Rip Curl is excited to announce the partnership with 2012 SIMAImage Awards Retailer of the Year, Hansen Surfboards, on a new store directly south of their existing premium location in Encinitas, CA.

Officially called Rip Curl by Hansen's, the 1,450 square-foot space is an epic showcase of the Rip Curl brand and products, conveniently located across the street from renowned surf break Swami's.

"Partnering with Rip Curl adds a new dimension to Hansen surfboards," said Josh Hansen, owner of Hansen Surfboards. "The store front looks great and the brand helps us create an even better shopping experience and improve our overall product offering with more wetsuits, board shorts and bikinis, which is the hallmark of Rip Curl."

Mick Fanning Claims Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach Over Kelly Slater

April 6, 2012 – Rip Curl's Mick Fanning (AUS), 30, has claimed the 2012 Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach presented by Ford Ranger over reigning 11-time ASP World Champion Kelly Slater (USA), 40, in pumping, offshore three-to-five foot waves at Bells Beach.

Event No. 2 of 10 on the 2012 ASP World Championship Tour, the Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach culminated in dramatic fashion today with many calling it the "best Final in event history."

Mick and Kelly went blow for blow throughout the 35-minute bout, exchanging massive scores and the lead several times before the dust settled.

"I'm so pumped," Fanning said. "Kelly (Slater) did that Hail Mary for the 10 and I thought, 'oh, here we go.' I just caught waves and I'm stoked it all paid off. I'm really at a loss for words and I'm just pumped. It doesn't get any sweeter. The crowd's been amazing with the whole amphitheater and the history that comes with it. I always picture this event and have had some seconds over the years, so to get this one, I'm so pumped."

Today's win marked Fanning's 14th elite tour win and his first Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach win since 2001. It also brings the Australian's record with Slater closer to even at 7 to Kelly's 8 in their heat matchup history.

This year's Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach was dedicated to the memory of three-time event winner Michael Peterson (AUS), who tragically passed away last week, and the Final was preceded by a minute's applause in memory of the great Australian.

"I was on the verge of tears out the back," Fanning said. "I just sat out the back before the Final and just took in the whole crowd. It's not everyday you've got the crowd cheering and I could have paddled in after that, but I'm glad I didn't though."

Although finishing an uncharacteristic 13th at his homebreak on the Gold Coast, today's victory rockets Fanning to No. 3 on the ASP World Championship Tour rankings heading into the next event.

"I had a bit of a meltdown at the first event," Fanning said. "I knew everything was working well. I knew I just needed to go and simple things up. I took the headphones off and had a lot more fun. I knew there were going to be a lot of waves with the tide dropping out and I guess I just wanted to be on the good ones. You've got to just believe in your judgment and I'm stoked."

Highlights from the Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach will be available via http://live.ripcurl.com

Event organizers will reconvene tomorrow morning at 7am and assess conditions for a possible 7:30am start to the Rip Curl Women's Pro Bells Beach presented by Ford Fiesta.

For more information, please contact Chelsea Johns: cjohns@ripcurl.com

Check out Mick Ripping in this new video taken in early 2012 at P pass in the south pacific.  Can you say barrels!!!!!!

Soul Surfer Bethany Hamilton Re-Signs with Rip Curl International

Costa Mesa, USA (February 13, 2012) – Rip Curl International announced today that the surfing brand has happily re-signed Hawaiian professional surfer and long-time team rider Bethany Hamilton. Per company policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Hamilton, who courageously returned to surfing after surviving the loss of her left arm in a 14-foot tiger shark attack while surfing off Kaua'i's North Shore in 2003, is the world's most recognized surfing figure, remaining a source of inspiration to millions of people around the world through her story of survival, faith, determination and hope.

The 22-year old returned to the water a mere month after the attack and has continued to compete in amateur and, more recently, professional surfing contests in the eight years since. Her biggest results include winning the NSSA National Title in 2005 and a second-place finish at the ASP World Junior Championships in 2008.

Out of the water Bethany has shared her story with hundreds of media outlets and has been recognized with numerous awards, public appearances, and a variety of speaking engagements. In October 2004, Bethany released her autobiography entitled Soul Surfer, which was last year made into a major motion picture bearing the same title - starring Anna Sophia Robb, Helen Hunt, Dennis Quaid, Carrie Underwood and Lorraine Nicholson, as Bethany's long-time friend and fellow Rip Curl surfer Alana Blanchard.

"2011 was an incredible year for my family and I with the opportunity to share our story through Soul Surfer," said Hamilton. "It was exciting, adventurous, challenging and left us with a great feeling of accomplishment. It's been amazing to see how great of an impact the movie and my foundation 'Friends of Bethany Hamilton' has had on so many peoples lives."

Hamilton will spend a lot of time in the water in 2012, setting her focus on competing on the ASP Women's World Tour and progressing her big wave surfing.

"My surfing goals are to bring my full focus back to competing and finding the time to pursue bigger waves and tow surfing. I'm really looking forward to some surf-focused travel with the emphasis on barrels, fun and living the search."

"Outside of surfing, I'm keen to work on a travel TV show and obviously want to continue inspiring people to overcome adversity and live a healthy lifestyle."

Hamilton originally signed with Rip Curl in 1999 at age 9 after being scouted at a local Hawaiian junior surfing event.

Other sponsors include Channel Islands, Sticky Bumps, Damon System, Sambazon, and Future Fins.

Visit Bethany Hamilton online at:

• www.bethanyhamilton.com
• www.twitter.com/bethanyhamilton
• www.facebook.com/SurferBethanyHamilton
• www.vimeo.com/bethanyhamilton
• www.youtube.com/thebethanyhamilton

This video is super cool.  Great music and the camera they use is super cutting edge.  We recommend you check it out and pay attention to the new 2012 Rip Curl Mirage boardshorts!

Robby from Hansen Surf Shop talks about the 2012 Rip Curl Mirage Kingpin boardshort.  Quick video that tells you all about the features of this great boardshort.  Click Here to see this Rip Curl boardshort

Checkout the new bikinis from Rip Curl...........makes you wish it was summer and you were on a deserted island.

Rip Curl Search Contest San Francisco starts soon.  We have a full selection of contest gear including Rip Curl shirts and Rip Curl sweatshirts.  To purchase go online or stop by the shop!