Lukas Skinner Inks New Three-Year Deal with Rip Curl
The 18-year-old British young gun will continue living The Search for a further three years.
Lukas Skinner officially locked in his new three-year deal while visiting Rip Curl HQ in Torquay during the 2026 Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach, re-signing alongside Rip Curl CEO Ashley Reade.
“Another three years… another lifetime, hopefully,” Skinner said. “It’s just the start. It’s been a long journey so far, and I can’t wait to keep going.”
“I get so nervous when I sign these things,” he added. “To re-sign means everything. To continue making my goals happen, and to keep being part of the Rip Curl family means the world to me. I’m really excited for the future. I’m absolutely buzzing.”
Born and raised in Cornwall, England, Lukas grew up immersed in surfing as the son of legendary longboarder and shaper Ben Skinner. He first stepped onto a board at just three years old and has since developed into one of the most exciting young surfers on the planet.
His rapid rise has already been marked by standout results, including victory at the Rip Curl International GromSearch Final (twice), a runner-up finish at both the ISA World Surfing Games and European Junior Surfing Championships in the same year, and back-to-back QS wins at the Boardmasters Open in 2024 and 2025.
A familiar face at the Rip Curl Hawaii house on the North Shore of Oʻahu, Lukas has also shown flashes of his fearless approach in heavier water, most notably last winter, when he threaded a deep Backdoor barrel, disappearing completely before being spat out the other end to the disbelief of onlookers.
After recovering from a foot injury in 2025, Lukas is back in the water and building momentum as he continues his progression through the professional ranks, with his sights set firmly on qualifying for the Challenger Series.
“We’re so stoked to have Lukas locked in for another three years,” said Angus Forrest Rip Curl Sports Marketing Manager. “Not only is he an incredibly talented surfer, but he’s also a great person. We can’t wait to see what the next chapter brings.”
