A surf competition that uses data from Rip Curl’s Search GPS watch to allow individual surfers to compete with each other – just like the pros.
The Rip Curl Virtual Pro has returned for its second year, created in partnership with VML.
The Virtual Pro is a global virtual surf competition that uses data from Rip Curl’s Search GPS watch to allow individual surfers to compete with each other – just like the pros.
“We noticed a disconnect with how data was used from the Rip Curl Search GPS watch and came up with the Virtual Pro as a way to enhance our customers surfing experience," VML Sydney and Melbourne ECD Jake Barrow said.
"When we first launched the Virtual Pro, we didn’t realise just how successful and enduring it would become. We now have brand partners eager to become sponsors of a surfing event that is essentially made up of a bunch of 1s and 0s. That's the power of data when it’s combined with insightful creativity."
During a 10-day period, if users logged a surf on their watch, the data was analysed and scored by a unique algorithm based on five key criteria: distance paddled, surf time, total waves surfed, top speed, longest wave and the number of surfs – culminating in a final score.
2023’s inaugural Rip Curl Virtual Pro winner was primary school teacher Nick Cashin. This year’s competition, which took place May 25-30, was presented by Western Australia.
Surfers from around the world were asked to surf with their GPS watch for the chance to win the only global virtual surf competition, with surfers from 34 countries taking part.
