Tracks just got off the phone with Evans Head, CT rookie Callum Robson who confirmed he’d tested positive for COVID. Through the occasional cough and splutter, Callum explained that he got tested when his body crashed after chasing down waves at Kirra during cyclone Seth. “It’s hit me pretty hard just because I was also run down from surfing so much,” explained Robson who was scheduled to fly to Hawaii this week and prepare for the Pipe Masters.

Despite his obvious dismay, Callum was looking at the positives. “I’d much rather get it now than right before the event.” The Pipe Masters kicks off on January 29, which means that by the time Robson recovers and flies to The Islands he will still have two weeks to prepare for his maiden CT event. Robson, who defeated John John Florence and Conner Coffin, en route to securing qualification in the Haleiwa challenger series event, suggested he was looking forward to the big match-ups with the top CT surfers… “It’s the opportunity to take them down and put your name out there … You just gotta believe in yourself. They’re all human and you can’t put them on a pedestal.”

Meanwhile, Robson’s COVID positive status may prove to be a blessing in disguise. If his body develops a natural immunity to the Omicron variant then he has much less chance of contracting it at a more inconvenient time – like in the middle of an event or before he is scheduled to board a plane for another leg of the tour.

In other news, reliable sources suggest that Ryan Callinan has badly injured his wrist while surfing. It’s not yet clear whether he is in danger of missing the Pipe Masters. Ryan has apparently been in great form and training exceptionally hard.  Hopefully he will be back to lead the Australian charge on tour in a year when at least nine Ozis should line up for the Pipeline Masters.