Rip Curl Takes Next Step On Its Reconciliation Journey
Rip Curl is proud to announce that its Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) has received formal endorsement from Reconciliation Australia.
This is Rip Curl’s second RAP, following the launch of our Reflect iteration in 2023. The Innovate RAP represents a deepening of Rip Curl’s commitment towards reconciliation and strengthening relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples.
Shasta O'Loughlin, Head of ESG at KMD Brands, said: “We’re proud that our Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan has been formally recognised by Reconciliation Australia."
"Rip Curl continues to take meaningful steps on our reconciliation journey, and we remain committed to learning, evolving, and driving awareness to inspire positive change.”
The announcement coincided with the beginning of the 2025 Australian Indigenous Surfing Titles, an event that Rip Curl has proudly sponsored since 2019, which takes place in Torquay, on Wadawurrung Country annually.
Former event champion and Rip Curl team rider Russ Molony, together with 13-time Victorian Indigenous State Champion Jordie Campbell, joined Rip Curl crew, community partners, and event competitors at the brand’s global Torquay Head Office to celebrate the occasion.
“It was awesome to be a part of the launch event at Rip Curl and to see them open their doors to all the Australian Indigenous Titles competitors,” said Jordie Campbell. “It was great to hear about the work Rip Curl is taking toward reconciliation, but it was also a powerful way to show that Rip Curl is a place for all Australians.”
There are four types of RAPs – Reflect, Innovate, Stretch, and Elevate – designed to guide organisations through the progressive stages of reconciliation. Since launching Reflect, Rip Curl has introduced the following key actions:
-
Hosting Walk on Country immersions with Wadawurrung People for all new Torquay Head Office employees
-
Installed Acknowledgment of Country plaques in Rip Curl stores across Australia
-
Showcasing artwork by proud Worimi man, Gerard Black, in the Rip Curl Torquay Flagship Store and on commemorative plaques presented to past Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach competitors
-
Introduced an internal cultural protocol document to support learnings for all employees on the use of appropriate language, including use of Acknowledgement or Welcome to Country
The newly endorsed Innovate RAP maps out a strategic framework for the next two years. Key initiatives will include:
-
Deeping our connections to country and relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples across our retail network
-
Using our stores, online platforms and surfing events to promote respect for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
-
Identify and improve employment opportunities, professional development and retention of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
Rip Curl acknowledges the First Nations Peoples as the Traditional Custodians of this land, the oceans, and communities in which we Search. We pay our respect to their elders, past, and present.
To read Rip Curl's Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan in full, click here.
