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Freespirit British Surf Team proving its strength in California

The first day of the World Surfing Games in California has seen the Freespirit British Surf Team making a serious mark and proving its intentions to gain a result well within the top ten. Newquay boy Ben Skinner is already through to the semi-finals of the longboard event, beating three-times world champion, American contender Colin McPhillips, and elsewhere there was success for Gemma Harris from Wales, who took second place in her first heat of the women’s bodyboard event.

Ben said, “It was probably the most important heat of my life. To surf alongside Colin McPhillips, who is my inspiration, was an ambition in itself, to beat him is just awesome. I want to support the rest of the team. It was really great to have them at the water’s edge encouraging me. I really needed that boost when I didn’t do that well in my first heat.” He is now preparing for the semi-finals being held on Saturday.

Gemma Harris commented, “I am really pleased to have done so well. It wasn’t easy and I had to fight hard to keep my position, but it was worth it.”

In the men’s bodyboarding event, Bjorn Storey, from Plymouth and Damien Prisk, from Cornwall were knocked out of their heats, but will get the chance to ride again.

British judge, Joanne Hillman, said: “The first day has seen some great action from Britain, but there are a lot of other European countries pulling out the stops, so they will have to keep working hard."


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