Kiwi duo ride out storm amid wave of optimism

Surfing’s biggest concern for its Olympics debut appears to have eased.

There’s no show without waves and the decision not to utilise modern technology and use a wave pool left the sport at the mercy of the weather gods for the men’s and women’s competitions that begin tomorrow. It seems those gods are cooperating.

New Zealand surfers Ella Williams and Billy Stairmand have joined their rivals in training sessions at the surfing venue of Tsurigasaki Beach, in Chiba, southeast of Tokyo.

The surf has been small which isn’t unusual in Japan. But storm activity has the prospect of decent swell arriving for the weekend that has the Kiwis excited.

‘‘It could be quite sizey which could be exciting,’’ Stairmand told Stuff from Japan.

Stairmand, Williams and their coach Matt Scorringe fronted the Olympic media ahead of their historic involvement and said they were prepared for anything.

‘‘I thought it was going to be pretty small [the waves] so I brought all my small-waves boards which are shorter, flatter and little big fatter on the rails,’’ Stairmand said.

‘‘Now seeing the forecasts with the swell coming in I brought over a few step-ups, bigger, longer boards with different tails that can do good for big conditions.

‘‘I’ve practised in these conditions in the past, and I’ve tried different boards. I’m prepared for anything.’’

Scorringe has confidence his surfers will be competitive.

‘‘Japan is quite renowned for small waves and a lot about their training and preparation has been in locations back home knowing we have a similar environment, but these two can do it in any condition, so it’s gonna be exciting when the swell arrives.

‘‘The waves have been a little bit small, but there’s a really good swell on the way.

‘‘For Ella and Billy these conditions are perfect. We grew up on really similar beach breaks, random sort of peaks, and the environment couldn’t really be any better for both of them.

‘‘They’ve worked so hard, the preparation has been done, I know they’re both ready for the day. They just need to surf at their potential.

‘‘Staying on your board is the key, not falling, and as long as they keep cool and calm they can get scores as high as anyone.’’

The New Zealand surfing team has been lapping up the wider experience as they get set to focus on their turn in the limelight.

‘‘So far it has been mind-blowing, like Christmas for me. I’m so excited,’’ Williams said.

‘‘I’m walking around and there are all these incredible athletes around us and it’s like Disneyland for us athletes.

‘‘You’ve got the best of the best and we’re part of it. I feel very blessed. This is just the moment to enjoy it, soak it up and enjoy the ride.

‘‘Japan has been awesome, they have been so welcoming, so organised and everyone has been great.’’

Williams hopes they can showcase their sport appropriately.

‘‘It is really exciting for the world to see what surfing can do and how fun a sport it is,’’ she said.

‘‘Everyone who surfs knows it is just so good for the soul so I can’t wait for the world to watch it and see what we can do.’’

‘‘I’m walking around and there are all these incredible athletes around us and it’s like Disneyland for us athletes.’’

Ella Williams