Tom Curren's impressive rise to prominence in the professional surfing world had already unfolded by the time he entered the ASP World Tour in 1983, with his remarkable skillset and competitive prowess having been thoroughly showcased in his earlier matches against esteemed opponents, including the renowned Rabbit Bartholomew, the illustrious Shaun Tomson, and the accomplished Cheyne Horan, a testament to his exceptional abilities as a surfer.
Noted surfer, Tom Curren, left an indelible mark on the sport, accumulating a staggering three ASP World Championship titles - 1985, 1986, and 1990 - and an astonishing 33 championship event triumphs, a testament to his unwavering dedication and unrelenting passion for riding the waves.
His remarkable successes were not solely a result of his fierce competitiveness, but also the distinctive flair and captivating essence that characterized his surfing style, setting him apart from his peers and solidifying his status as a legend in the world of professional surfing.
Curren's illustrious professional surfing career reached a turning point in the mid-1990s when he made the momentous decision to retire from competitive surfing, but his indelible mark on the sport continued to reverberate throughout the surfing community.
In 1990, at the renowned Margaret River, Curren accomplished a feat that would forever be etched in the annals of surfing history, riding a wave of truly epic proportions that spanned an astonishing 1200-foot distance from the take-off zone to the Rivermouth. This remarkable achievement, which has yet to be equalled or surpassed in or out of competition, solidified his position as one of the most exceptional and accomplished surfers of all time.
Mark Richards
Born: 1957, Sydney, Australia
Mark Richards is an Australian surfer and surfboard shaper. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest surfers of all time, and his innovative designs have had a profound impact on the sport of surfing.
Richards began competing at a young age, and by the early 1970s, he had established himself as one of the top surfers in the world. He won numerous competitions, including four consecutive World Championships from 1975 to 1978.
In addition to his competitive success, Richards is also credited with revolutionizing surfboard design. He developed the "funboard" design, which features a rounded nose and a square tail. This design has become a staple in the surfing world and has been adopted by surfers of all levels.
Richards has also been involved in various business ventures, including the creation of his own surfboard company, Richards Surfboards. He has also been involved in the development of surfing-related products and has written several books on the subject.
Today, Richards is widely regarded as one of the most influential surfers of all time, and his contributions to the sport have had a lasting impact on the surfing world.
Curren is a persistent and dedicated surfer who continues to ride the waves with passion and enthusiasm, actively participating in various prestigious surfing competitions, including the esteemed ASP World Qualifying Series (WQS) and the World Championship Tour (WCT) trials, where he often appears as a wildcard entrant, bringing an air of unpredictability and excitement to the events.
As he ascended to the pinnacle of his illustrious surfing career, Curren was bound by a contractual agreement with the renowned surfboard company, Channel Islands, wherein he collaborated in the design and rode to victory on a range of professional surfboard models, including the iconic Black Beauty and the striking Red Beauty, each one a testament to his innovative partnership with the esteemed brand.
In the earliest stages of his professional trajectory, he made a significant career move by inking a deal with the renowned swimwear brand, OP, prior to transitioning to Rip Curl Wetsuits and Clothing, a decision that undoubtedly cemented his reputation as a surfing legend, further underscoring his dominance in the sport.
