Ryan Callinan Signs Deal With Julian Wilson’s Rivvia Projects

Originally posted on SURFER | By August Howell | Last updated Jan 21, 2025 4:27 PM ET

Even for elite surfers, sponsorship is no guarantee in 2024. Amid a massive conglomerate buying and reconfiguring several iconic surf brands, even Championship Tour surfers are not immune to the sting. Take standout goofyfoot Ryan Callinan. Though he has not won a CT event in six full seasons, any astute observer would note his blistering vertical attack on the backhand and tube-riding wizardry. But more than two months ago the 32-year-old from Newcastle, Australia, split from longtime sponsor Billabong, which did not renew his contract after 19 years in the trenches together.

Yesterday, Ryan announced that he’d signed a deal with Rivvia Projects, which is owned by fellow Newcastle resident and former CT standout Julian Wilson. Not only will Ryan be repping stickers on the nose of his board, he’s reportedly gotten some equity in the business and is now a part owner.

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Julian’s apparel company represents an emerging trend of smaller surfer-owned brands that have been popping up in recent years. Think Florence from John John, Former + Chapter 11 from Dane Reynolds, and Steko from Kolohe Andino. Each has a different tone and ethos. But as far as we know, Ryan will be the first team rider of these brands to surf in heats at the CT level.

“Ryan is the epitome of what Rivvia Projects is about, what it stands for, and why I started it,” wrote Julian, who will attempt to make a CT comeback after stepping away from competitive surfing in 2021 to focus on his family. “His reputation for itself; not only in the water but on land as well. I’m so proud to have him represent Rivvia Projects as a team rider and a part owner. It’s a milestone moment for the brand.”

This article first appeared on SURFER and was syndicated with permission.

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