Kiwi legend Stairmand gets NZ Pro wildcard
- Feb 18
- 2 min read
Kiwi surfer Billy Stairmand has accepted a wildcard spot into the New Zealand Pro, stop No. 4 of the 2026 WSL Championship Tour (o be held at Manu Bay, Raglan in May.
Raglan local Stairmand is a 9-time New Zealand National Champion, a two-time Olympian, and a stalwart of the WSL Challenger Series.
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The super sharp natural footer has been honing his backhand on the walls of Raglan for over two decades, and in May, he will pull on the jersey in the biggest event of his career in front of a hometown crowd. He will receive the WSL Wildcard as the highest-ranked New Zealand surfer on the Challenger Series rankings.
“This is crazy and really surreal for me, and I’ve been pretty emotional since getting the news,” Stairmand said.
“I’ve been on the QS and Challenger Series for over 15 years now, knocking on the door of the Championship Tour and have come close a few times. But now, to get that opportunity and for it to be at home, in my backyard and in front of all of my friends, family, community and country, is such a huge honour and privilege. I’ve been dreaming of competing on the CT, and to do it at home is just crazy.”
Stairmand will take the WSL Wildcard for the event, but there will be two more locals to join the draw, with the men’s and women’s winners of the upcoming local event, The Backdoor King and Queen of The Point, also gaining a spot in the main event. With these three spots, it will be the biggest ever representation of New Zealand surfers in a Championship Tour event.
“The Championship Tour coming to New Zealand is such a huge opportunity for everyone, not only to compete for a spot in the main event but to see the world’s best up close and in waves they get to surf," said Stairmand.
As part of the 50th Year of Crowning World Champions, the New Zealand Pro will run at Manu Bay Raglan from May 15 - 25, 2026.
