West Australian surfer Jack Robinson has showcased his readiness for a step-up to the World Surf League after claiming a coveted qualifying series win at Hawaii's famed Banzai Pipeline.
Robinson capped a superb Volcom Pipe Pro QS3 3000 campaign on Wednesday (AEDT) by mastering six to eight foot waves in the four-strong final.
"I'm on top of the world, I couldn't have more confidence to start the year off with a win here," he said.
"It's the hardest contest all year. You have to be so on to win this contest.
"You can do all the preparation in the world to be ready, but if the wave doesn't come to you then you're left on the outside looking in."
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Robinson beat compatriot Reef Heazlewood and local hope Barron Mamiya and New York-raised Balaram Stack.
The 22-year-old entered the final with momentum after posting the event's highest total, 19.57 points from a possible 20 in the fifth round.
Robinson won the final with a score of 14.87 from Mamiya (12.67), Heazlewood (9.57) and Stack (6.93).
"I feel confident and just want to get to the World Tour already," Robinson said.
"That's where I'm meant to be. It's going to be a lot of hard work to get there, but I feel like it's time."
Heazlewood, who eliminated Hawaii's defending champion Joshua Moniz in the quarter-finals, was also upbeat as he targets three qualifying events in Australia.
"I can't believe it's worked out this way and now I just want to keep it rolling throughout the year," he said.
