Rip Curl is a major Australian manufacturer and retailer of boardwear. The company was founded in 1969 by Doug "Claw" Warbrick and Brian "Sing Ding" Singer in Torquay, Victoria, Australia and initially produced surfboards. In 1970 they decided to begin production of wetsuits, with emphasis on transforming diving technology into a wetsuit suitable for surfing. Today Rip Curl produces not only surf gear but also apparel, mountainwear, eyewear, watches, footwear, bags and DVDs. Rip Curl has become one of the largest boardwear brands in Australia, Europe and South America and is growing rapidly in North America.