Rip Curl’s commitment to circularity

For over 35 years, Rip Curl has offered customers repairs for wetsuits and watches. This offering may not have always been called ‘circular’ but for Rip Curl, it was about common sense and good customer service.

With these core values in mind, as well as the benefits for people and planet, Rip Curl continues to innovate and explore circular initiatives that benefit all.

New wetsuit rental program 

This year our Europe team launched Rip Curl Rental, a new rental service for French surfers in partnership with Lizee, a pioneer in circular models and rental services.  

The program allows surfers to rent wetsuits and accessories, including Rip Curl’s latest innovation, the Flashbomb Fusion wetsuit. Surfers can have the equipment delivered to their home or directly to the location of their next surf trip.  

As Jonathan Cetran, Head of Products at Rip Curl Europe notes, the program offers “a new experience to surfers who want to gear up for their next trip or upcoming sessions” and is testament to our commitment to making surfing accessible and increasing the circularity of our wetsuits. 

Reducing waste, one wetsuit at a time  

Rip Curl’s Recycle Your Wetsuit program entered its 4th year, with over 48,000 kilos and 40,112 wetsuits* recycled since its inception. The successful program is just one way Rip Curl is reducing waste and keeping wetsuits in the surf cycle.  

We also continued our partnership with Airstep Australia to repurpose neoprene offcuts from wetsuit production into recycled carpet underlay, with over 338,000 tons diverted from landfill over the last three years. 

Customer repairs in action 

Extending the life of our products is not only an important and longstanding value-add to our customers, we ensure that our gear continues to perform at its best, even after many wears and excess waves. 

• Wetsuits repaired in FY24: 10,727 
• Watches repaired in FY24: 19,906 

Our ongoing commitment to providing repair services for our customers all over the world reinforces our dedication to durability and responsible consumption, ensuring that every product serves its purpose for as long as possible. 

 Looking ahead 

Rip Curl’s commitment towards increased circular business models is all about exploring new solutions that improve our customer experience, strengthening our partnerships, and being best for people and planet. As we continue to innovate and adapt, we’re excited to see where the tide of sustainability will take us next. 

* based off an average of 1.2kgs per wetsuit