Austin Smith-Ford, the East Side, regularfoot powerhouse will be joining the Curl in a multi-year deal that will see the young talent through his transition from amateur to a professional.

The timing couldn’t be better, as Austin joins the RC family fresh off a break-out year. In one year alone, Smith-Ford graced the cover of both SURFING Magazine (February, 2005) and Transworld Surf (January, 2006), solidifying himself as one of the nation’s highest profiled and exposed youngsters.
“We couldn’t be more stoked with adding Austin to the roster,” stated team marketing and promotions manager Dylan Slater. “We understand how important Santa Cruz is; and we see Austin as having the potential to not only grow the brand in Santa Cruz but also at an international level as his career progresses.”

Smith-Ford has already reaped the benefits of joining Rip Curl. Only 72 hours have passed since inking his deal, and Austin is already on his first Rip Curl ‘Search’ trip to a remote destination in the South Pacific with Ted Grambeau and fellow RC Pro team Searchers.

“I couldn’t be more stoked to join the Rip Curl family,” stated Austin before his trip. “Rip Curl has such epic gear and a tight program. I’m amped to be aboard!”

Austin plans to finish out this year’s NSSA season, while looking ahead to competing on this year’s ASP WQS Junior Series. However, Smith-Ford will have his passport handy, as more ‘Search’ trips are a certain for this year’s agenda