Margaret River's Jack Robinson has claimed second place in his first-ever Finals appearance at the World Surf League (WSL) Michelob ULTRA Pure Gold Haleiwa Challenger, the final stop of the 2021 Challenger Series.
Robinson surged through the competition on his way to a runner up finish, behind two time WSL Champion John John Florence, who secured his ninth North Shore, Oahu victory of his career.
The thrilling final saw Florence, Robinson, Kanoa Igarashi (JPN), and Samuel Pupo (BRA) tackle overpowering XL swell at the iconic North Shore reef break.
An early start from Pupo got the attention of Florence as the surfer unleashed an array of his signature power and progression on a wave at the midway point of the Final for a perfect 10 that had the crowd erupting in cheers and applause.
29-year-old Florence wasn't to be stopped - holding the highest single-wave score and heat total throughout the event - and placing all of the remaining finalists in a combination situation.
A 2021 CT rookie, Robinson will return to compete against the world's best with renewed vigor following dominant performances at Haleiwa, including an excellent 16.40 heat total in the Round of 64 and an 8.33 wave in the Semifinals.
"That was a good run and it was funny because John (John Florence) and I were in a paddle battle before he just turned and went on a wave," said Robinson.
"I think that put him in a good rhythm with those two waves and I turned around thinking what just happened.
"But, it was such a fun event and a good tune-up for next year.
"It's funny, it's been two years since I've qualified now and everything here feels so different but at the same time it's the same beautiful place and I'm just excited to be back here."
A third-place for Igarashi kept him atop the Challenger Series rankings to close the 2021 season as Pupo's fourth-place notched a career-best in a major WSL event.
