Billy Stairmand. The grommet of the Suitcase Surfers is 20-year-old Raglan surfer,
Billy may be the youngest on the kiwi team, but he holds his own in the water.
He is the current king of New Zealand surfing, holding the Open National Championship title for 2010.
So far Billy’s best results internationally are ninth at the Oakley pro junior in Indonesia in 2009 and 17th in the Sri Lankan Airline pro.
Billy’s goal over the next two months, like the other Suitcase Surfers, is to secure a spot in the top 100 on the WQS.
Coming from Raglan, it’s no surprise he performs best in little left handers but Billy’s looking forward to surfing whatever the WQS events throw at him.
He’s packed five boards for the trip- four are brand new epoxys.
Three are 5.9s that are good all round boards and one is a a new 5.3 gherkin.
“It’s a real small fatter wider board for really small and crappy waves.”
He’s also taking a bigger older board for any big waves they encounter.
Billy’s favourite thing about travelling to contests around the world is going to new places and surfing all the different breaks.
“Its amazing to travel the world and do what you love doing.
“I couldn’t ask for more.”
He’s also stoked to be sharing this trip with Jay and Ricardo, his fellow Suitcase Surfers.
“It’s better if we travel together cause it sucks travelling by yourself, its cheaper and they are good dudes.”
But being the grommet can be tough.
“We usually share the same room and for the bed sitcho I am the smallest and youngest so I am on the floor or mattress…unless the boys want to have a big rock off then I’m on the doubley.”
Billy loves competing, hates losing and plans to face each heat with the goal to do the best he can.
“I try not to let myself get too nervous and just go out and have heaps of fun.”
So is he going to bring it in 2010?
“Oh I am bringing it alright. We are all bringing it. Watch out. Here we come.
“Should be a good time. Waaaaaaaat.”