O despedido Hardy fala à Riptide

Since rumours started circulating last week that Ryan Hardy had been dropped by long-time sponsor Billabong, we've had any number of emails and calls asking questions and demanding answers. Seems bodyboarders are pretty bummed on the news so we hit Ryan with some questions to try and get an insight into what led to the decision. Funnily enough he was in Adelaide airport when we spoke to him today, having been stranded on the Nullarbor after blowing his car’s head gasket and taking out a roo or two. Here’s what the chap had to say on the matter:

RT // With regard to your recent dropping from Billabong, how did you take the news when it was handed down? Did you expect it at all?
RH // When the verdict was first handed down, it definitely hit me hard and my heart dropped like a sack of potatoes! However, I was aware that it was a possibility coming up to contract time so I wasn’t completely swept off my feet.

RT // You’ve been with Billabong for a damn long time, what were their reasons to you for having to come to that decision?
RH // Basically that the company was enduring hard financial times like all big public surf companies and so cuts were being made through all fields of employment – marketing/bodyboarding being one of them. Unfortunately that meant one of the higher salary earners had to go, and as I was oldest and had been there longest I was let go.

RT // You’ve obviously had a pretty tumultuous couple of years; no shortage of ups and downs, both metaphorically and literally speaking! That said it seems like you’re truly back on top of your game. Did you feel at all like “what more could I possibly do as a team rider”?
RH // It did cross my mind, sure. Like I could have chased a few more photo sessions, or could I have won more comps, but essentially when you reach the top level of the sport and maintain a constant stream of photo/video coverage, competitions and general promotion there really is not much more you can do to promote a sponsor. So in saying that, I feel it’s not my bad in this situation, but just unfortunate to be caught in these times for the company.

RT // Will you be looking to lock down a new wetsuit and clothing sponsor, or are you not too fazed?
RH // Yeah definitely be keen to look for a new clothing/wettie sponsor, get some more income again, wear some fresh stuff and ride for a new company; it’ll be a good change.

RT // You came so close to a world title not long back, are you still keen to nail one in the next coupla years?
RH // I’m definitely keen to compete on the world tour and particularly in good and heavy waves – that’s my biggest aspiration. Whether I’m world champ as a result of that, we’ll see, but as long as I’m chasing those competitive moments and pushing myself to the limit I’ll be fulfilled. A world title would be a bonus; an INCREDIBLE bonus!

RT // Where do you see yourself in another 5 years?
RH // In five years, probably a father, probably in West Oz with Leah and family, still obsessed with bodyboarding and waiting for the next fix of good surf; that will never change I think. It’s a lifetime addiction I’m sure, until I’m physically unable to do it.