Rip Curl apparel and surfing equipment

Rip Curl is a world-renowned brand specializing in surfing apparel and accessories. Founded in 1969 by Doug Warbrick and Brian Singer in Torquay, Victoria, Australia, the brand initially focused on manufacturing surfboards before diversifying into technical wetsuits and surf lifestyle clothing.

The manufacturing process for Rip Curl products is decentralized, occurring in multiple countries to meet global demand. While the brand maintains a strong connection to its Australian roots, production facilities are located throughout Asia, particularly in Thailand, Vietnam, and China, where high-performance textiles and wetsuit materials are sourced and assembled.

In 2019, Rip Curl was acquired by Kathmandu Holdings, an outdoor retailer based in New Zealand. Kathmandu later rebranded its corporate identity to KMD Brands Limited. This acquisition brought the iconic Australian surf brand under the umbrella of a larger Australasian outdoor and action sports group, ensuring its global distribution and continued innovation in the surf market.