On a rain-soaked Saturday 27 September, Nikita Robb clinched her fourth successive SA Champs title at Outer Pool in Mossel Bay. We attempted to get hold of the East London ripper shortly after the incredible win, but it was too late and she had bailed once again on a surfing adventure with Ticket To Ride, the tour company she works for as a surf guide.
Nikita dropped back in to Durban this week, so we finally got to hear her thoughts on the incredible achievement.
Nikita won her fourth title ahead of Tasha Mentasti, Tanika Hoffman and Tarryn Chudleigh.
ZIGZAG: So four in a row, hey? Isn’t that some kind of record?
NIKITA: Ja, four in a row. I’m still pretty freakin’ happy. I think it’s a record having achieved four in a row, but there have been a few other ladies to have won more than four titles.
It’s not like you don’t get plenty of practice though. With Ticket To Ride you have been surfing just about everywhere along our coast.
Working for Ticket To Ride is awesome, it’s one of the best jobs a surfer could wish for. I surf every day from Cape Town all the way up to Mozam surfing all sorts of waves.
Nikita and Klee have hosted plenty of memorable surf tours along our great coast.
We see you guys bid farewell to Klee (Strachan) recently.
Yeah, I loved working with Klee. It was very sad to see him leave but he is happy and his future is looking very exciting. He has also been a massive influence on my surfing. He would push me every day on trips and we would both give each other positive feedback.
Let’s talk about your victory. It looks like you won on the same board you used to win the J-Bay Open last year. It obviously goes pretty sick in right points?
Yip, it’s my magic board – a 5’6” x 18 1/2” Spider A2. The same board that I’ve ridden in three out of the four SA Champs, as well as the J-Bay Open. So I would say it is a magic board.
Nikita cruising to victory on her magic board at the J-Bay Open.
Tell us about the SA Champs. You guys scored some fun waves at Outer Pool for the final day.
The event was awesome. Firstly, I don’t live in Slummies anymore so being around the Border crew again is always good. Then having left my trip to surf the event and have the tour group come down to watch me was pretty special. Also having my biggest supporters (my parents) there made it a memorable win. A few of my close friends also came down to support me, which was epic. Then add waves that make me so happy inside – solid 4-foot right handers – and you have an all-around amazing event.
Nikita and Greg Emslie regularly share the podium. J-Bay Open 2013.
Yourself and Emslie shared the podium at the J-Bay Open too. Border sure has some surfing talent.
Yeah, Greg and I have a really good track record together. We seem to always dominate and I get so inspired when I watch him compete and listen to any advice he has to tell me.
You’re the reigning four-time SA Champion, which is an incredible achievement. What’s your secret?
I just let my surfing do the talking. Over the years I’ve learned to deal with the pressure of surfing and I’m confident about my abilities. I think that goes a long way.
Where are you heading next?
We are in Durban now then heading to Mozam, I can’t wait…
Nikita’s surfing experience includes a few years on the QS. Hawaii smash circa 2008.
The Ticket To Ride tour group was just as stoked as Nikita on her victory.
A couple lefts are always welcome. Nikita smashes Sea Point on her forehand.
