Rip Curl Announces 10-Year Contract with Mick Fanning

Since Mick Fanning first signed with Rip Curl in 1998 he has achieved more than most thought possible. The Australian began his Championship Tour career at Bells Beach back in 2001, when he won the event as a wildcard.

Since then he's been on an emotional ride of highs and lows, including massive wins and profound, personal loss. Through it all Fanning remained at the top of the sport -- retiring at the beginning of the 2018 season with three World Titles to his name.

"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."

Fanning will spend the next 10 years on The Search, finding breaks in remote countries and chasing empty lineups. He will also pursue his personal businesses, MF Softboards as well as Balter Breweries, and will work on and for the environmental causes he's passionate about.

"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."

Rip Curl announced the recent milestone at the World Premier of Mick's newest movie part, Stab In The Dark, which was held at The Park House in North Sydney.

"Signing this 10 year deal is another cornerstone in this relationship," continued Fanning. "I can't wait to get out there and get on The Search."