olympian Archives - New Zealand Surf Journal

Leap Of Faith: Billy Stairmand

Derek MorrisonDec 26, 2021July 25, 20240

The journey of Billy Stairmand in 2021 is astounding. From fundraising just to get to the Australian qualification series, to the highs and lows of the inaugural surfing event at the Olympics to a frantic run through the Challenger Series – and all while never knowing when, or if, he...

Nothing Good About Covid-19 … Unless You’re Billy Stairmand

CPLJun 17, 2020July 25, 20240

We’ve all had a topsy-turvy year, but for seven-time New Zealand surfing champ Billy Stairmand it has kind of worked out okay. Photographer Craig Levers catches up with our Olympic hope and finds out why … NZSJ: Hey Billy, you’re wearing a knee brace, what happened? During the Newcastle 5000 WQS...

Billy Stairmand: Inside The Mind Of Our Olympic Hope

Derek MorrisonFeb 14, 2020July 2, 20200

He’s New Zealand’s Olympic hope for 2020, but only a few short years ago, Billy Stairmand was struggling to light his competitive fire. Now he’s in the best form of his life. This is how the 30-year-old Raglan surfer rebuilt his career. As the World Surf League Qualifying Series came...