By the time Curren hit the ASP World Tour in 1983, he was taking out pros such as Rabbit Bartholomew, Shaun Tomson, and Cheyne Horan.

He was world champion three times - 1985, 1986, 1990, and won 33 championship events in his professional career, the latter being a total only bettered by Kelly Slater. He achieved status both for his competitive drive and for his surfing style. He made a decision to retire from competitive surfing in the mid-1990s.

In 1990, at Margaret River, Curren rode a wave all the way from the take-off zone to the Rivermouth - roughly a 1200-foot ride. He then had to walk back to Mainbreak from the Rivermouth to re-enter the surf. Those who saw it say it has never been repeated, in or out of competition.[1]

Curren still surfs in contests on the ASP World Qualifying Series (WQS.) He is also often invited to surf in World Championship Tour (WCT) trials or contests as a wildcard. He has competed in the Annual Switchfoot Bro-Am Surf Contest[2] for 3 years in a row, surfing on the Switchfoot team.

In his five-year rise to World Surfing Champion Curren appeared under a contract with surfboard company Channel Islands. He co-produced and rode pro surfboard models such as the Black Beauty and the Red Beauty. [3]

Early in his professional career he signed with OP swimwear then later changed sponsorships deals to Rip Curl Wetsuits and Clothing.