Former New Zealand CT surfer Maz Quinn is once again competing. But you won’t find him on the QS. Instead Quinn will be cutting up the dance floor and beamed into thousands of homes when he appears on New Zealand’s Dancing With The Stars next Sunday.
When asked by New Zealand’s TV3 why he wanted to compete, Maz said: “It’s definitely way out of my comfort zone. It’s good to venture out of it now and again – and this is about as far out of it as you get!”
The four-time New Zealand National Champion and first Kiwi surfer to qualify for the World Tour has tasted reality TV stardom before when he featured on New Zealand’s Celebrity Treasure Island. He was voted off before the $25k prize was drawn in case you were wondering.
All celebrities on Dancing With The Stars will represent a charity of their choice with Maz supporting Surf Life Saving New Zealand due to his strong connection to the ocean.
“I think water safety is such an important issue and they have an incredibly important job. We need more beaches patrolled and need the water safety message put out there,” he said.
It’s not the first time a surfer has gone Strictly Ballroom. Occy was a contestant on the Australian version of the show in 2011, famously being dealt a harsh appraisal for his performance. Meanwhile seven-time world champ Layne Beachley fox-trotted her way onto the mainstream stage in 2010.
I know what you’re thinking. This is the idea the WSL have been searching for to really ignite their ‘Heritage Series’. Could you imagine Brad Gerlach in a re-match dance off with Pottz? How about a modern day mixed doubles event that saw Kiwis Ricardo Christie and Paige Hareb trying to out boogie Australians Matt Wilkinson and smokin’ Steph Gilmore? And let’s not forget about the butt wiggling Brazilian storm.
As for trail blazer Maz Quinn there’s no denying he’s got more guts than most. Not too many surfers would be willing to subject themselves to a ruthless judging panel and perform in front of thousands. Can’t wait to see Maz go mad on the dance floor.
