Rip Curl
KMD Brands · Australia
Rip Curl is an Australian surf brand founded in 1969 in Torquay, Victoria, by Doug Warbrick and Brian Singer. KMD Brands acquired it in October 2019. It matters as one of the original surf brands from the Torquay region and a leading wetsuit maker.
| Founded | 1969, Torquay, Australia |
|---|---|
| Founders | Doug Warbrick and Brian Singer |
| Headquarters | Torquay, Australia |
| Owner | KMD Brands (since October 2019) |
| Segment | Surf wetsuits and boardwear |
| Website | ripcurl.com |
What is Rip Curl?
Rip Curl is an Australian surfing sportswear brand covering boardwear, wetsuits and related accessories. According to Wikipedia, it was founded in 1969 in Torquay, Victoria, by Doug Warbrick and Brian Singer. It began by producing surfboards and started making wetsuits in 1970.
History
Alan Green, a Rip Curl employee who later co founded Quiksilver, developed the first Quiksilver boardshorts at the Rip Curl factory in 1970. In 2012 the founders hired an investment bank to sell the brand but abandoned the plan in March 2013. KMD Brands acquired Rip Curl in October 2019, and the infobox lists KMD Brands as the parent company. Brooke Farris was appointed CEO in August 2021, though this profile has not verified whether she still holds the role in 2026.
Business model and distribution
The source describes a presence in Australia, Europe, South America, North America and South Africa. It does not break down the share of wholesale, own retail and online sales, so this profile does not state one. The brand is also known for its marketing, notably The Search surf film campaign, relaunched in 2015.
Why it matters
Rip Curl is one of the few major surf brands that has remained linked to its founding region and that is not part of the Authentic Brands Group portfolio that now holds Quiksilver and Billabong. Its sale to a listed apparel group illustrates how founder owned surf businesses have transitioned to corporate ownership. The sources consulted do not give revenue figures or documented technology programmes, so none are stated.
Frequently asked questions
Who owns Rip Curl?
KMD Brands acquired Rip Curl in October 2019, according to Wikipedia, which lists it as the parent company.
Where is Rip Curl from?
Rip Curl is from Australia. It was founded in 1969 in Torquay, Victoria, and is headquartered there.