Simon Nicholson Brings RYD To UK Market

After successfully expanding into New Zealand and imminent plans to launch in the Australian market, as well as parts of Europe, RYD is also coming to the UK. RYD Brand will be distributed in the UK by former pro Simon Nicholson.

Press Release:
SIMON NICHOLSON TAKES RYD TO THE UK
Former South African Pro Surfer’s next big move.

Simon Nicholson

One of South Africa’s most loved and decorated professional surfers, Simon Nicholson, has make the move to England, where he will set up an agency for the RYD Brand, servicing the UK Market.

Nicholson’s trademark style, incredible positioning and calm demeanour under pressure saw ‘Sims’ achieve at the highest level as a professional surfer. He represented his country and won numerous domestic and international events culminating in being crowned the 2000 US Tour Champ.

After competing full time, Simon seamlessly transferred his talent from the ocean to the land. With an entrepreneurial flare and a curiosity around business and marketing, the talented Durbanite achieved out of the water too. From starting his own fashion brands to
marketing and brand management for Volcom South Africa, to a successful stint in real estate, Simons’ experience in and out of the water have set him up perfectly for the next stage of his career.

For Simon, the timing couldn’t have been more fortuitous. Already considering a future move to the UK, Simon explains how the opportunity came about. “I was really lucky with the timing, I had seen the RYD brand popping up everywhere; online and at my local beachie, so I decided to reach out to the guys and see if they needed a UK distributor. Everything just clicked from there and I’m really grateful for the opportunity.”

RYD Founder, Barend Buys said the arrangement couldn’t have come together any better. “We’ve seen the brand start to gain traction in international markets this past 12 to 24 months. New Zealand is going into its second season, we’re about to open up Australia and with other parts of Europe already under way, Simon’s timing was perfect with his UK enquiry!”

“Simon is a perfect fit for the brand.” Explains Buys. “He’s a family man, we share similar values, he has incredible experience behind him and we’ve all secretly been big fans of his surfing for years!”

The former pro surfer already has some ideas on the UK opportunity. “RYD as a brand is all about the fun aspect of our lifestyle, it’s very inclusive and there are no ego’s about! It’s not about being the best, it’s about having the most fun! The UK has a huge learn to surf market, so I think it’s going fit really well. The quality is as good as the best brands out there, but the price is a little easier on the pocket! Something everyone can appreciate these days.” Says Nicholson.

Simon will be hitting road through England, Ireland, Wales and Scotland this side of the year, visiting as many retailers and surf schools as possible. Then in early 2021 he’ll look to put down some roots and secure a location for the RYD UK headquarters and warehouse.

Nicholson says the opportunity is a natural progression for him. “I’m really excited to be back doing something that’s been my life’s passion! The surf community is an amazing thing and I look forward to building relationships with some new faces and discovering some old mates along the way!”

Buys echoes his sentiments. “We’re a family business and we love the idea of extending our family around the world. We want to impact people positively through spreading the joy of surfing and we’re so stoked to have found someone who shares this vision with us for the
UK.”

For all UK enquires please email Simon at: [email protected]

Find out more about RYD at: https://rydbrand.com/about-us/