Longboard Clinic Career Highlights

Ben Bennink, aka “Big Ben” or “Bear”, has been surfing since 1969 and has been consulting to newcomers and surfing friends since the 1980's. Ben's an internationally certified NSSIA (National Surf Schools & Instructors Association [USA]) Level 4 Master Coach/Instructor. He is one of Byron Bay's local identities, best known as a soul surfer and artist.

In the 80's Ben was a founding member of both the Long Reef Surfrider's Association (LRSA) and the Reef Riders Malibu Club located on Sydney's northern beaches. He is also the author of an NSSIA endorsed online Learn to Surf Manual.

Free Surfing Highlights

Free surfs are always special, although a weekend trip to Seal Rocks, circa 83, particularly stands out. Imagine heavy rain, a huge scary S/E swell, possibly 12-15 foot waves, an uncrowded point break, breath-takingly perfect conditions. Mix that with a small group of much loved friends and some very tall stories around the campfire. It doesn’t get much better.

Coaching Highlights

All clients are a joy, but taking Yoko (now my partner) from an average and timid bodyboarder to a smooth- stepping, nose-riding, stylish longboarder is hard to beat in the satisfaction stakes. Not to mention the fact that it was during Yoko's instruction that the methodology of Longboard Clinic came into being.

Comp and Club Surfing Highlights

Yoko Bennink

2008 ........ 1st Place finalist - O/30's Women's Byron Bay Malibu Classic
2007 ........ 2nd Place finalist - O/30's Women's Byron Bay Malibu Classic

Ben Bennink

2008 ........ Finalist - O/40's Byron Bay Malibu Classic
2007 ........ 1st Place Finalist - Master's Loggerheads Malibu Classic
2007 ........ 3rd Place Finalist - O/35's Byron Bay Malibu Classic
2006 ........ Finalist - O/35's Byron Bay Malibu Classic
2005 ........ Finalist - O/35's Byron Bay Malibu Classic
2004 ........ Semi-finalist - Byron Bay Malibu Classic
2004 ........ Semi-finalist - Noosa Festival of Surfing
2003 ........ Semi-finalist - 0/35's Byron Bay Malibu Classic
2003 ........ Finalist - 0/35's Noosa Festival of Surfing
2002 ........ Finalist - O/35's Anzac Malibu Classic Byron Bay
2002 ........ Quarter finalist - O/35's Noosa Festival of Surfing
2000 ........ 3rd - Byron Bay Malibu Club end of season tally
2000 ........ Finalist - O/35's Byron Bay Malibu Classic
2000 ........ Semi-finalist - O/35's State Titles
2000 ........ Finalist - O/35's Far North Coast Regional Titles
1999 ........ 4th - Byron Bay Malibu Club end of season tally
1999 ........ Semi-finalist - Loggerheads Malibu Classic
1988-98 ... Spent time shortboarding - it was fun
1986/87 ... 23rd ASP Final - adjusted world pro-longboard ratings
1987 ........ Quarter finalist - Open Men's Australian Malibu Titles
1987 ........ Best Tube ride Award - Chris Crozier Memorial
1986 ........ Awarded Life Membership of Reef Riders Malibu Club for founding contributions
1986 ........ Finalist & Best Tube ride Award - Loggerheads Malibu Classic
1986 ........ Semi-finalist Reef - Riders Malibu Classic
1985 ........ Quarter finalist - Byron Bay Malibu Classic
Present interest in competitive surfing scene is based on having fun