Robinson rides to career-best finish at ROXY Pro

IN a stellar final heat, a Jan Juc product has secured her best ever career finish at the ROXY Pro in France as part of the World Surf League (WSL) Challenger Series.

India Robinson was embroiled in a final heat shootout against Costa Rica’s Brisa Hennessy in three to four-foot swell at Culs Nuls, full of twists and turns.

The third and fourth stops of the Challenger Series had to negotiate through an inconsistent weather report and timing had to be perfect for a good event finish.

Even better, there was a full crowd in attendance to view the talent on offer first-hand.

Robinson had been building momentum ever since the opening event at the US Open for the Challenger Series but was unable to topple an in-form Hennessy (15.23), who finished with an impressive 8.40 to stave off the persistent Aussie (13.16) who strung together a 7.83 earlier in the heat.

“Throughout this whole event I felt really strong in my surfing,” Robinson said.

“I had amazing surfboards and I just felt really comfortable out there. I love France and I think that my power surfing really suited the waves at Hossegor.

“Finishing second in this event is definitely my best result of my career so far! To finish second in a competition that was filled with so many amazingly talented girls was just the best feeling in the world.

“I’m on top of the world at the moment!”

Alongside winner of the Quiksilver Pro and fellow Australian Connor O’Leary, Robinson was cheered on by a rowdy Aussie cohort that most of France could apparently hear.

The Aussies that have been supporting their fellow countrymen according to Robinson are a super close group and have been encouraging each other every step of the way.

Next up for Robinson is Haleiwa, Hawaii, scheduled to start November 26 and concluding on December 7, knowing full-well that she has her community and country supporting her the whole way.

“To my family and friends, my whole community, thank you! I wouldn’t be where I am without your support. Also, thank you to everyone who stayed up late to watch me,” Robinson said.

“I am very excited for Haleiwa. I haven’t been to Hawaii before, but I love big, powerful waves. Growing up in Victoria, surfing big waves with lots of power will definitely help me feel confident.”

The impressive result has Robinson up in the top four of the Women’s Challenger Series, putting her in the discussion for qualification to the WSL Championship Tour.

For the full report at Hossegor head to worldsurfleague.com.