| Ben Skinner claims the Goanna Pro Tapia |
| Sunday, 24 April 2011 14:13 |
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Ben Skinner has taken the Goanna Pro Tapia, in Tapia de Casariego, Asturias, Spain. The Newquay surfer defeated fellow British rider Adam Griffiths, in a hard-fought final. The winner used using both experience and great variety of technique to tame the incoming-tide bigger sets, led the battle all the way through to the end, using stylish nose-rides and fast forehand re-entries to secure points. With an accurate wave selection throughout the 40-minute final and pleasing the Easter weekend crowds, the experienced athlete was able to stay ahead and win the ASP sanctioned 1-Star Longboard Qualifying Series (LQS) event for the second time in three years. "I am so stoked right now and it’s pretty emotional," Skinner said. "I wanted that win so bad, I wanted to do it for my dad, my new sponsor, my wife and kids and it’s just so good to take the win. I really overwhelmed wiith emotions right now and this win means a lot to me." Skinner was able to capitalize on his opening good rides to patiently wait for the better walling-up waves and sections, using a maximum of speed to throw his nine-foot board off the top and show impressive commitment to the ASP judging panel. "I started the final falling on my first wave and had to come all the way in to get my board so it didn’t begin well," Skinner added. "The waves were good but it wasn’t easy to pick the opening ones and I am super stoked I managed to stick to my game and have a grip on the win all the way." Finishing runner-up, Griffiths did not let go until the final hooter, walking on his board from tail to nose and showing classical drop-knee frontside cutbacks. "I am super happy to have made my first final ever in an ASP event today and to have it against a friend makes it even better," Griffiths said. "I was disappointed with my surfing in the final as I couldn’t find the good waves and just felt out of rhythm for this final heat. However, it’s a great finish for Ben and I and definitely brings great confidence before the second event." "My goal is to get on the ASP World Longboard Tour events and this runner-up finish is just a super boost towards achieving it," Griffiths added. "It’s been a great event for all of us, someone has to lose in the end and I wish next time the tables will turn." The ASP European Longboard Series will be back on from August 8 to 14, 2011, with the Relentless Longboard Masters taking place in Fistral Beach, Newquay in England. GOANNA PRO LONGBOARD TAPIA FINAL 1st, Ben Skinner (GBR), 14.50
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