Photo: Tron
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| On the Cover: Kalani Robb |
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JUST ADD WATER Back when I was in junior high I had a taped copy of Wave Warriors II, a surf flick by the Fletchers with tons of footage of the hottest groms at the time. Kalani had a segment surfing these little lefts, but totally ripping, busting layback snaps and airs. He must have been 10 years old. Kalani quickly made his way through the amateur ranks with Billabong as his first major sponsor, back when it was licensed by Bob Hurley. After winning NSSA Nationals, the U.S. Championships, OP Juniors, and the World Jr. Title, he joined the WCT at the impressionable age of 17, the youngest competitor on the tour that year. He might not have been able to legally buy beer, but he was able to stand strong with the world’s best and was awarded the coveted Rookie of the Year distinction. While Kalani always remained a top contender on the WCT, ranked as high as fifth, and a staple in surf videos, he was plagued by motocross injuries that kept him dry-docked. In 1997 he even came down with malaria after a specialty event in Bali. But his training regimen and positive attitude helped him move past his ailments and he continues to be the man at Pipe and Rocky Point when he’s at home. After an 11-year run on the WCT and several sponsor changes, Kalani has linked up with Hurley and is charging with as much power, progression and style as ever. Retirement can’t be that bad when you’re still paid to surf everyday and travel the world. The super grom title has long since passed to other aspiring world champs and barrel masters, but Kalani Robb will always stand out as one of Hawai‘i’s most decorated and inspirational professional surfers.—KW ON THE COVER: KALANI ROBB PHOTO: TRON
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