NEXT KELLY SLATER?
[16.06.2011]Surfers
A young Kelly Slater (left), 13-year-old Western Australian Jack Robinson (right)
NEXT KELLY SLATER?
Yes, comparing any surfer with Kelly Slater is as pathetic as it is futile. The man is an icon who’s dominated the sport for so long he’s run out of fingers to numerically represent his world title wins. However, there’s a 13-year-old kid from Western Australian with such an advanced surfing ability, that by the time he reaches Slater’s age, he may just require all of his fingers as well as some toes to count off world titles.
Regarded by many as the best young surfer on the planet, Margaret River’s Jack Robinson is redefining what a 13-year-old with a surfboard is capable of (see video far bottom). His surfing at places like Grajagan, the North Shore of Oahu and Snapper Rocks has dented the egos of surfers twice his size and twice his age… while captivating them at the same time.
VIDEO: Kelly Slater - Age 12 (1984) - Slater now holds a record 10 ASP World Titles
The
team at Quiksilver already have Slater as their marquee man, but now
the surf brand giant is thrilled to announce that wonderkid Robinson has
just re-signed with them for another three years.
“I don’t think anyone in the world loves to surf more than Jack and
we’re over the moon that he’s chosen to surf with us,” says Quiksilver
Australia marketing manager and former World Tour surfer, Troy Brooks.
“I could sit there for hours and watch him catch waves. For a kid so
young he’s got such a mature style, and I can’t wait to see his surfing
really blossom as he gets older. But it’s more than just his surfing,
he’s a fun, well-grounded country kid who is really enjoying what he’s
doing.”
Jack recently returned from the Quiksilver Pro on the Gold Coast, where
in between watching and surfing with his heroes like Kelly Slater, he
won the final of The King of the Groms against the best under-16 surfers
from around Australia. The win earns Jack a ticket to France later this
year where he will surf against the world’s best under-16 surfers in
the international King of the Groms final at Hossegor.
“Of course, it is very early days in Jack’s career,” says Robinson’s
manager Matt Syms, “but if he stays as interested as he is now, there
are no limits for him. I’ve already seen him pull off manoeuvres in
contests and freesurfs that a lot of the World Tour competitors can’t
do. Jack’s style and attention to detail is so far ahead of his years
it’s incredible. His ability to visualise manoeuvres and then go out and
perform them with style is a very special gift.”
As is the case with Kelly Slater, beyond excessive talent
you also require the heart, drive and poise of a champion to consistently bring home the
silverware. This isn't something that can be taught or practiced. However, at a mere 13-years of age,
Jack Robinson has plenty of time before he has to start worrying about
those grown up things.
For now Jack is busy, “just going surfing. I’m not thinking too much
right now about the future and where I’d like to go with my surfing. I
just want to catch some waves and have some fun and whatever happens,
happens.”
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VIDEO: Jack Robinson - Age 13 (2011) - How great can he become?
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Jack Robinson, surfer, surfing, young Kelly Slater surfing, age 12, kid, teenager, surf, Quiksilver
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