Surfing Victoria’s CEO, Adam Robertson, can’t wait to see Victorian-raised rookie, India Robinson, make her CT debut.
“She has a huge weapon in her forehand carve and I’m excited to see her utilize that, particularly in the first few events at Sunset, Bells and Margies. I’m super pumped to watch and I’ll be on the edge of my seat,” explains Robbo,
who finished runner-up at Bells in 2009.
Robbo helped nurture India’s talent as she came through the ranks of the Victorian junior program and recalls the day she claimed an Australian junior title. “I always just remember how determined she was… She got a score at the end of the final and went into the lead and won the Australian title.”
India grew up surfing the waves around Torquay with her three older brothers, Cody, Jessie and Mickey. All three are reputed surfers and Cody competed at QS level. According to Robbo, the family dynamic played a significant role in cultivating India’s talent. “I think the brothers definitely pushed her heaps and helped create the; I suppose fiery competitor that she is, because if you know those boys they’re competitive guys and you’ve got to fight for everything you get when you’re with them.”
India and her brother Cody recently spent time in Hawaii together in and around the Challenger Series events and Robbo believes the CT rookie will be borrowing plenty from her brother when she paddles out at Pipe for the first contest. “Cody’s really good out there. He spent a number of years at Pipe with Leo (Fioravanti) and with the Quikky guys, so I’m sure that he was passing on a lot of knowledge to her.”
Although Adam Robertson still chats to India, these days she is based on the Tweed Coast and does her coaching with Jay ‘Bottle’ Thompson, who is also in the corner for men’s CT rookie Liam O’Brien and last year’s CT bolter, Morgan Cibilic. India will be riding Jon Pyzel’s boards and her solid relationship with JJF’s shaper will hopefully help ensure her quiver is dialled in for the Hawaiian conditions.
However, while been flanked by a good support crew helps, it ultimately comes down to the individual – particularly when you are paddling out at Pipeline. Robbo’ is confident that India is prepared for Pipe and the rigours of CT surfing. “Look, I think she’s just ready to go. From my experience with her I’m just so impressed with how much she’s grown up and how she’s holding her own and doing a brilliant job of it.”
One thing is certain, when India arrives at Bells to surf before a home crowd the local fan club will be in full cry. “Her style is so well suited to Bells and the lines she draws,” insists Robbo. “Obviously all of Torquay and Jan Juc are going to be there, cheering her on.”