Doug Warbrick, the founder of Rip Curl, became the 32nd member
respectively of the Australia’s Surfing Hall of Fame at the Australian
Surfing Awards. Warbrick founded Rip Curl in 1967 with Brian Singer.
According to Surfing Australia, he started making surfboards to indulge
his passion at Torquay and by 1969 with the help of a vintage sewing
machine began running up wet suits. He was responsible for starting the
Bells Beach Surf Classic aka the Rip Curl Pro in 1973, held during
Easter each year at Bells Beach.
Warbrick’s other surfing achievements include being an original member
of the ASA (now Surfing Australia) in 1963 and was a committee member
and V.P of Surfing Victoria in the 1960’s and 70’s. He was also a
founding member of the ASP World Tour and the Surfrider Foundation
Australia.
Warbrick, better known as “Claw,” said it was an emotional
moment being inducted into the sport’s Hall of Fame.
“It feels
wonderful for someone like me that loves surfing and everything about
surfing,” said Warbrick. “I just feel so honoured and humbled to be
included. When you look at the list of inductees it’s extraordinary.”
