Global retailer, Rip Curl, has partnered with Tourism Fiji to introduce the country’s first virtual surfing competition.

It would be the second competition in the world, but the first for some Fijian surfers. Rip Curl’s first virtual pro-event was held some time ago, and winners will get an all expenses- paid trip to Fiji.

During the 10-day competition, Rip Curl GPS users who logged a session had their data analysed and scored by a unique algorithm based on five criteria: distance paddled, surf time, total waves surfed, top speed, longest waves, and number of surfs.

The cutting-edge Rip Curl Virtual Pro, presented in partnership with Tourism Fiji, is made possible by Rip Curl’s advanced technology, which allows surfers worldwide to plan, capture, and revisit their surfing experiences on their smartphones.

We are really thrilled to bring the second part of our brand partnership with Rip Curl to life, said Tourism Fiji’s global marketing head, Srishti Narayan

And align with a brand bringing an innovative lens to surf culture, he said.

The next round of the competition will be open to the public, offering non-professional surfers the chance to compare skills with amateurs and pros from all around the globe, a Tourism Fiji statement

The launch of The Rip Curl Virtual Pro is another display of leadership in a rapidly changing surfing landscape, said Rip Curl’s head of brand, James Taylor.

The competition comes after a notable increase in surfing participation globally.

The International Surfing Association notes an increase of 25 per cent of surfers worldwide over the past decade, with more than 35 million people now enjoying the sport.

To support this partnership, local Rip Curl stockist, Jack’s of Fiji, has created a special limited-edition Rip Curl x Fiji t-shirt, available in store now.

Source: Tourism Fiji

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