Stephanie Gilmore is jumping ships. The 22-year-old Australian surf star, who has been sponsored by Rip Curl until now, has signed a five-year endorsement agreement with Quiksilver, just as this brand launches its new global girls line for 18-to-24-year-old women. Gilmore won the top Women's ASP World Tour title in each of the last four years. Recovering from a recent vicious aggression, she will start competing in Quiksilver attire at the Roxy Pro event on Australia's Gold Coast from next Feb. 26. Meanwhile, Julian Wilson, who has endorsed Quiksilver for the past eight years, has signed a five-year deal with Nike 6.0 for footwear, apparel and wetsuits. Reported to be worth $1 million, Nike's deal with the 2011 ASP World Tour qualifier raises the bar on surfers' endorsement contacts.

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