Mick Fanning has extended his contract with Rip Curl for another 10 years which is no suprise given the perfect match the two have enjoyed for decades. The deal means Fanning will be still putting on the famous curl sticker on the beak of his thrusters till he's 47. Now enjoying retirement we can expect to see more of Mick on The Search as the brand continues to push him to find waves in the outer corners of the globe.
From the presser:
In celebration of 50 Years of Surfing at Rip Curl, we are pleased to announce a lifetime contract with the most important surfer in our company history, 3x World Champion Mick Fanning. After two decades and three World Titles with the company, Mick has signed a 10-year lifetime deal that will usher in the next phase of his career with Rip Curl.
“Being a part of Rip Curl has been more than just a sponsorship,” says Mick. “Having the relationship I have had with the company and the people within it, including the Founders Claw Warbrick and Brian Singer, has been a huge part of my career and the last 20 years of my life. Signing this 10 year deal is another cornerstone in that relationship, and I can’t wait to get out there and get on The Search!”
Since Mick first signed with Rip Curl in 1998 he has achieved more than most of us dare to dream. He has won 3x World Titles, overcome personal tragedy and celebrated many triumphs, all the while maintaining face in the public eye.
“Mick isn’t just a World Champion surfer,” says Neil Ridgway, Rip Curl’s Group Marketing Chairman. “He is the most important surfer in the history of our company. We know that – and he feels it too – so we decided to lock the deal down for life, basically. You don’t walk away from a relationship like that, especially when it’s still working and it’s good fun. Anywhere he goes, we go. He is influential both inside and outside of surfing, and he is gold to the brand. He is one of us.”
Mick will spend the next 10 years on The Search, finding breaks in remote countries, chasing empty lineups and perfect waves. He will also pursue his personal businesses, MF Softboards as well as Balter Breweries, and will work on and for the environmental causes he finds passion with. We look forward to sharing this all with him.
