Balaram Stack, born on May 9, 1991 in Sebring, Florida, had surfing in his blood from a young age. The youngest of three brothers, all of whom were surfers, he spent his early years in the sunny beaches of Sebastian, Florida. It was there that he first caught the surfing bug, inspired by his older siblings and the ocean that surrounded him.
When Balaram was still a child, his family made the decision to move to Long Island, New York. Settling just blocks away from the beach, the young surfer found a whole new world of waves waiting for him. Despite the colder waters and harsher conditions, Balaram was determined to make a name for himself in the New York surfing scene.
It was during a surfing camp in New York that Balaram's talent caught the eye of a Quiksilver scout. Impressed by his skills and potential, the company offered to sponsor him and provide him with professional training opportunities. This led Balaram to Hawaii, where he honed his craft under the guidance of some of the best in the sport.
One of the highlights of his early career was the opportunity to train in Tahiti with legendary surfer Clay Marzo. The experience not only improved Balaram's surfing skills but also helped him gain valuable insights into the world of professional surfing.
Despite coming from the Northeast, a region not traditionally associated with top-level surfing, Balaram's talent shone through on the pro circuit. He competed in the ASP 2011 Quicksilver Pro, facing off against some of the world's best surfers and racking up impressive wins along the way.
In an interview, Balaram mentioned that he was proud to represent New York in the surfing world. While the waves may not be as consistent as in other surf hotspots, he found that the local breaks offered unique challenges and opportunities for growth. He also noted that the winter months were his favorite time to surf, as the water was less crowded and the waves were at their best.
When he's not out on the waves, Balaram enjoys spending time with his family and friends. Surfing remains a central part of his life, and he continues to push himself to new heights in the sport. His brothers, who introduced him to surfing in the first place, remain his biggest supporters and motivators.
One of Balaram's idols in the surfing world is Kelly Slater, another Florida native who made waves in the sport. Inspired by Slater's success and longevity in the industry, Balaram strives to emulate his idol's work ethic and dedication to the sport.