Surfing Star Gabriel Medina Splits from Rip Curl After 17 Years

The triple world champion's departure raises questions about the surf brand's future

Apr. 12, 2026 at 8:34pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a surfer mid-maneuver, with their form fractured and overlapping into sharp, angular planes of color.The abrupt end of Gabriel Medina's long-standing partnership with Rip Curl reflects the turbulent state of the surf industry, as top athletes seek new opportunities amidst brand upheaval.Monterey Today

In a surprising move, surfing legend Gabriel Medina has parted ways with his long-time sponsor Rip Curl after a 17-year partnership that included three world titles, 18 tour victories, and an Olympic bronze medal. The announcement, made in a terse Instagram post by Rip Curl, has left fans and industry insiders speculating about the nature of the split, as Medina himself remained silent on the matter.

Why it matters

Medina's departure is a significant blow to Rip Curl, which has been navigating turbulent waters in recent years, including a controversial pivot to the transgender market that backfired and led to an $83 million loss. The brand's struggles, coupled with the loss of its most celebrated active surfer, raise questions about its future and the value of top-tier athletes in today's surf industry.

The details

Rip Curl, a heritage surf company co-founded by Doug Warbrick and Brian Singer, was acquired by Kathmandu for $350 million about six years ago. Since then, the brand has struggled to find its footing, with the departure of its first female CEO, Brooke Farris, who had spearheaded the controversial transgender market initiative. Medina, known for his intense demeanor and unyielding passion for the sport, had been with Rip Curl since 2009.

  • Medina and Rip Curl parted ways in April 2026.
  • Rip Curl was acquired by Kathmandu for $350 million about six years ago.

The players

Gabriel Medina

A surfing legend who has been with Rip Curl since 2009, winning three world titles, 18 tour victories, and an Olympic bronze medal during his 17-year partnership with the brand.

Rip Curl

A heritage surf company co-founded by Doug Warbrick and Brian Singer, which was acquired by Kathmandu for $350 million about six years ago and has been struggling to find its footing since then.

Brooke Farris

The first female CEO of Rip Curl, who spearheaded the brand's controversial pivot to the transgender market, which backfired and led to an $83 million loss.

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What’s next

The future of Rip Curl and the value of top-tier athletes in the surf industry remain uncertain following Medina's departure.

The takeaway

Medina's split from Rip Curl after a 17-year partnership highlights the challenges facing the surf industry, as brands like Rip Curl struggle to maintain their relevance and appeal to top athletes. This development raises questions about the future of million-dollar contracts for surfers and the broader trends shaping the sport.