Robinson reflects on shortened yet historic Women’s Pipeline

WOMEN’S surfing took a huge step forward last weekend at the Billabong Pro Pipeline on the North Shore of Oahu, Hawaii, when 21-year-old India Robinson and the rest of the female cohort surfed the famous break for the first time ever in World Surf League (WSL) history.

Robinson was one of 18 women to take part in the inaugural Pipeline women’s event, a dream come true for the Jan Juc surfer and a long time coming for female surfers in the sport.

“I was very proud to be a part of this movement for girls being pushed to surf heavier waves like those at Pipeline,” she said.

“I’ve always seen us women as more than capable of surfing these waves, so now to finally be rewarded with the opportunity to prove it was really cool to be a part of.”

Hawaiian resident Bethany Hamilton took the place of Stephanie Gilmore due to injury meaning Hamilton advanced straight to the eliminators.

This meant Australian duo Tyler Wright and Robinson had Heat 5 all to themselves and a guaranteed spot in the Round of 16.

Robinson tallied scores of 0.37 and 2.57 to emerge with a 2.94, setting up another matchup with Wright in the third round.

“Being out there with one other girl was amazing,” Robinson said.

“Getting to position yourself on the peak and choose the best waves that come through really was such an amazing opportunity.

“It’s something I won’t forget.”

Prior to the Round of 16 call-up on February 2, Robinson made the biggest decision of her surfing career to save herself for the next event on the tour because of an injury sustained in November last year.

“Having to withdraw from the event was one of the hardest decisions I have ever had to make,” she said.

“I’m still dealing with post-concussion symptoms from a prior concussion, but when you have a bunch of doctors and specialists telling you it’s too risky to go out there and potentially jeopardise the rest of my career, I had to listen to them.

“So, not the ideal start for me, but I’m really looking forward to the next event.”

Robinson’s next stop on the CT Tour commences February 11 at Sunset Beach in Oahu where she will look to bounce back from her early exit.

“All of the girls are really supportive of each other,” Robinson added.

“Especially at Pipe, we were all so proud of each other for going out there and proving ourselves.

“At the end of the day we all made history together, so we are all very proud of that.”