Robinson crowned WSL Challenger Series Champion

JAN JUC-based pro surfer India Robinson was honoured alongside the world’s best surfers at the 2023 World Surf League (WSL) Awards this evening (January 28).

The 23-year-old was crowned Challenger Series Champion.

She secured her first place Challenger Series ranking last year at the Corona Saquarema Pro in Brazil with a round three win over South African Sarah Baum.

Robinson took to Instagram to celebrate the award, calling the experience “surreal”.

“This trophy means a lot more to me than ‘winning’,” she said.

“To me it symbolises hard work and commitment and holding onto hope even through the tough times.

“I look at this trophy and it makes me excited to keep going and striving to achieve more.”

Set across six international events, the WSL Challenger Series acts as a launchpad to the elite competition with the top five ranked women automatically qualifying for the WSL Championship Tour.

This year’s Tour kicks off tomorrow (January 29) with the Banzai Pipeline in O’ahu, Hawaii.

It has been a long road back for Robinson after she was struck down by major concussion and had to take time away from the sport last year.

“So many people contributed to me getting back to a point where I’m able to compete at my best,” Robinson wrote.

“It took an army of support and I’m so grateful to every single one of you for sticking by me.”