Surfing: Quinn going all out to prove himself

Maz Quinn is ranked around 50th on the qualifying circuit. Picture / Reuters

New Zealand surfer Maz Quinn could be excused for feeling a little on edge.

Not because he will lead the local charge in today's surf competition at Piha which sees a New Zealand team of Quinn, Morehu Roberts, Bobby Hansen and Daniel Kereopa tackle international giants Sunny Garcia, Andy Irons, Mark Occhilupo and Joel Parkinson.

Quinn's anxiety has more to do with the world circuit (WCT) and getting back on it.

At the moment Quinn is ranked around 50th on the qualifying circuit. He needs to be in at least the top 20 to have a chance of being promoted on to the world circuit, a circuit made up of the 45 best surfers in the world and one which Quinn graced in 2002.

With just three major qualifying events left Quinn reckons a top 20 finish is still within reach. He just needs to make a final in one of his last three events.

As to how difficult that will be Quinn confusingly says "it's not that easy but it is not that hard as well".

If his form in recent months is anything to go by then he may be in with a chance.

Following on from his win in the Pantin Classic in Spain in September, he came within an ace of relegating world champion Irons in the third round of the prestigious Quiksilver Pro event in France.

"I have had some good results then a whole lot of bad results in a row and that is what I am trying to work on at the moment - consistency," Quinn said.

"I want to be back on the WCT for sure. I think I am surfing better than ever, it is just getting that rhythm.

"There is a lot of luck but at the same time you make your own luck."

What better way to prepare for those crucial qualifying events than today's international competition?

"It is awesome for the New Zealand public and all the up and coming surfers of New Zealand to see these guys surf and see what they are all about. It is beneficial for New Zealand surfing for sure."

As for New Zealand's chances against the star studded lineup?

"The junior guys might be a bit fazed and get psyched out but hopefully not. They are really good surfers.

"Piha is quite a hard place to surf at the best of times. It is just the luck of the waves really."

Following today's event, Quinn will have a day off before flying to Brazil on Monday for his third to last qualifying event - the other two are in Hawaii in November.

Based in Gisborne, the 29-year-old has spent only two days at home since July.

"It looks all glitzy and glamorous on TV but when you are in airports every five seconds, waiting for planes and your boards aren't turning up and you keep on losing it is not the best thing in the world.

"But when everything clicks it is the best thing in the world. As long as I have got a good lifestyle and living the dream I am happy."

NZ surf sessions

Start: Noon today.

Expected finish time: 3.30pm.

Location: South Piha Beach.

Round 1: Four heats 20 minutes each.

Round 2: Tag Team event - New Zealand v the World.

Signing session: 4-5pm.

New Zealand: Maz Quinn, Morehu Roberts, Bobby Hansen and Daniel Kereopa.

The World: Sunny Garcia, Andy Irons, Mark Occhilupo and Joel Parkinson.