Party over.
Just when y’think the litany of woes for Rip Curl, a once-great surf brand headed by two of the sport’s titans, before selling to a budget camping retailer and pivoting to progressive causes, couldn’t get any longer, its parent company has sold off its wetsuit factory.
If you didn’t know, most wetsuits are made by the Sheico Group, headquartered in Taiwan but running almost a dozen factories across Taiwan, Vietnam, Thailand and Cambodia. The company fills 65 percent of the global wetsuit market, making six million pieces every year.
For the past thirty-seven years, however, Rip Curl, and until the other day, owned and operated its own wetsuit manufacturing facility, Onsmooth, in Chiang Mai, Thailand. It employed 650 workers and became a feel-good Certified B Corp facility in 2023.
Rip Curl marketed this as vertical integration, i.e., they own their own production rather than outsourcing to Sheico like every other major surf brand did. It was Rip Curl;’s distinguishing story: the only major surf brand that owned and ran its own wetsuit factory rather than buying finished suits from Sheico.
Well, party’s over, as they say.
Rip Curl’s daddy company Kathmandu KMD Brands said on Friday it planned to sell the Thailand factory as part of a broader review of the surf and outdoor conglomerate’s holdings.
In a statement to the Australian and New Zealand stock exchanges, the company said production at the plant, Onsmooth, would wind down over the next 12 months while it searched for a buyer. It estimated net proceeds of $4.1 million to $5.8 million and about $5 million in freed-up working capital.
Wonder if they will randomly pivot to AI in the same way Allbirds did?
just to juice a few more bucks out of the name.
https://thespinoff.co.nz/the-bulletin/17-04-2026/from-merino-to-machine-learning-allbirds-wild-ai-pivot
I like the Dawn Patrol booties when they’re on sale. The no frills gismos and uneeded straps… nice and simple. Ill have to grab another pair or two.
Once again, BG literally champing at the bit, leading the way, with breaking news.
I used to think that the clifftop and beach carparks were the ultimate entertainment zone, and had decades of pure indulgence in that realm, but, at the risk of being banned from surfees forever… and ever… this virtual, modern surfee realm is the ultimate in ludicrous, endless entertainment!!!
So, thinking of how this all would have played out in the carparks, and to be fair to the swillnuts… but… they are presently deep, very, very, very, very deep, deep in shite, windows wound up tight, doors locked, bunkered in, literally saving the planet… again… but…
Secret agent, undercover, special ops swillnuts (not secret agent free/longy/tom tom, who is presently being stretched to the limit, wondering what to say… elsewhere)…
https://youtube.com/shorts/OWLPzxQhYSg?si=H1cG-D8y7scSB6Yl
have unleashed their newly AI empowered, infamous, stupe’ nuttle’ endorsed, info dreem teem. Literally launched from deep within their magnificent new bunker, hidden deep somewhere in the infamous Dandy Markets, programmed to save the rest of the inferior, useless world. ‘Admittedly, as zen warriors, we have no experience or qualificationz whatsoever… agin’… but… we have a newly formulated swillnut super hero, the AI empowered info dreem… who we know to be the only soamertripe capable orv scyantiffictionizashunally swillnutting…’
There may be some becoming increasingly infuriated by this swillnut expose. To them, perhaps these uplifting, AI empowered facts will pacify, and explain all…
‘A swillnut is an informal, somewhat derogatory piece of Australian surf slang used in online communities like the Swellnet Forums to describe an annoying, foolish, or obsessive person—often an over-enthusiastic surf internet commenter, local eccentric, or kook.
Context and Usage Origins:
Found primarily in the comment sections and message boards of the Australian surf forecast site Swellnet.
Meaning:
Similar to terms like “kook,” “ho-daddy,” or internet “troll,” used to poke fun at people who talk a big game about surfing or obsess over online surf media without matching chops.’
‘The Swellnet Forums user uplift is a legendary, long-standing community commentator known for deep historical surf knowledge, sharp wit, and engaging commentary on surf culture.
Deep Local Knowledge:
Offers reasoned, experienced, authentic insights into regional surf history and lineup dynamics.
Engaging Banter:
Known for classic verbal jousts and community rapport with other veteran Swellnet commenters.
Cultural Commentary:
Frequently weighs in thoughtfully on the changing nature of surfing, crowds, and coastal changes.’
btw, obviously this explains everything… imho… again… but…
He’s on The Search – the search for “JSC is a Cunt”
when was the last time you were in GL?
Probably more than 20 years at this point –
As you may assume, I’m not the type to stake out a territory and then try to gatekeep it against all interlopers nor do I see the point of going back to the same places over and over again to do the same damn thing – it’s a big world out there with many interesting places to go and new and interesting people to meet.
But – we may be having a BOOK-SIGNING EVENT on Siargao to coincide with the WSL contest – stay tuned!
I’ll be there.
Last there in 1999.
3 months in the Phillipines from Siargao to top of Luzon.
Same . got that joint pretty good with mick ? And the bodyboarding dude
3 of us.
I see King Donny has just imposed another tariff on Strayan products, something to do with slave labour apparently. I wonder if his dumb cunt supporters have actually worked out this is just a tax that everyday Americans end up paying? His well thought out and planned 48 hour Iran excursion seems to be really working out too. Thank you America xx
You know he’s not knockin the dust off old Melanias twat. So who is?
Hahahahahaha well seeing how fucked up America has become the mind boggles trying to work that out mate. Maybe one of his sons?
Itd be strictly bjs at this point
Hahaha she hasn’t been anywhere that soft, flaccid prick in years Bexy. As a non Seppo I find your love for Donny so weird but interesting at the same time, what do you actually like about him? I know Otto and Happy have to try and pretend he has their best interests at heart but you have no skin in the game and still refuse to accept what a complete dog cunt of a human he is. Very strange mate
Number 1
Hes a funny fuck
2 ,master troll.
3 , hes a mid 2000s democrat.
All his policies are straight outta Obama and Hillarys mouths.
4, Hes banged more hotties than youve had hot dinners.
5 he thinks trannies are retarded.
6 hes not a marxist piece of shit
7 see above
Hahahahahahaha you can’t be serious with that shit? Please try and remember that this is the most powerful cunt in the world that Americans have now voted in TWICE and these are the reasons you give for supporting him? He is fucking up the world in a hurry while lining his own pockets so maybe as a fellow Strayan you can see why I find your reasoning laughable and pathetic?
Youre so erudite!!
and rarely repeat yself…
3 times actually
Bexy’s not Aussie, he’s a Pommie.
A Paussie…
Formal request…
Can you change your handle to Karen Cunt.
Clarification:
‘4) RAPED more CHILD hotties* than you’ve had hot dinners.’
* male & female!
Oops. Ta
You know these losers are delusional when they still think that melania got within 50 m of Donny’s diaper, anytime within the last 10 years.
They’re just upset because everyone knows that Trudeau gave her a good root in the PM’s residence on a state visit. It’s known all around the political world and is why you’ll always see the other world leaders laughing at him when they’re in a room together.
https://uploads.disquscdn.c…
I have a family member down your way that is the same way. A full donny cock gobbler. Its so weird. Although he was born in America so slightly less weird. Oh… and by the way… congrats for getting happy to come out of his lair!
Yeah cause all the seppo workers are begging for aussie stuff.!!
We dont make f all anymore thanks to the ” global economy” ya yank cuntz.
so you’re saying Australia is too weak to effect its own destiny? Sounds like a crackhead hooker blaming the local grocer of her addiction.
Ummmm Happy you do realise we only only have a population of around 35 mill and the whole idea of allies is to work together ay?
Exactly so whats the problem?
every time I see you or Brutus or any other foreign cunt post this kind o’shit, I wonder, if you all hate the U.S. so much and hate our President so much, why don’t you just give it a go on your own?
you guys literally live in a commonwealth of an actual King.
here’s an idea; lobby your Ozzie gov to go to Iran (and very other country) and say “seppos suck. we’re not seppos so please let us get safe passage for our oil tankers and imports/exports.”
seriously, why blame the U.S. for all your woes if you can do better? if the U.S. causes you all such difficulties, maybe it’s time to stop living in mommies basement and give it a go on your own. one statement by your government that Oz are no longer allies with the U.S. would do the trick.
BTW- how many accounts you got on BG now Sybil? like a fuckin’ SC echo chamber here.
Happy good to se ya mate. Still only the one account as is obvious cuz I was banned three times in less than a year so if I could have got another one don’t ya reckon I would have just done that? The multiple different personalities down here is actually a mentally ill seppo tweaker pretending to be Strayan but who can blame him I guess?
What are your military strategic genius dad and your special forces mate with close contacts to the American government thoughts on Donnys 48 hour excursion into Iran now? What are the things the entire rest of the planet aren’t seeing mate? Would dearly love to know cuz it kind of just looks completely fucked to most of us? At least Donny is raking it in
You got rid of one mod and now you type like theres 3 mods and theyre all blue haired karens
I don’t understand that Bexy?
It wasn’t too long ago you said fuck Trump, he’s crooked, a liar, and lost his way. Can we assume that changed and the bootlicking is back?
Happy…we are just commenting on whats happening in the world of geo Politics…from outside your maga bubble.
There is big difference between the information/facts that each side is basing their opinions on….when I say side I mean left or right…liberal/ conservative which is globally what we call western Civilization…..
we have very different opinions as we have different facts/information.
When I post an opinion I have done a fair bit of research from both sides of the political spectrum…..even when I have tried to discuss with you based on facts , I feel you are very emotionally attached to maga and trump.
The facts show that this administration under trump has lessened considerably the USA’s global credibility and also degraded the economy with more to come…….
your reasoning that we should abandon the USA now if we don’t like it…doesn’t seem to sound….as our country’s have a long relationship based on mutual trust and respect which has now taken a big hit…..as the USA is now in a war that affects all of us…so we question why the war, why all the lies from your president, and now we are all bogged down economically as the M E has taken control…so we all suffer and want to see a way out…the mid terms now look like they could change the narrative with the current policy’s or lack there of!
I have been probably a bit , ah , brutal with some of my trump comments….I do not, as do a majority of others judge the USA on one fanatical grifter….stop taking constructive criticism as hate and realize its about watching a cult in control of the most powerful nation on Earth!
Be bloody great if some of your states did the same and un-united themselves. Surely all things can’t be a big happy federal camp over there? Get some healthy bloody euro contrarian interstate beef in yas.
Lol, yeah, from a cuntry that literally enslaves it’s prisoners in several states. Can’t beat Trump for unintended irony – proper shitcunt!
Cultural Marxism trying to destroy the West by rewriting history and destroying cultural touchstones that provided tribal cohesion and strong male role models.
That’s what happened to movies.
You honestly think that Hollywood/ Netflix ruin legacy western cultural rallying points by mistake? Lolol
It’s near impossible to fuck the social cache of the Star Wars , Dr who, Star Trek , Indiana Jones brands ….but they managed. Deliberate decline.
Most movies out of the mainstream are made by jews with an agenda. But there’s heaps out there that are quality.
“jews with an agenda”
not a bad name for a Hebrew rock band!
Hey Blowie, yer tin foil hat’s slippin’
I live in hope this starts the begining of the end of The (ripoff ) Search.
Thank god we can still get a Body Glove at Anaconda. Ya ballbag and other body parts may be missing after a 1 hour surf however. https://uploads.disquscdn.c…
Are they still keeping the factory in North Korea or is that for sale as well?
Making drone parts for putin. “The search” takes on a whole new meaning
San Diego surf, christian, rock band Switchfoot “drew inspiration from some of the world’s most notable novelists such as Leo Tolstoy and Fyodor Dostoevsky for the album’s throughline, specifically their ability to live through their characters as opposed to being confined to their personal reality.”
Man I wish we had a reader of russian literature on the payroll so that we could get an in-depth album review. And the korean k-pop band writes entire albums based off of the philosphies of Carl Jung.
https://www.godtube.com/music-news/switchfoot-releases-14th-studio-album-forever-now.html
Tim Allen and Sigourney Weaver.
One arrested for nearly 1.5 lbs of blow.
The other tried to catch phantoms.
So Rip Curl
Selling or sold?
The headline says “sells” and the article says “sold off” – and then, the article says “it planned to sell” –
Selling, sold, or plans to sell – which is it?
No double the proliferation of large sharks on the coastline of Australia and the 63 people killed by large sharks in the coastline of Australia since protective legislation was enacted in 1999 has something to do with “declining sales”, at least in Australia.
People who quit surfing because of the threat of sharks don’t buy wetsuits.
Some people are of the opinion that the above film, Galaxy Quest, is a great film. And theoretically any film with Alan Rickman, Sam Rockwell and Sigourney Weaver should be. A+list talent. I can’t say that I’ve ever seen it, though.
Ricman is pretty funny in it. It’s certainly not great though
What’s old squid head all about? I watched Gladiator 2 last night and didn’t know whether to laugh or cry at the end. What the fuck has happened to films these days and what the fuck has happened to actors who can actually act?
Sbs mate. Saw a filum the other night about east German fashionista set just before the wall came down. The chick in it SMOKING HOT. Pretty shit film but.
I have tried to watch Gladiator 2 a couple of times, and also the Oscar winning, Sinnners.
Project Hail Mary was, um Ok?
Fuck all the Marvel and Batman/superman movies and 50 Spiderman movies.
Gotta be in the mood to watch em
Under no circumstances watch it mate, truly fucking awful
I’m working my way through the old Underbelly Aussie ( fictionalised) true crime series. Never seen them before. Most are just sad cunts shooting each other for dollars but the one I’m currently watching; Underbelly: Badass is full on.
I never knew of the existence of the heinous cunt running the murder / Meth racket …..and neither did the coppers for a decade. Crazy shit about a smart psychopath who lived out of the system for his whole adult life. Police couldn’t catch him because there was no record he existed. Too bad he was an evil fuck.
Huge props to the pit bull copper who pursued him obsessedly for years at massive expense to his family life, career and personal safety.
4 stars out of 5
The cops knew all along….never forget the Carlton crew run Melbourne….Mick G took out Benji…..Carl was buried…….what could go wrong when gangsters go public with the Bling/cars etc…….but…there was much worse than that,LOL…..normal down here…
This one is set in Sydney. Some bloke named Rooster Perish was running the entire meth and eccy trade in the state. Multimillionaire, owned heaps of big name pubs and clubs. Murdered 16 odd people….and the coppers never even knew he existed because he’d never had a drivers license, Medicare card, no formal ID , nothing. He was a ghost.
Also a brutal, paranoid, psychopathic fuckwit.
Crazy shit.
He had a good crane biz for a while there
Watch Mr InBetween
That is all I can say
I don’t answer questions
Best show in years brother
I watched “Masters of the Universe” last night. (Free on Prime)
Fuck it bought back some memories.
Laughed my arse off, great soundtrack.
And fully aware woke jokes…
Fuckn He-Man (and She-Ra was my first crush, after Rainbow Brite)
https://uploads.disquscdn.c…
I named my first dog after She-Ra when I was 6. A portmanteau of She-Ra and Veronica from Archie comics.
I’m sitting here on the Grit and watching it right now @ 2am. One hell of a Friday night for me.
This is properly awful news. Where the fuck am I supposed to get me Tyler Wrong one legged short arm and me Sasha Jane tranny model beaver tail from now? The worlds falling apart at the seams, just like a Rip Curl wetty
Haha ” falling apart at the seams ” i see what you did there
Rip curl wetsuits suck balls. The last one I had the zipper seized up after a session and almost didn’t get out of it.
What happens to the workers ?
It’s the surf industry, one big family, their bros will have them shaping boards at Firewire next week.
So you are saying they saved 15% by switching to Sheico?