Surfing NZ: Third for Stairmand as Two Kiwi’s Find Themselves Ranked in Top Ten of Qualifying Series
Raglan surfer Billy Stairmand has placed third at the Quiksilver Saquarema Prime event in Brazil early this morning (Monday 26th May) elevating him to fourth in the world on the Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP) World Qualifying Series.
Stairmand was joined by fellow Kiwi Richard Christie (Gisborne) who placed fifth at the event jumping him 74 places to ninth on the rankings.
The two surfers enjoyed a great run at the event which was held in predominantly large 2.0m plus waves over the five days of the event.
On the final day both surfers succumbed to one of the local favourites and eventual winner Wiggolly Dantas of Brazil.
Stairmand progressed through one further round on the final day of the event eliminating Charles Martin (GLP) before coming up against Dantas. In their match up Stairmand started well but fell on an early wave allowing his opponent to stretch out his lead. Stairmand ultimately needed a 9.17 point ride for the win and was left short.
“I had a great event over here, I secured some big rankings points which will help with my attempt to qualify for the ASP World Tour next year” said Stairmand before boarding a plane to head back to New Zealand.
“It was great that both Ric and I did well and I am looking forward to some time at home over the next two weeks before the next event in Mexico” he added.
Christie could not further his cause on the final day of the event coming up against Dantas in the quarterfinals. Despite putting in a solid effort with a 12.30 point heat total, Dantas had found his rhythm early and finished on 17.03 points that included a near perfect 9.80 point ride.
“I felt confident going into this event. I have been surfing a lot and working on a lot of different factors – boards, health and preparation so I felt ready to start the year” said Christie adding “I also just picked up a new sponsor, RVCA, so it felt good to have a bit more support as well”
Christie loved the fact that both himself and Stairmand did well at the event saying that if Stairmand got a good heat score then he would ‘grit his teeth and put in that little bit more.’
Christie will also return home between now and heading to the Mexico event and then on to South Africa for the second Prime event of the year. In his time at home he will be releasing his movie “LEMONYIP LIVIN” which features surfing from him and his friends in and around New Zealand.
ASP Prime events are the highest rated events on the Qualifying Series, a tier below the ASP World Tour which caters for the top 32 surfers in the world. Double the points are on offer at Prime events compared with the tier below six star events. There are eight Prime rated events throughout the year with each surfer’s best five results counting toward their year-end ranking.
ASP World Qualifying Series Top 10
1, Adriano De Souza, BRA
2, Wiggolly Dantas, BRA
3, Keanu Asing, HAW
4, Billy Stairmand, NZL
5, Charles Martin, GLP
6, Tomas Hermes, BRA
7, Matt Banting, AUS
8, Alex Ribeiro, BRA
9, Ricardo Christie, NZL
10, Nathan Hedge, AUS