MARGARET River child surfing prodigy Jack Robinson has signed a sponsorship deal with international surf brand Billabong.
Jack, the 16 year old prodigy from Margaret River, West Australia has long been one to watch, first garnering the interest of industry insiders at the age of eight, when he began winning contests against surfers twice his age.
A month ago in Hawaii, just a couple weeks after celebrating his 16th birthday, Jack paddled out at fabled big-wave spot, Sunset Beach, into the biggest surf ever contested for a junior event and won. Eleven-time world surfing champion Kelly Slater was among the guest commentary team and was not surprised by the outcome.
“I would like to thank Billabong for believing in me. I already know that the trust and support I will receive is more than I could ask for,” Jack said.
Their team, their events in venues such as Teahupo’o in Tahiti and Pipeline in Hawaii, their history and their direction are everything I want to be a part of. This opportunity offers more than a surfer like me could possibly want.”
Fellow Billabong team member and South West local Taj Burrow said he was inspired watching Jack surf.
“There’s not a better 16 year old on the planet that can ride the tube like he can, he’s as good as it gets. His style is solid too; he’s like a young Andy Irons. He loves surfing so much. He’s going to absolutely shine. I look forward to watching his surfing progress and I’m stoked he’s on the team,” Burrow said.
Robinson is currently in Hawaii and will be returning to Australia on Feb 13 to compete in the Hunter Business Boardriders Pro Junior in Newcastle, NSW.
