Rip Curl’s Controversial Move: From Bethany Hamilton to Transgender Athlete Sasha Lowerson

Surf’s Up, Controversy’s Higher!

In the world of surfing, tides are turning in unexpected ways. The iconic Australian surf brand Rip Curl has caused quite the splash and not in the way you’d expect from a company that deals with waves. Recently, the brand has transitioned from featuring Bethany Hamilton, a household name in women’s surfing, to Sasha Lowerson, a 44-year-old transgender surfer. This shift has not gone unnoticed, stirring up a tsunami of opinions.

Bethany Hamilton: From Surf Icon to Outcast?

Bethany Hamilton, who became an inspiration to many after continuing her surfing career despite losing an arm in a shark attack, found herself on the wrong side of the wave with Rip Curl. The surf brand seemingly cut ties with Hamilton over her public disapproval of transgender athletes competing in women’s sports. Hamilton’s stance was clear when she said she wouldn’t compete in or support the World Surf League if it allowed biological males, who identify as women, to compete against women.

Sasha Lowerson: Riding the New Wave

Enter Sasha Lowerson, the new face on the Rip Curl Women’s Instagram page. Featured in the brand’s “Meet The Local Heroes of Western Australia” campaign, Lowerson has been presented as a champion of women’s surfing. However, this decision has been met with mixed reactions, with some questioning the inclusivity versus fairness debate in sports. Lowerson, who once expressed concerns about rejection and violence, now finds herself at the center of a different kind of storm.

Rip Curl’s Social Media Wipeout

Interestingly, Rip Curl deleted the controversial post featuring Lowerson, perhaps in response to the backlash or to avoid further stir. But the question remains: Is this a sign of a brand trying to stay ahead of the societal curve, or a misstep in understanding the ethos of its core audience?

Bethany Hamilton’s Exit: A Timely Move?

For Bethany Hamilton, her split from Rip Curl might have been timely. With the brand embracing what some view as ‘woke’ culture, Hamilton, known for her grit and resilience, finds herself navigating these choppy waters with her principles intact. Her departure from Rip Curl symbolizes a significant moment in the ongoing debate about gender and sports.

Sasha Lowerson: A New Role Model or a Misstep?

Lowerson’s feature as a ‘Waterwoman’ on Rip Curl Women’s Instagram, complete with the #RipCurlWomen hashtag and visuals of surfing in women’s swimwear, represents a new direction in the representation of women’s sports. This decision is pivotal in the ongoing dialogue about transgender participation in sports, one that is as complex as it is contentious.

Surf Brand’s Bold Move: Progressive or Polarizing?

Rip Curl’s decision is a bold one, aligning with a more progressive stance on gender identity. However, it’s a move that might alienate a traditional fanbase who view the competitive sporting arena as an area where biological differences cannot be ignored.

The Final Wave: Navigating the Waters of Inclusivity and Fairness

As the debate rages on, the surfing world, much like the ocean it cherishes, remains unpredictable and ever-changing. The Rip Curl saga is a testament to the evolving landscape of sports and culture, one where the balance between inclusivity and fairness is as delicate as walking on a surfboard amidst a stormy sea.