Rip Curl Joins Forces with Dillon Perillo

Costa Mesa, CA (February 10, 2010): It’s with great enthusiasm that Rip Curl announces the inking of 19 year-old phenom Dillon Perillo, as he joins the 2009 ASP World Champ Mick Fanning and Owen Wright on Rip Curl’s professional surf team roster.

Perillo, who had a breakout year competitively in 2009, will emerge as one of the leading faces of the Rip Curl brand in 2010 and beyond. Between Rip Curl’s extensive exploration plans for the Search, numerous global events, and other major initiatives planned for 2010, Dillon will undoubtedly be a starting player.

“I am super fired up to be a part of Rip Curl and everything they are about,” Dillon claimed just minutes before jumping on a plane to the South Pacific for a SURFING Magazine photo trip. “Rip Curl is what I want to be representing and be associated with. I can’t wait for what is to come.”

Perillo is a former NSSA National Champion, a runner-up finisher in the 2009 ASP North American Pro Jr. circuit, and a perennial threat in any condition. While 2010 will be dedicated to building content, scoring perfect surf, and dominating any Pro Junior or domestic WQS event he chooses to compete in, look for Dillon to make a strong push for ASP World Tour qualification in the coming years.

“It’s rare to come across a young surfer with a combination of competitive drive, effortless style, and vibe on land like what Dillon Perillo has going on,” said Rip Curl USA marketing director, Dylan Slater. “I look forward to seeing him become one of the leading faces for Rip Curl, while being pushed by guys like Fanning and Owen.”

Rip Curl USA Team Manager, Nick Greeninger, had this to add about Perillo’s addition to the squad, “He is such a natural fit for Rip Curl, and he has the talent and potential to take his career anywhere. Welcome to the Rip Curl Fam!”

Look for Dillon later this spring to grace Rip Curl’s “Mirage: Like Wearing Nothing” boardshort campaign, and stay tuned to ripcurl.com for the latest on Perillo and the rest of the RC team.