Alana Blanchard Opens Up Post-Rip Curl Break Up: “They Really Didn’t Like That I Had A Kid.”

There has been much talent and cultural capital bleeding from the surf industry’s main veins as of late. 

One of 2020’s most remarkable sponsorship break-ups so far has been Alana Blanchard, ‘CT starlet and model-turned world’s most ripping and surprisingly relatable, down to earth mom and Vlogger. After 15 years as the face (amongst other anatomical parts) of Rip Curl women’s robust team of female talent, Alana started this year without a sticker on her Pyzel shortboards. 

Stab reported on the parting, and had heard rumblings that negotiations had gone pear-shaped between AB and RC, but hadn’t heard details of the split until this week’s episode of Alana and Jack’s wildly popular YouTube series documenting their often idyllic(-looking) and certainly aspirational family lifestyle. 

“As some of you probably already noticed, I’m no longer sponsored by Rip Curl…” Alana admits tearfully to the camera at 13:31, before addressing the cause of the split candidly, noting that the brand “stopped using me pretty much after I had Banks, or found out that I was pregnant. They really didn’t like that I had a kid.”

Alana’s to-camera explanation is earnest and hard to hear, considering the wildly marketable nature of Alana, her DILF baby daddy, Jack, and her adorable brick house bruiser, Banks. Now, there’s always two sides to a personal story, and certainly more to this one; we’re hoping to hear from Alana this week, and have reached out to Rip Curl for comment. 

Update:

Immediately our request, Rip Curl was happy to respond with the following: “Rip Curl has supported Alana Blanchard for the past 12 years and she has been a legend within our brand and a huge influence in our sport. When Alana stepped into the next phase of her life as a mother, we went to great lengths to support her throughout her pregnancy and months after.”

 “Rip Curl wanted to re-sign Alana and continue her relationship on our surf team, and made an offer to do so, but unfortunately could not agree to terms.”

 “We are a little surprised by the comments in her most recent video, but can empathise with her disappointment in leaving the brand. We did some great things together.”

 “We wish her all the best; we value her contribution and legacy at the brand and we are sad to see her go.”