Ben Skinner Claims 2nd Place in Japan

Newquay based Ben, 23, finished second in the Pro Longboard Classic at Taito Chiba, part of the ASP Longboard WQS Tour, and returns to the UK with the accolade of the highest result ever achieved by a British surfer in an ASP (Association of Surfing Professionals) event outside of Europe.

Staged in heavy rain, the event proved popular with spectators, and a crowd of hundreds gathered on the beach to watch the world's best longboard surfers compete for the prestigious Japanese title and valuable tour points.

Commenting on his incredible achievement Ben said: "The whole experience was just phenomenal, many of the competitors were surfers I had grown up hero-worshipping. Just to be competing in heats against the stars I have been watching all my life was terrific, and then to make it all the way into the final against Kevin Connelly was really something else."

Founder of the BLUE® Project Conrad Humphreys said: "Ben's achievement is outstanding, his ability in the waves is just incredible and we are all thrilled with his 2nd place finish."

Ben's second place finish in Japan is a return to his spectacular arrival on the global stage two years ago when he took silver in the 2006 World Surfing Games – also a feat never previously accomplished by a British surfer.

Ben now sets his sights on the next ASP Longboard WQS Tour event – at Huntington Beach, California, from July 18-27.