Billy Brzoza (a.k.a. The Beast from the East) is a pro competitor that has been away from the sport since the ’98 X-Games.  His last national was in 1995.  He has returned with a bang and here is his story.

Stokeman:  Welcome back, why have you been out of the sport for so long?

The Beast:  I was frustrated with the boat speeds and at the 95 Nationals the boat would only go 43mph.  (Billy only weighs 227lbs. and is built like a Brick $#!@ House!)

Stokeman:  Now we know why you left.  Why did you come back? 

The Beast:  I never really planned on staying gone so long.  One year turned into several.  I started barefoot’n for fun and then I realized how fun it was and what an adrenaline rush it is.  I decided to train and go to a local tournament.  Training went well, the tournament went well, and I was once again hooked.

Stokeman:  How does it feel to be back in the sport?  I can tell you that the brotherhood of Pro’s is happy you have returned.  Not only are you a fantastic footer, you are a blast to have on the dock and around the tournaments.  What are your goals in your return?

The Beast: My goals were to make the US Barefoot Team.  This was always a goal of mine.  To my surprise, I have already reached that goal.  Now my goal is to be a corner stone on the team.

Stokeman:  Have you noticed any changes in the sport in your absence? 

The Beast:  Tons of change.  I think the people are still great and will always be like a family.  Barefooting is just like that.  I like the point value changes.  Some of the technical rules have changed.  We now have inboards instead of outboards.  I hope that the inboard manufacturers can step up to the plate and get the speed we deserve for $40,000.

Stokeman:  You have a pending jump world record of 26.2 meters (approx. 86.8 feet)  That’s awesome.  Did you know it was big?  How long did it take for you to come back down to earth when you heard that it was a pending record?

The Beast:  It didn’t feel like my biggest jump ever.  My first impression was that it was big and smooth, I just didn’t know how big.  Since it is still pending, I have stayed fairly level headed.  Once they tell me that it stands, I will let you know.  I may never come down.

Stokeman:  You told me you have more in you on the ramp.  Are we going to see 90 feet anytime soon?  What do you think is the farthest anyone will ever jump from an 18” ramp at 44 m.p.h.?

The Beast:  I think with the new system 90 feet is definitely attainable.  I have yet to see anybody ride the entire ramp with a strong raise.  I feel low to mid 90’s are possible.  I would like to see the ramp or boat speed be manipulated so we can show the world 100’.  That will be good for the sport.  It would be like the 300’ mark for ski flying.

Stokeman:  What do you think is the key big jumps? 

The Beast:  Timing, Timing, Timing.  Stand on the ramp.

Stokeman:  I know you set a goal to make the US Team in two years.  You must have been floored to all of a sudden be named as alternate on the team, and then put in as a skiing member after I hurt my neck and Mickey Caruso ran a 103 temperature the night before competition.

The Beast:  I was happy to come as an independent.  I qualified for all three events.  It was the first time for me to compete in all three at the World Championships.  Obviously making the team was a big surprise.  I am proud to be a part of the US Team legacy.

Stokeman:  Are you back for the long haul?  I know that the US team has a few “older” guys.  We need some younger blood there for the future.  Can we count on Billy Brzoza?

The Beast:  Yes.  I will definitely be around for the next world’s.  I am fired up to climb that hill to reach my potential.  My wife Melissa and my kids Kourtney and Max stand behind me and my sport.  That is a tremendous help, and is very important to me.

Stokeman:  Once again Billy, welcome back.  Is there any sponsors or people that you would like to thank?

The Beast:   My family, Nappa Building Corp., Matt Holt for driving me, and all the footers on the pond they know who they are.  I couldn’t have made it this far without all of their support.  Larry Mageau for getting me into the sport.

Stokeman OUT!!!