Marlon Lipke, first German surfer to qualify for the ASP Dream Tour, has signed a contract today with Vans shoes.

“I used to be with Vans back in the day,” says Marlon, “but then had to leave due to other sponsorship commitments. Throughout the years I always thought how cool it would be to be able to ride for Vans again. And here I am, back on Vans, representing them on the World Tour as a rookie this year. So stoked.”

Training and surfing in Ericeira, Portugal at the moment, Marlon’s rookie year on the ASP World Tour will kick off at the end of February at Snapper Rocks on the Gold Coast of Australia.

In other news, Marlon also just finished filming a documentary, which will air on major international TV stations soon. Check out the teaser here.