Some big names in surfing have lost big sponsors this year.
Hawaii longboard champ Kelia Moniz ended a 17-year ride as a Roxy Girl after her “best” ever contract was terminated and four-time world champ Lisa Andersen was dropped by Roxy after 30 years.
The latest sponsor/surfer breakup icomes from three-time world champ Mick Fanning and Red Bull after 23 years together.
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Fanning announced the news today in the post above and captioned it:
“Cheers Red Bull! After 23 amazing years packed with fun projects, unique experiences and wild adventures I’m moving on. Red Bull has always provided next level support to me, my family and my team in my professional and personal life.
“In recent years I’ve loved having opportunities to connect with other Red Bull athletes and aspiring young surfers to impart some of the knowledge I’ve collected along the way.
“Over the years we achieved great things but when I reflect on my time with Red Bull it’s the lifelong friendships with the staff and athletes that I’m most grateful for.
“I want to wish everyone at Red Bull and the athletes all the best for the future. Thanks for everything. Mick @redbullau @redbull @redbullsurfing“
Click through the photo gallery above for a trip down Red Bull Memory Lane with Fanning.
A handful of pro surfers, including Red Bull team riders, spoke out in the comments below:
Alex Gray: “Red Bull 5x Fiji trip was next level!”
Kelly Slater: “You’re the man, Mick. Congrats on a great relationship all those years.”
Carissa Moore: “Love you Mick! forever my favorite”
Italo Ferreira: “My hero”
Jamie O’Brien “Legendary status”
Taylor Knox: “Pure class per usual buddy”
Anthony Walsh: “Congrats mick @redbullsurfing one for the books”
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