ABOUT
Using data collected from the Search GPS Watch, Rip Curl created and hosted the world’s first intercontinental surf comp.
The catch? We didn’t tell anyone until it was over.
The Virtual Pro became the world’s first surf competition held completely in hindsight. Like a Championship Tour event The Virtual Pro took place over a 10-day event window.
Anyone who logged sessions during that period was entered - whether they knew it or not! Shortly after the competition period surfers received an athlete profile along with a bespoke digital scorecard visualising their individual sessions. This digital scorecard was presented as a data visualisation and optimised for sharing on social channels.
Our shared vision is for The Virtual Pro to be a regular, digital event fixture that sits alongside The Rip Curl Pro and Rip Curl Bells Beach events - only this event won’t be reserved for an elite few, it’ll be open to anyone with a Rip Curl Search GPS Watch.
AWARDS
Awwwards
Cannes Lions - Bronze
Cannes Lions - Shortlist
D&AD Award - In-book
D&AD Award - Nomination
D&AD Award - Wood Pencil
Spikes Asia - Bronze
Spikes Asia - Shortlist
Spikes Asia - Silver

Back to Virtual Pro project
Andrew
Freelance creative, Andrew Kelly, creative.
United Kingdom
Ferdinand Van As
Art Director, Van Achen Design
France
Alex Parfin
Pre Press Artworker, working at on myself
Russia
Mr Adrian Mills
Artist
United Kingdom
The Artist as Photographer
Ken Gerhardt Photography
South Africa
Ani Plankova
Artist,Graphic Designer,Digital Artist Freelancer
Bulgaria
Vadym Pinchuk
UI/UX Designer | Middle Graphic Designer
Ukraine
Kenny Rose
Graphic Designer
United States
Gilda Mautone
Artist in visual art, Illustrator, drawing, print
Italy
PETER BAKER
Voiceover Artist, PETER BAKER VOICEOVER
United Kingdom