ as well as Instagram and Twitter ‘followers’ to determine our overall social media top performers. If there’s a brand that deserves to be on the list, write to us and let us know. If the link to your social media site isn’t the right one or there’s an alternative social media page for your brand we should be monitoring, also let us know. #SOCIAL MEDIA METER (ALPHABETICAL ORDER) NB NO TOTAL OR RANK DUE TO THE MIX OF GLOBAL AND REGIONAL SOCIAL MEDIA CHANNELS. SHOULD BE USED AS A GUIDE ONLY. TABLE CORRECT AT FEBRUARY. TABLE REPRESENTS THOSE BRANDS ON THE PRINT MEDIA METER ONLY. NOT EVERY BRAND.

BRANDS Rank

Brand

Total

V

— NIKE

127,352,901

2

— GO PRO

28,565,913

3

— VANS

19,882,590

4

— NIKON

15,265,883

5

— QUIKSILVER

9,016,727

6

↑

HURLEY

6,522,403

7

↓

OAKLEY

5,302,514

8

— BILLABONG

4,741,790

9

↑

RIP CURL

2,808,037

10

↑

NIXON

1,992,753

11

↑

O’NEILL

1,247,959

12

↑

SPY OPTIC

769,461

13

↑

RVCA

670,296

14

↑

GLOBE

523,772

15

↑

BRIXTON

359,029

16

↓

VOLCOM

354,701

17

↑

VISSLA

332,376

18

↓

CHANNEL ISLAND SURFBOARDS

326,099

19

↓

VON ZIPPER

224,393

20

↑

FIREWIRE

205,142

GABRIEL MEDINA

NIKE

SOCIAL MEDIA COMMENTARY

GABRIEL TOPS ‘NEW FOLLOWERS’ FOR APRIL Using our social media to guide us, we’ve ranked the top five surfers in April whose followers grew the most.

Topping our ‘new followers’ list was Gabriel Medina (9.5m) followers who gained 79.3k ‘new’ followers for the month of April from just 13

posts. In second place, Leo Fioravanti (291.1k) followers who gained 29k ‘new followers' from just two posts.

Julian Wilson (1.4m) followers comes in third place with 7.3k ‘new followers’ from 39 posts. Jordy Smith (989.2k) followers attracted 4.8k ‘new followers’ from just 26 posts in April. Connor Coffin (207.2k) followers rounds out

our top five with 4.6k ‘new followers’ in April from 50 posts. A special mention goes to Sunny Garcia whose social media ‘new followers’ rose by 29.4k in April from 65 posts, placing Sunny in second, behind Gabriel as the surfer with the most ‘new followers’ last month. Our thoughts and prayers are with Sunny and his

family and it’s clear on social media that the support from the wider surfing community is behind Sunny’s recovery with well wishes flooding in April. Sunny remains in critical condition at a Portland, Oregon hospital at the time of press.

Name

Sport

Followers

New Followers Twitter

Facebook

Instagram

Posts

Interactions

GABRIEL MEDINA

SURF

9.5M

79.3K

1,413,110

7,716,460

13

2.1M

349,437

LEO FIORAVANTI

SURF

291.9K

29.0K

2553

10,149

159000

2

9.0K

JULIAN WILSON

SURF

1.4M

7.3K

199,432

446,680

801,808

39

329.9K

JORDY SMITH

SURF

989.2K

4.8K

110,201

341,895

535,919

26

159.2K

CONNER COFFIN

SURF

207.2K

4.6K

13300

4781

181000

50

183.8K

27/

FRESH

RIP CURL SUNSETTERS BLOCK ONE PIECE Code: GSIDN9 Colourway: Peach RRP: $99.99 Available: October Description: The Sunsetters Collection showcases the Block One Piece, providing light support with removable padding, and cheeky yet flattering and comfortable coverage.

SALTY CREW FOAMBALL BOARDSHORT Code: 30335049 Colourway: Navy RRP: $79.99 Available: November Description: Light eight soft hand with quick-dry fabrication, light-eight waistband with perforated fly closure, large back surf pocket with leash cord, small scale floral print.

RIP CURL NATIVE SURF GLITCH S/S SHIRT Code: CSHCX9 Colourway: Black RRP: $79.99 Available: October Description: A part of the Native Surf Collection, this pigment print short-sleeve makes the ultimate party shirt, with the woven flag label featured on the pocket.

28/ Australasian Surf Business Magazine issue #87

OCEAN & EARTH LADIES OCEAN HONEY SINGLET Code: Clsi04119 Colourway: White RRP:$30.00 Available: August

BILLABONG SUNDAYS FLORAL RAYON Code: 9592202 Colourway: Black/Mint RRP: $69.99 Available: October Description: Short sleeve printed woven top with mechanical stretch.

Features include seasonal floral print and chest pocket.

SALTY CREW HOOKED FLORAL BOARDSHORT Code: 30335048 Colourway: Off White RRP: $79.99 Available: November Description: Light eight soft hand with quick-dry fabrication, lighteight waistband with perforated fly closure, large back surf pocket with leash cord, large scale floral print.

BILLABONG SUNDAYS AIRLITE Code: 9592401 Colourway: Asphalt RRP: $89.99 Available: October Description: The Airlite boardshort is built to the way you surf. Airlite features three unique performance fabrics, engineered to give you Stability, Flexibility and Comfort.

ELECTRIC KLEVELAND Code: EG2518103 BRPC Colourway: Matte White/ Brose/Pink Chrome RRP$: $185 Available: Now Description: With 6 X-Games medals, a European Rider of The Year award, and an Air & Style title, it's no wonder when the opportunity to work with Marcus Kleveland knocked, Electric answered.

NIXON LANDLOCK 30L BACKPACK Code: C2950-3015-00 Colourway: Black MultiCam RRP$: $119.99 Available: May Description: A slightly larger (30 litre) version of our loading all terrain backpack with a side entry laptop compartment and large main compartment with accessory slips and plush lined watch pocket.

Also sports our modular pod system.

GOPRO HERO7 BLACK SD CARD BUNDLE Code: CHDSB-701 Colourway: Black RRP$: 599.95 Available: Now Description: Gimbal-like video that’s insanely smooth. Smartcapture superpowers for the best, most brilliant photos automatically.

Battle-tested and waterproof without a housing. This is HERO7 Black – the most advanced GoPro ever.

FUTURES FINS LEGACY SERIES - NEUTRAL Code: 1165-160-00 Colourway: Grey/Black RRP$: 134.95 Available: May Description: Neutral is the middleground, the all-around template that provides a very balanced flow through a variety of turns.

ELECTRIC EGG Code: EG2418201 BRRD Colourway: Camo with Brose Red Chrome RRP$: $280 Available: Now Description: An updated version of the best-selling EG2 frame, using an entirely new toric lens, providing the same great peripheral vision with even less distortion, improving clarity.

RUSTY SANDALWOOD TRI BIKINI TOP & MIDI BIKINI PANT Code: SWL1335 & SWL1338 Colourway: Cantaloupe RRP$: 49.99 & 49.99 Available: November Description: Exclusive Rusty designed textured fabrication

OCEAN & EARTH RYAN CALLINAN 3 PIECE PRO TRACTION Code: TP62 Colourway: White RRP: $60.00 Available: August Description: 3 piece of spreadable traction, Water proof CC55 closed cell EV, 25mm Power Kick, Arch bar and Diamond groove

OAKLEY COLDFUSE Code: OO6042-0152 Colourway: Matte Black w/ Prizm Black RRP$: $264.95 Available: Now Description: Be anything but ordinary in the new Oakley™ Coldfuse that redefines not only the look but the construction of traditional lifestyle eyewear. The technical design uses a single element to hold together the 24 pieces of the eyewear -- creating a truly progressive aesthetic that inspires confidence and self-expression.

RUSTY SURROUNDINGS JUMPSUIT Code: SCL0327 Colourway: Feather Grey RRP$: 99.99 Available: November

OAKLEY FROGSKINS MIX Code: OO9428-0255 Colourway: Polished Black w/ Prizm Black RRP$: $224.95 Available: Now Description: Frogskins® Mix takes a fresh approach to the brand's most iconic lifestyle sunglass, Frogskins®.

This new edition, updated with improved performance features, recrafts the style in a sophisticated fashion, combining an O Matter front with stainless steel

GOPRO BITE MOUNT + FLOATY Code: ASLBM-001 RRP$: $39.95 Available: Now Description: This versatile bite mount with an easy-to-spot float is ideal for capturing hands-free POV footage and more. Plus, the builtin mounting buckle slides into any compatible GoPro mount to easily capture multiple camera angles and dynamic changes in perspective.

GLOBE OPTION EVO Code: GBOPTIONE Colourway: Grey/White RRP$: 119.99 Available: October Description: Heritage silhouette inspired from past DNA and infused with today’s technologies. Featuring: Nitrolite™ EVA midsole, TPU shank for structure, Rubber toe-cap and flared side skirts for durability, Soft easy on and off semi-sock tongue construction GLOBE BIG BLAZER Code: 10525195 Colourway: Rosewood/Cowprint RRP$: 239.99 Available: July Description: Medium length Resin-7 hard rock maple diamondtail cruiser with built-in bottle opener and soft conical wheels. Featuring 32” x 9.125” x 17.75” WB, Mellow concave with kick tail, 6.0” Tensor Alloy trucks, 62mm 78a wheels, Built-in bottle opener.

NIXON RIVAL Code: A1236-1154-00 Colourway: Spruce RRP$: 199.99 Available: May Description: Featuring a highcontrast digital display wrapped in a bold bezel, free-swing band with a textured pattern to channel water, waterproof pushers, and 550 preprogrammed tide locations, the Rival never backs away from a challenge.

OCEAN & EARTH PRO COMP Code: LL60XT Colourway: Black/Blue RRP: $45.00 Available: August Description: Worlds Strongest Lightweight Leash. Patented ONE XT extruded cord- No Joins No weak points.

Water Repellent outer strap, Anti Slip Strap, Curved Strap plug for comfort.

FUTURES FINS LEGACY SERIES - PIVOT Code: 1177-161-00 Colourway: Burgundy/Black RRP$: 134.95 Available: May Description: Pivot fins have a minimal sweep and allow for tight turns, providing quick direction changes and a loose feel.

FUTURES FINS LEGACY SERIES - RAKED Code: 1137-159-00 Colourway: Teal/Black RRP$: $134.95 Available: May Description: Rake fins have a greater amount of sweep and will draw-out turns, providing more control and drive.

29/

BUYERS’ GUIDE

SHORTS

RIP CURL CHARRED WALK SHORT Code: CWAMO1 Colourway: Dark Forest RRP: $79.99 Available: October

O&E BLACK NOISE Code: CMBE03119 Colourway: Aqua RRP: $69.00 Available: August

GLOBE SUB TITLE WALKSHORT Code: GB01926000 Colourway: Black RRP$: TBA Available: TBA

SANTA CRUZ SCORPO SHORT Code: SC-MBC9402 Colourway: Black RRP: $69.99 Available: November

RIP CURL LIGHT BLUE DIST 18” WALKSHORT Code: CWAMS1 Colourway: Light Blue RRP: $79.99 Available: October

RIP CURL SUNSETTERS STRIPE SHORT Code: GWAND9 Colourway: Multi RRP: 69.99 Available: October

VISSLA NAPALM SOFA SURFER Code: M211KNAP Colourway: Light Khaki RRP: $69.99 Available: October

LEVIS PL SHAPING BERMUDA RRP: $79.95 Available: September

LEVIS 511 SLIM HEMMED SHORT RRP: $89.95 Available: September

JETPILOT VENTURE JETLITE BOARKSHORT Code: S18702 Colourway: Khaki RRP: $69.99 Available: September

VISSLA BREEZES SOFA SURFER Code: M208MBRE Colourway: Indigo RRP: $69.99 Available: October

BILLABONG MAD DOG CORD ELASTIC Code: 9592738 Colourway: Light Khaki RRP: $69.99 Available: October

BILLABONG SURFTREK PERF Code: 9585708 Colourway: Military Heather RRP: $79.99 Available: October

QUIKSILVER UNION HEATHER AMPHIBIAN 20 Code:EQYWS03583 Colourway: Moonlit Ocean RRP: $79.99 Available: October

QUIKSILVER TAXER WS Code: EQYWS03610 Colourway: Black RRP: $49.99 Available: October

30/ Australasian Surf Business Magazine issue #87

O&E LAZY DAYZ Code: CMWS01219 Colourway: Olive RRP: $55.00 Available: August

BILLABONG DAY AFTER DAY SHORT Code: 6592277 Colourway: Palm Green RRP: 69.99 Available: November

GLOBE GOODSTOCK DANA POOLSHORT Code: GB01518019 Colourway: Amber RRP$: TBA Available: TBA

JETPILOT VENTURE JETLITE BOARKSHORT Code: S18702 Colourway: Military RRP: $69.99 Available: September

LSKD DAILY BEACH SHORT Code: L106B1012 Colourway: Graphite RRP: $449.99 Available: August

RHYTHM WOMEN’S CANCUN SHORT Code: APR19W-WS04-SAN Colourway: Sand RRP: $69.99 Available: April

SALTY CREW HIGH SEAS PERFORATED WALKSHORT Code: 30035016 Colourway: Navy RRP: $89.99 Available: November

PROTEST MAQUA SHORT Code: 9.23.2610791 Colourway: 332 RRP: 69.00 Available: July

SALTY CREW DRIFTER HYBRID WALKSHORT Code: 30035010 Colourway: Grey Available: November

RES DENIM ANDY SHORT Code: RD-WWN19343 Colourway: Washed Black RRP: $79.95 Available: August

RES DENIM ANDY SHORT Code: RD-WWN19305 Colourway: True Blue RRP: $79.95 Available: October

SISSTREVOLUTION SID WOVEN DENIM SHORT Code: G205NSID Colourway: Dusty Green RRP: $69.99 Available: October

PATAGONIA BAGGIES™ NATURALS - 6 1/2" Code: 58056-CYMK Colourway: Chambray: Mojave Khaki RRP: $79.95 Available: September

PATAGONIA LW ALL-WEAR HEMP VOLLEY SHORTS Code: 57870-PLCN Colourway: Pelican RRP: $99.95 Available: September

PATAGONIA BARELY BAGGIES™ SHORTS - 2 1/2" Code: 57043-VALV Colourway: Valengeo: Light Violet Blue RRP: $69.95 Available: September

OCEAN & EARTH LADIES BEACHIN SHORT Code:Clbs01119 Colourway: Black Rose RRP:$59.00 Available: August

BUYERS’ GUIDE

TEES / TOPS

BILLABONG EL DORADO TOP Code: 6592094 Colourway: Gold RRP: $45.99 Available: October

LSKD STRUCTURE TEE Code: L201A1079 Colourway: Blush RRP: $39.99 Available: August

BILLABONG HOLIDAY STRIPE TOP Code: 6592113 Colourway: Bright Moss RRP: $49.99 Available: December

SISSTREVOLUTION ANCHOR ME DOWN TOP Code: G509NANC Colourway: Charcoal RRP: $49.99 Available: October

RIP CURL SUNSETTERS TEE Code: GTEII9 Colourway: Stone RRP: $49.99 Available: October

ROXY REMIND TO FORGET TEE Code: ERJWT03368 Colourway: Chinese Red RRP: $79.99 Available: October

OCEAN & EARTH LADIES WARM HEARTS TEE Code: Clts03119 Colourway: Clay RRP:$30.00 Available: August

ROXY LIKE GOLD WRAP TOP Code: ERJWT03359 Colourway: Honey Gold RRP: $69.99 Available: November

ROXY LIKE GOLD WRAP TOP LSKD ELEMENTS TEE Code: ERJWT03359 Code: L101A1310 Colourway: Honey Gold Colourway: Concrete Acid RRP: $69.99 RRP: $49.99 Available: November Available: July

RIP CURL MAD STEEZ LOTUS TEE Code: CTELE9 Colourway: Black RRP: $49.99 Available: December

VISSLA OASIS Code: M423MOAS Colourway: Bon RRP: $45.99 Available: October

PATAGONIA WOMEN’S CAP’N CAT ORGANIC CREW T-SHIRT Code: 38256-ATBL Colourway: Atoll Blue Available: September

O&E SURF N TURF Code: CMTS06119 Colourway: Yellow RRP: $35.00 Available: August

PATAGONIA WOMEN'S LONG SLEEVE PASTEL P-6 LOGO RESPONSIBILI-TEE Code: 38432-GLH Colourway: Gravel Heather RRP: $69.95 Available: September

LEVIS CUBANO SHIRT RRP: $79.95 Available: May

RHYTHM HEADING WEST VINTAGE T-SHIRT Code: OCT19M-PT08 Colourway: Washed Charcoal RRP: $59.99 Available: October

RUSTY PINNIE LINEN S/S SHIRT Code: WSM0927 Colourway: Coriander RRP: $69.99 Available: October

SALTY CREW BAIT AND TACKLE SS TEE Code: 20035229 Colourway: White RRP: $49.99 Available: November

VISSLA ALWAYS OPEN Code: M422MALW Colourway: White RRP: $39.99 Available: October

32/ Australasian Surf Business Magazine issue #87

SISSTREVOLUTION PRETTY PLEASE TOP Code: G508MPRE Colourway: Peach RRP: $49.99 Available: October

RES DENIM MUSE TEE Code: RD-WSN19299 Colourway: True Blue RRP: $49.95 Available: August

RIP CURL PARADISE COVE CAMI Code: GSHGA1 Colourway: Lilac RRP: $59.99 Available: December

RHYTHM WOMEN’S CAMILLE TOP Code: APR19W-WT04-HEN Colourway: HENNA RRP: $69.99 Available: April

RHYTHM WOMEN’S SUNSHINE TEE Code: APR19W-PT01-WHT Colourway: White RRP: $49.99 Available: April

RHYTHM PREMIUM LINEN T-SHIRT Code: OCT19M-CT02 Colourway: Bone RRP: $39.99 Available: October

RIP CURL SCORCHER MUSCLE Code: CTEUL2 Colourway: White RRP: $39.99 Available: November

LSKD OFFBEAT TEE - TAUPE Code: L101A1314 Colourway: Taupe RRP: $49.99 Available: July

LSKD CORNERSTONE TEE Code: L201A1088 Colourway: Amber Stripe RRP: $49.99 Available: July

RUSTY SUNKIST STRIPE S/S TEE Code: TTM2278 Colourway: Latte RRP: $49.99 Available: October

PATAGONIA MEN’S BOARDIE BADGE ORGANIC T-SHIRT Code: 38424-SNBL Colourway: Stone Blue RRP: $59.95 Available: September

PATAGONIA MEN’S COSMIC PEAKS ORGANIC T-SHIRT Code: 38425-REYE Colourway: Resin Yellow RRP: $59.95 Available: September

PROTEST SHILO SHORT SLEEVE SHIRT Code: 9.23.1710391 Colourway: 899 RRP: $89.00 Available: July

SALTY CREW HARBOUR SS TEE Code: 20035220 Colourway: Navy RRP: $49.99 Available: November

BILLABONG YANG TEE Code: 9592017 Colourway: Char RRP: $49.99 Available: October

BILLABONG DOUBLE DRAGON TEE Code: 9592034 Colourway: White RRP: $49.99 Available: October

QUIKSILVER ANIMAL LOGO Code: EQYZT05660 Colourway: Black RRP:$49.99 Available: December

QUIKSILVER OG STRIPES TEE Code: EQYKT03950 Colourway: Ceramic RRP: $55.99 Available: December

SANTA CRUZ EL SCORPO SS SHIRT Code: SC-MSD9390 Colourway: Tangerine RRP: $79.99 Available: November

O&E TOTALLY FILTHY Code: CMTS08119 Colourway: Charcoal RRP: $40.00 Available: August

BUYERS’ GUIDE

DRESSES

RIP CURL MONTAUK WRAP DRESS Code: GDRCL9 Colourway: Blue RRP: $79.99 Available: November

RUSTY CLUELESS DRESS Code: DRL1009 Colourway: Mimosa Yellow RRP: $59.99 Available: October

OCEAN & EARTH LADIES SUNSET DRESS Code: Cldr06118 Colourway: Black RRP: $79.00 Available: June

BILLABONG FALLEN PALM WRAP DRESS Code: 6592473 Colourway: Redrock RRP: $89.99 Available: October

RIP CURL SUNRISE DRESS Code: GDRNE9 Colourway: Peach RRP: $79.99 Available: October

BILLABONG SUNSET UTOPIA DRESS Code: 6592479 Colourway: Black RRP: $79.99 Available: November

RUSTY HEARTBREAKER STRIPE DRESS Code: DRL1012 Colourway: Coriander RRP: $79.99 Available: October

LSKD STRUCTURE DRESS Code: L204B1032 Colourway: Sage RRP: $59.99 Available: June

RHYTHM WOMEN’S AMALFI DRESS Code: APR19W-DR07-OLI Colourway: Olive RRP: $109.99 Available: April

LSKD DOUGH TEE DRESS Code: L204B1038 Colourway: Taupe RRP: $59.99 Available: July

SISSTREVOLUTION ALWAYS ON POINT Code: G508MPRE Colourway: Dusty Green RRP: $59.99 Available: October

SISSREVOLUTION SHINING DOWN DRESS Code: GD10MSH Colourway: Dusty Green RRP: $69.99 Available: October

PROTEST ANYZE DRESS Code: 9.23.2620391 Colourway: 290 RRP: $99.00 Available: July

PATAGONIA WOMEN’S GARDEN ISLAND DRESS Code: 59125-DADB Colourway: Daintree: Dam Blue RRP: $179.95 Available: September

LEVIS SOULI DRESS RRP: $99.95 Available: August

OCEAN & EARTH LADIES SUNNYBEACH OVERSWIM Code:Clft03118 Colourway: White RRP: $79.00 Available: August

PROTEST DANG WRAP DRESS Code: 9.23.2620891 Colourway: 669 RRP: $109.00 Available: July

RHYTHM WOMEN’S HAVANA DRESS Code: APR19W-DR05-MAU Colourway: Mauve RRP: $69.99 Available: April

PATAGONIA WOMEN’S LOST WILDFLOWER DRESS Code: 58395-FSNN Colourway: Forest Song: New Navy RRP: $179.95 Available: September

34/ Australasian Surf Business Magazine issue #87

2019

Australian Surfing Awards

I NCOR PORATI NG TH E HALL OF FAM E

W I N N E R S MALE SURFER OF THE YEAR

HEAVY WATER AWARD

FEMALE SURFER OF THE YEAR

SIMON ANDERSON CLUB AWARD

RISING STAR

SURF CULTURE AWARD

Julian Wilson

Stephanie Gilmore

Russell Bierke

Noosa Boardriders Club

Caleb Tancred

Sean Doherty - “Never Town”

RISING STAR

NIKON SURF VIDEO OF THE YEAR

Zahli Kelly ASB GREATER GOOD AWARD

Octopus Video No.4 Chippa Wilson

Patagonia & Fight for the Bight Alliance

NIKON SURF PHOTO OF THE YEAR

PETER TROY LIFESTYLE

HALL OF FAME INDUCTEE

Al Hunt

Stu Gibson

Wendy Botha

Photo: Stu Gibson – 2019 Nikon Surf Photo of the Year

35/

BUYERS’ GUIDE

SURF ACCESSORIES

FCS FREEDOM LEASH Code: FREE-FIR-06F Colourway: Fire RRP: $64.95 Available: Now

FCS ESSENTIAL LEASH Code: ARA-BON-06F Colourway: Blood Orange/Navy RRP: $49.95 Available: September

RIP CURL 6’0 REG LEASH SURF GRIP Code: BLEXL1 Colourway: Blue RRP: $44.99 Available: October

FCS ATHLETE SERIES - JULIAN WILSON Code: FJW08 Colourway: Urban Camo/Blood Orange RRP: $64.95 Available: September

TOOLS SURF PRODUCTS FISH Code: 4002010 Colourway: White Smoke RRP: $59.99 Available: Now

CREATURES OF LEISURE FRONT DECK IV LITE Code: GFDIVL9LTBL Colourway: Lite Blue RRP: $59.95 Available: Now

RIP CURL 3 PIECE TRACTION Code: BDGTQ1 Colourway: Black/White RRP: $59.99 Available: October

36/ Australasian Surf Business Magazine issue #87

OCEAN & EARTH COLD WATER PREMIUM 6’0” LEASH Code: LCP60XT Colourway: Black/ Blue RRP: $58.00 Available: July

CREATURES OF LEISURE MITCH COLEBORN Code: GMCL9LTBL Colourway: Lite Blue RRP: $64.95 Available: April

RIP CURL 2 PIECE TRACTION Code: BDGTQ2 Colourway: Black/White RRP: $59.99 Available: October

OCEAN & EARTH REEF QUICK RELEASE 6’0” LEASH Code: LQ60XT Colourway: Black RRP: $58.00 Available: August

YEARS

BUYERS’ GUIDE

SURF ACCESSORIES

CREATURES OF LEISURE TRIPLE BOARDCOVER 6'3" Code: CS320063NYNY Colourway: Navy RRP: $299.95 Available: July

FCS II II ESSENTIAL SERIES - PERFORMANCE CORE CARBON RRP: $159.95 Available: September

FCS TRAVEL 3 Code: BTS-063-AP-BGY RRP: from $329.95 Available: Now

FUTURES FINS LEGACY SERIES - RAKE Code: 1137-159-00 Colourway: Teal/Black RRP: $134.95 Available: Now

FUTURES FINS LEGACY SERIES- PIVOT Code: 1177-161-00 Colourway: Burgundy/Black RRP: $134.95 Available: Now

RIP CURL F-LIIGHT DOUBLE COVER 6’3 Code: BBBCD1 Colourway: Black RRP: $299.99 Available: October

FUTURES FINS LEGACY SERIES- NEUTRAL Code: 1165-160-00 Colourway: Grey/Black RRP: $134.95 Available: Now

FUTURES FINS RON MACHADO KEEL Code: 1523-134-20 Colourway: Black/Swirl RRP: $174.95 Available: Now

OCEAN & EARTH DOUBLE COMPACT SHORTBOARD COVER 6’0”- 7’2" Code: SCSB04 Colourway: Black/Red RRP: $250.00-$260.00 Available: Now

OCEAN & EARTH HIGH N DRY COLLAPSABLE WETTY BUCKET Code: AMMC55 Colourway: Black RRP: $40.00 Available: Now

SURF|EARS® SURF|EARS® 3.0 Code: ESE003RDTL Colourway: Red Teal RRP: $64.95 Available: Now

38/ Australasian Surf Business Magazine issue #87

Legacy Series is Futures’ new category release for 2019. Created around the age-old concepts of template and rake, defined by the different surfing styles that result from changing your fins. Made of Honeycomb construction, and features 3 different template categories; Rake, Neutral and Pivot.

D R AW N - O U T | C O N T R O L | D R I V E R a k e f i n s h a v e a g r e at e r a m o u n t o f s w e e p and will draw-out turns, providing more control and drive.

BALANCED | ALL-AROUND N e u t r a l i s t h e m i d d l e - gr o u n d , t h e a l l - a r o u n d template that provides a ver y balanced flow through a variety of turns.

TIGHT TURNS | QUICK | LOOSE Pivot fins have minimal sweep and allow for tight turns, providing quick direction changes and a loose feel.

L E G A C Y S E R I E S I S O F F E R E D I N S M A L L , M E D I U M A N D L A R G E S I Z E S . E A C H S I Z E T E M P L AT E O F T H E S E R I E S H A S T H E S A M E S U R F A C E A R E A , G I V I N G T H E S U R F E R T H E T R U E F E E L I N G O F T H E T E M P L AT E .

FUTURESFINS.COM.AU

39/

ActionWatch INSIGHTS ANALYSIS OF DRESSES, ACCESSORIES AND WATCHES

ActionWatch Insights is only a snapshot of top line results from our ActionWatch Oz Retail panel.

For more information please email keith@actionwatch.com

INSIGHT DATA DRESSES

MEN'S S/S T-SHIRTS

JAN-MAR 2018 TO JAN-MAR 2019

JAN-MAR 2018 TO JAN-MAR 2019

MENS S/S TSHIRTS

$100+

$60+

$90-$100 $80-$90

$50-$60

$70-80 $40-$50

$60-$70 $50-$60

$30-$40

$40-$50 $20-$30

$30-$40 $20-$30

$10-$20

2018

$10-$20

2018

2019

$0-$10 5

0

10

15

$0-$10 20

Unit Share by Price Point

JAN-MAR 2018 TO JAN-MAR 2019

$50-$60 $40-$50 $30-$40 $20-$30 $10-$20 2018

$0-$10

2019

10

15

20

25

30

Unit Share by Price Point

The $40-$50 price point for men's tanks experienced a significant drop in market share during the first three months of this year compared to the same period last year. The large majority of tank sales were in the $10-$40 price range.

40/ Australasian Surf Business Magazine  issue #87

10

15

20

25

Men's tee sales continue to be spread fairly evenly through the $10-$50 price range although the $20-$30 price point continued to be the peak range with a little over a quarter of unit sales.

MEN'S TANKS

5

5

Unit Share by Price Point

The peak price point for dresses moved to $50-$70. The greatest share increase came from dresses sold for $50-$60 while dresses selling for $70 to $80 and over $100 decreased.

0

0

2019

35

30

MALE ACCESSORIES

JAN-MAR 2019

JAN-MAR 2019 Revenue from sales of men's/boys' accessories have decreased by -7% compared to the first three months of last year, with hats and sunglasses the only categories that did not decline.

UNDERWEAR

20

WATCHES

40

WALLETS

JEWELLERY

60

BELTS/BUCKLES

FEMALE ACCESSORIES

0

-40

-100

-50

JEWELLERY

WATCHES

SOCKS

BAGS

WALLETS

UNDERWEAR

-80

BELTS/BUCKLES

-30

SUNGLASSES

-20

HATS

BAGS

HATS

SOCKS

-10

ACCESSORIES

-60

SUNGLASSES

-40

ACCESSORIES

-20

0

-60

Sales of women's/girls' accessories were down quite a bit compared to the first three months of last year, but socks and sunglasses showed positive growth.

-70 -80

TOP-6 WATCHES (IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER)

WATCH STATISTICS

JAN 2019 TO MAR 2019

APR 2018 TO MAR 2019

Rip Curl SEARCH GPS S2

Average Sales

Nixon SENTRY SS

1224

Nixon CORPORAL SS Nixon 51-30 CHRONO Rip Curl RIFLES MIDSIZE PU

Average Margin

Rip Curl RIFLES TIDE

0

100

200

300

400

500

600

700

44

Avg Price

WATCHES AVG $ SALES APR 2018 TO MAR 2019 3500 3000

Average Sales

Average Price

1224

187.25

Average Margin

Average Unit Sales

44

7

2500 2000 1500 1000

19 M

ar

19 b Fe

19 Ja n

18 De c

18 N

ov

8 Oc t1

8 l1 Ju

18 Ju n

18 ay M

Ap

r1

8

500

Watch sales in the average store on the panel were quite steady with around $1,000 Watches in sales each month until the holiday period when sales tripled in December.

41/

42/ Australasian Surf Business Magazine  issue #87

EXTRACT / WORDS TIM BAKER

Rip Curl on Chapter 11 & THE BIG THREE NOW

THERE’S BEEN A SEISMIC SHIFT IN THE SURF INDUSTRY LANDSCAPE IN RECENT YEARS, AND IN MANY WAYS RIP CURL IS THE LAST MAN STANDING.

Quiksilver and Billabong, after rising and falling spectacularly as public companies, are now both owned by investment firm Oaktree Capital Management, under the umbrella company Boardriders Inc. Quiksilver is in the process of moving its Australian headquarters from its traditional Torquay base to share the cavernous and sparsely populated offices of Billabong on the Gold Coast. Far from celebrating the tough times of their competitors, Claw and Brian seem genuinely saddened by the changes wrought on their industry.

‘I think it’s really sad that a company that started in Torquay will no longer be there, along with about 100 people in Torquay being out of work,’ says Brian. ‘It gave people added experience to be able to swap jobs between Quiksilver and Rip Curl.’

‘We had the glory days of the surf industry particularly in the ’70s, ’80s, ’90s in Australia,’ says Claw. ‘Ourselves along with Billabong and Quiksilver were termed the Big Three. Collectively we built the industry, fuelled by the nine-to-five competition which was fierce, week in, week out, year in, year out. That fuelled the strength, growth and viability of the industry. I’m pretty much of the view those two immediate competitors of ours in their original form in Australia were managed and operated in a manner very similar to Rip Curl. It might be something about surfing that rubs off on the way you do business. It always seemed that Al Green at Quiksilver and Gordon Merchant at Billabong were very much our equivalents and contemporaries, having similar goals, similar personal skills and facing the same challenges.’

Because Rip Curl’s success grew out of that fierce competition, Claw says he’d like to see his old competitors strong and trading according to their roots, as a buoyant surf industry, like a rising tide, floats all boats. ‘I’d probably be dreaming to think it would be just like the good old days once again; however, if Billabong and Quiksilver return to some of their age-old management practices and business style I’m sure things would be better, and perhaps it is not too big a stretch to think that a reemergence of the good old tried-and-true ways would help those companies and our industry enormously. I believe that we can prosper better together than we can alone,’ he says.

Claw’s enough of a realist to know that the goal of those brands’ new owners might vary from Rip Curl’s. ‘If you’re owned by private equity the charter is very clear, to improve the company and on-sell it for a profit,’ says Claw.

In this new world order, Claw feels more affinity to brands in different, though allied, sectors. ‘There are enormous parallels with Patagonia – (a) fairly large, privately owned company successfully operating in an ever-changing world,’ he says.

‘Other core companies have transitioned from their original roots to reach a wide range of customers and success, two examples being Vans and North Face. Vans has been a really long-term cultural constant of skateboarding. It shares a lot of similar branding principles and initiatives (with Rip Curl).

North Face are strongly focused on technical functional products similar to Patagonia and Rip Curl. Both Vans and North Face retain a lot of product and brand integrity, even though they have now grown to annual sales in the small billions.’

At the time of writing, the Rip Curl founders are courting offers to buy the business. With the next generation of their families showing no signs of taking over the reins, and the founders well into their 70s, there is a need for a succession plan or exit strategy. But they insist they’re in no hurry.

‘We had a couple of people interested about three years ago.

At this age you’re always for sale at the right price,’ says Brian.

‘There’s no imperative to sell, but all our eggs are tied up in the one basket. The three of us are very keen that any buyer really looks after the brand and our crew into the future. We are prepared to forgo dollars to ensure it does go to the right home.’

‘Taking care of the brand and the crew, continuing to be the ultimate surfing company, it’s the way we want it to be,’ adds Claw.

Ex-chairman Ahmed Fahour agrees. ‘The most important thing is, now these guys are getting to an age where they’re not going to be there forever, to ensure whoever owns that brand into the future manages it not as a business but as a whole-of-life experience,’ says Ahmed.

“IF YOU’RE OWNED BY PRIVATE EQUITY THE CHARTER IS VERY CLEAR, TO IMPROVE THE COMPANY AND ON-SELL IT FOR A PROFIT.” CLAW.

43/

The founders are now non-executive directors on the Rip Curl board, with Brian acting as chairman, and the board meets several times a year in their various global headquarters.

‘Brian, François and myself virtually agree on everything.

We’ve appraised things from different standpoints and express them in different ways, but at the end of the day with anything serious we always agree,’ says Claw.

On occasion, the slumbering executives might have simply succumbed to exhaustion. ‘Time out in our meetings is sometimes more a result of a few big nights on the party program that we engage in with our staff, crew and customers when we’re on the road,’ says Claw. ‘We spend 15 to 16 hours of the day together, including lunch and dinner, so there’s lots of reminiscing, there’s lots of having fun.’

CEO Michael Daly generally leads the meetings. ‘We proceed with a day of meetings called the “founders’ meetings”, where the founders interact with leading executives,’ says Claw.

‘Then we go into board meetings and have leading executives as guests, have one of the regional CEOs attend board meetings or parts of the board meetings on certain subjects, which works very well, very harmoniously.’

For CEO Michael Daly, the board meetings have been the biggest culture shock about joining Rip Curl. ‘I had presented to boards of listed companies before – very formal, very official, very structured,’ says Michael. ‘I always find our meetings a riot, the complete opposite to what I was used to. For years I watched the likes of James Strong and Ahmed Fahour come in as formal directors in large companies and deal with Brian, Claw and François. You would think that such types would walk all over the founders. It was certainly not always that way. Even today, not a meeting goes past when I don’t get a laugh. I watched Brian, Claw and François all try on a pair of size-34 walkshorts in one board meeting. It was the same pair in succession and all three of them were standing there in the boardroom in Europe in their jocks, comparing notes on whether these shorts were a true size 34 or not. James had gone to the toilet and walked back in and just had sheer shock in his eyes, seeing the three guys standing around in their underwear.’

Kelly Gibson is transitioning from his role as CEO of Rip Curl North America to a new position as a non-executive board member. ‘Kelly’s changing his lifestyle and he’s become a more-than-welcome board member to represent . . . the surf industry in the US,’ says Claw.

It’s fair to say these are not your average corporate board meetings, and it’s not uncommon for Claw or François to lie down and take a sly kip in the midst of proceedings. ‘It’s certainly true of both François and myself, but it’s only true when we’ve had people holding the floor and waffling on about all and sundry, but nothing of real relevance to Rip Curl’s business or brand,’ says Claw.

Just when startled consultants or guests are questioning whether they still have an audience, Claw or François will pipe up from the floor with a pertinent observation. ‘We’ve definitely used it strategically,’ admits Claw. ‘François is very sharp with numbers.

He’s a fabulous card player and played in finals of the world bridge championships on a number of occasions. So, from time to time, François completely blows these experts away by requoting their own numbers and throwing them back at them with a totally different conclusion . . . The impact of this is all the more dramatic when for some period of time preceding this François not only appeared to be disinterested, he in fact looked like he was asleep. This is a tactic I’ve often used myself.’

44/ Australasian Surf Business Magazine issue #87

There are other little eccentricities of the company founders that continue to make life interesting. ‘François and I were in a café in Torquay one day and we both had Rip Curl t-shirts on,’ says Michael. ‘We finished our meal and the server asked whether we would like to put that on the Quiksilver account. We looked at her and François, as sharp as ever, just said, “Yes, of course, madam, that would be great.” We still owe Quiksilver that $30.’

Today, Claw and Brian outside Rip Curl HQ, Torquay.

FACES IN THE LINEUP

RIP CURL 50TH ANNIVERSARY RACV CENTRE, TORQUAY

45/

FACES IN THE LINEUP

VOLCOM PINK HOTEL

AUSTRALIAN SURFING AWARDS

GOLD COAST

GOLD COAST

46/ Australasian Surf Business Magazine  issue #87

Champion Bells Beach Pro WSL 2019

@parallelsea

@cassidycaptured

JJF x Electric Knoxville Sport Polarized

@electric

@electric_surf

Winner Eyewear of the Year SIMA 2018

electriccalifornia.com

WITH

WITH

STEPH CLAIRE CLAIRE STEPH

Smitthh Smi

P R E T T Y PA L M S B R A L E T T E B I K I N I T O P & H I K E B O T T O M

P R E T T YSPUAMLM MESR B1R L E TI T E BBLIEK INNOI WT OOPN &N UH IOKRED B OT TOM 9 AAVA LA ER S U M M E R 1 9 AVA I L A B L E N O W O N N U O R D E R